Press Release from BC Soccer
The recently announced League1 BC has welcomed its second club in TSS Rovers FC to play out of Burnaby at Swangard Stadium.
The Rovers were born as an ambitious adult semi professional extension to TSS Academy, founded in 1997. Having purchased the Pro Development League’s Washington Crossfire franchise in late 2016, the organization founded the Rovers for Men’s league play in USL League 2 in the Spring of 2017, followed by a female team which competed in the WPSL.
"We are very excited to be bringing TSS Rovers home from our time in the USL2 and WPSL. It’s an honour and a privilege to be included in the inaugural group of Clubs in League 1 BC and we can’t wait to get our preparations for 2022 underway". Colin Elmes, Sporting Director, TSS Rovers.
The Rovers boast an impressive list of former players including current CF Montreal (MLS) Defender Joel Waterman from Aldergrove BC:
“Being a Rover in 2017 was a very important stepping stone for me in my career. I got to play at a high level in my own backyard with a club that loves the game of football and knew how to share that love by building a top-notch culture. They’ve continued to support me until this day, and I will always be grateful for the part they played in my growth as a player and person.”
“Being a Rover in 2017 was a very important stepping stone for me in my career. I got to play at a high level in my own backyard with a club that loves the game of football..."
BC Soccer’s Director of Operations, Gabriel Assis welcomed the second club into League1 BC, “We are thrilled to have TSS Rovers joining League1 BC. Their experience at a similar level of competition will benefit other clubs and contribute to the league in general. Their commitment to League1 BC fulfills one of our key objectives, provide a domestic platform for players that would otherwise be forced to play outside our Canadian system”
The Rovers will continue to call Burnaby home, with beautiful Swangard Stadium providing a one of the best settings in the country to enjoy the sport and featuring the “Swangardians” supporters group.
About League1 BC
League1 BC is an adult open age Pro-Am Soccer League operated by BC Soccer. Established in 2021, the league is intended to bridge the gap between youth and professional soccer, targeting the “Training to Compete” stage within Long-term Player Development (LTPD). The League will engage communities across British Columbia providing standard-based competition and training environments for female and male players, coaches, and match officials. League1 BC serves as a key platform of development into further opportunities within the game.
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