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About BCSAA

What is BC Soccer Academies Association?

BCSAA is a not-for-profit society incorporated in British Columbia on July 6, 2017 (Incorporation No. S0067747). It governs academy-based youth soccer in the province and operates the Academy Super League.

Is BCSAA affiliated with BC Soccer Association?

No. BCSAA is not a member of BC Soccer Association or of any other provincial sport organisation. It operates independently as the governing body for academy-based soccer, setting and enforcing its own standards for player safety, coaching quality and competitive fairness.

How is BCSAA different from a traditional club league?

Member programs are licensed academies staffed by professional coaches, rather than volunteer-run community clubs. Participation is by academy licence rather than by geographic catchment, and competition structure is built around player development rather than promotion and relegation.

Who governs BCSAA?

A Board of Directors elected and appointed under the association’s restated Bylaws. Both current directors, Araz Hajiyev and Rem Dinga, are Founding Members of the association.

Academy Super League

What age groups does the ASL cover?

Twelve age groups, from U7 through U18, for both boys and girls.

When does the season run?

The competitive season runs from September through March — roughly thirty weeks. Fixtures are played primarily at weekends.

Where are matches played?

Across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley: Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Moody and Surrey. Empire Fields in Vancouver is the league’s primary venue.

What is bio-banding?

Bio-banding groups players by physical maturity — height, weight and stage of growth — rather than by birth year alone. It reduces injury risk from physical mismatches and produces more balanced, developmentally appropriate matches.

Players & Families

How does my child join the league?

Players do not register with BCSAA directly. Registration is through a licensed member academy, which enters teams into the appropriate ASL divisions. Contact BCSAA and we will direct you to member academies operating in your area.

Do players need previous academy experience?

Requirements vary by academy and by age group. Younger age groups are generally open to newcomers; older competitive divisions may involve an assessment. The academy you approach will set out its own intake process.

What safety standards apply at matches and training?

All coaches and personnel working with youth players must complete a vulnerable sector check and Respect in Sport certification. The Rule of Two applies at all times, every venue must have an Emergency Action Plan and accessible first aid, and a concussion recognition and return-to-play protocol is mandatory.

What if cost is a barrier for our family?

Families facing financial barriers may be eligible for support from national and provincial programs such as Canadian Tire Jumpstart and KidSport BC, which help cover registration costs for youth sport. Speak to your academy, or contact BCSAA and we will point you in the right direction.

Academies

How does an academy join BCSAA?

An academy applies for a BCSAA licence. Applications are reviewed against the association’s coaching, safeguarding, insurance and operational standards. Successful applicants are admitted as members under the Bylaws and may enter teams into the Academy Super League.

What are member academies required to do?

Comply with the Constitution, Bylaws and SafeSport & Child Protection Policy; screen and certify all personnel working with youth; maintain liability insurance; keep an Emergency Action Plan for every venue used; and report injuries and safeguarding concerns through the prescribed process.

Can an academy be sanctioned or removed?

Yes. The Bylaws provide a discipline process for members who breach the association’s rules. Members are given written notice and a fair opportunity to respond before any decision is taken.