Recent member of USL League Two and WPSL joins BC’s new adult semi-professional league for May 2022 kick-off. 

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 (Total Soccer Systems) 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.”

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.

Safe Sport Statement

BC Soccer believes that everyone involved in soccer has the right to participate in safe and inclusive environments free of abuse, harassment, discrimination, and to enjoy the sport at whatever level or capacity they participate in. The welfare of everyone involved in soccer is the foremost consideration and in particular, the protection of children in the sport is the responsibility of everyone involved.

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.

About BC Soccer

Established in 1904, BC Soccer is the largest provincial sports organization (PSO) in BC and the third largest soccer-specific PSO in Canada with over 150,000 participants, consisting of registered players, coaches, referees, administrators and soccer leaders. As a professional not-for-profit society and a member of Canada Soccer, BC Soccer is committed to providing the widest opportunities for existing and potential participants, as well as provide support in the most effective and appropriate way for current players, parents, volunteers, member clubs, leagues, and districts.