Richmond-based Total Soccer Systems (TSS) is among four new entries in the BC Premier Soccer League, beginning next September.
TSS, Langley United, Vancouver United FC and North Vancouver FC were given approval at last weekend’s BC Soccer board of directors monthly meeting. The BCPSL, often referred to as HPL, is the provincial organization’s top tier for youth players. North Van FC will commence play in 2021.
The announcement comes on the heels of of all four clubs obtaining their National Youth License last month from the Canadian Soccer Association — paving their way for entry into the BCPSL.
TSS has been working for the past decade to gain equal access to the youth soccer system in B.C. Up until now teams from the long-running private academy had to build their schedules around tournaments and exhibition play. Not any more.
Evaluations for U13 boys and girls teams began last week.
“We’re thrilled with this decision,” said Colin Elmes, TSS Boys Technical Director and co-owner, in a news release. “It has been a long long journey. Our academy has wanted nothing more than to contribute to the system and help our province and our country get better at this game. Opening the door to reputable private soccer academies would not have been possible without the current leadership at both Canada Soccer and BC Soccer. We thank them for their courage and their vision.”
TSS operated out of the old Sportstown facility on No. 5 Road for many years before moving to Savage Road in East Richmond in 2016.
The BCSPL already includes Coastal FC which is affiliated with South Delta United.
