News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 11, 2023
TSS ROVERS AND BLACKFIN SPORTS GROUP TEAM UP AHEAD OF 2024 SEASON
Richmond, B.C. – After an unforgettable season of capturing headlines as the first semi-professional club to defeat a professional club in the Canadian Championship, TSS Rovers announced today that it has engaged Blackfin Sports Group to manage and further develop its corporate partnerships in preparation for the 2024 League 1 BC season. By hiring the trio of former hockey executives that comprise Blackfin, TSS Rovers is looking to further professionalize its operations..
“We are excited to start working with the talented executives on the Blackfin team, who we know can help raise the profile of our club and grow partnerships within our community. This allows us to get back to our roots and focus our attention on coaching and player development, which has been the foundation of the TSS Rovers program”, said Colin Elmes, Rovers Sporting Director.
With over 440 supporters forming part of the club’s ownership group, TSS Rovers is a community-based success story that continues to have untapped potential. The Rovers’ partnership with Blackfin aims to grow the brand and the club’s business partnerships, without losing sight of its community roots. In fact, as part of the arrangement, the Blackfin principals will also become investors in the business.
“This was a unique opportunity for Blackfin to get involved with a true community organization that has tapped into something special with fan-supported ownership. We also love that the Rovers have created a development pathway that prepares youth athletes for higher level play at university or with professional clubs domestically or internationally. As soccer in our country looks to find an even stronger foothold ahead of the 2026 World Cup, we think Rovers are a model to be emulated and celebrated. We are thrilled to be a part of the Rovers family and we look forward to bringing as much passion to the effort as the Swanguardians do on match day!” said Blackfin founder, Chris Gear.
Among other business services, Blackfin will coordinate partnership discussions with both Rovers’ existing partners and service providers and initiate discussions with new potential partners. Interested parties should reach out to James Douglas using the contact information below.
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About TSS Rovers
TSS Rovers is the semi-professional club extension of TSS Football Club. The Rovers play in League 1 BC and play all home games at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, B.C. TSS FC and Rovers executives are based in Richmond, B.C. League 1 BC play commences in April 2024. Contact: Colin Elmes, Sporting Director, TSS Football Club Inc., colin@tss.ca
About Blackfin Sports Group
Blackfin Sports Group is the new venture launched in August 2023 by former NHL executives Chris Gear, James Douglas and Chris Beardsmore. It consists of a consulting and sales agency and a separate law firm. It offers a variety of services to empower clients in the sports and entertainment industry. Contact: James Douglas, Principal, Blackfin Sports Group, james.douglas@blackfinsportsgroup.com
