Former Whitecaps and UBC graduate joins the League1 leadership team ahead of its inaugural season

After an intensive search, BC Soccer is pleased to welcome Sian Bagshawe to the role of League1 BC General Manager.

The list of potential applicants was lengthy, highlighting the excitement and anticipation of League1’s introduction as a new level of play for male and female competition in British Columbia. However, amongst all candidates, one person rapidly emerged as the right fit for the role.

Sian Bagshawe will be entrusted with leading the operations and logistics of League1 BC’s inaugural season, along with helping to build relationships with License Holders, stakeholders, future corporate sponsors, and of course, supporters.

“I’m very honoured to be a part of BC Soccer’s vision to bridge the gap between the youth and professional level in the province with the inception of League1 BC (L1BC). It is a vital piece of the development pathway to give players, and those associated with the League, a high-performance environment locally so there is an avenue for them to continue to pursue professional opportunities.

I truly look forward to working with and for the License Holders/Clubs, Players, Staff and Officials to ensure L1BC is a safe, inclusive, high-performance environment for all to thrive.”  Sian Bagshawe, League1 BC General Manager

The North Vancouver resident has experienced life within all aspects of the game, including a decorated goalkeeper with the UBC Thunderbirds, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Edmonton Aviators, before becoming a B-Licensed coach specializing in Goalkeeper development.  Bagshawe has also contributed to the logistics and operations of Canada Soccer’s Women’s Excel Program, in addition to coaching for several national and university team programs.

“We knew we had to find the right balance of experience, passion and expertise for this challenging role. Sian’s experience both on and off the field at high levels of our game, associated with her deep roots in our Province highlights League1’s commitment to build on the pillars of community, standards and opportunity. I am extremely happy to welcome her to the team!” said Gabriel Assis, BC Soccer Director of Operations.

Beyond the soccer industry, Sian’s brings vast experience working for a Fortune 500 company in Chicago Illinois around marketing and business operations, areas that will be a big focus in her new role with League1 BC.

From her “Community” roots (North Shore Girls Club) through “Standards-Based” environments at the University and Professional ranks, and now into League1, BC Soccer is very pleased to offer Sian this “Opportunity” to further her own soccer journey and personal growth as an administrator, which is one of League1’s critical pillars.

Immediate priorities will include finalizing the League1 brand rollout, partnership engagements and release competition schedule in early 2022.