*Update*

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who has shown support, expressed gratitude, and given attention to this important issue impacting youth football players in our community.

Over the past week, I've gained greater clarity on the root of the issue. At its core is the BC School Sports (BCSS) policy on "Recruiting", outlined in Section 421.0 of the BCSS handbook.

Link: https://simplebooklet.com/202425bcsshandbook#page=57

I encourage everyone to read this section carefully. You will see how easily this rule can be unintentionally violated - even simply by just discussing high school options related to football and transfers. This is the basis for my current ineligibility to volunteer.

While this rule may make sense in regions where sports and football in particular are successfully running in every school, it does not however make sense in Greater Victoria. 

There are only three high schools with football programs in our region. Under current BCSS guidelines, with academics taking priority over athletics, a student must reside within the catchment of one of these schools and already plan to attend in order to be accepted. 

The rule states that students cannot attend a school specifically to participate in a sport. This means any student transferring to Mt. Doug, Belmont, or Spectrum for football is technically in violation of BCSS policy.

Spectrum has chosen as of this year not to break this rule - rightfully so, given the potential consequences. However, this results in a significant and ongoing imbalance in player experience between schools, and the issue will only worsen if left unaddressed.

This rule does not appear to be fair and viable for a region with so little high school football options and no community options for this same age. However rather than challenge this rule, school administrators and coaches across the region appear to be quietly bypassing it without initiating any formal process for change. This raises concerns about equity, fairness, and transparency in high school football. 

This BCSS rule needs to be thoughtfully questioned, challenged, and modified. 

I have been advised that changing BCSS rules can take upwards of 4–5 years, and even if this rule were to be revised, it still would not solve accessibility issues for students attending private schools or French immersion programs. 

That leads us to discussion regarding BCSS Rule 840.0 - a rule permitting school partnerships between schools for team participation. This could have been an option, however under this rule teams formed through partnerships are ineligible to compete in championships, making it an unappealing solution.

Until BCSS and school administrators are willing to come together to review and revise these outdated and limiting rules, I believe the most immediate and effective path forward is to create a new community football association for Bantam and Midget-aged players.

I proposed this idea to existing associations earlier this year but was unfortunately turned down.

A new program would allow all youth of this age to participate! Regardless of where they live, which school they attend, and what catchment they are in. From Sooke to Sidney, these youth would have the opportunity to play. Players in French immersion programs, private school, and/or any public school, making football accessible to all!

Of course, launching a new association comes with challenges: funding for gear, equipment, field rentals, promotion, etc. Also searching out field availability. 

Even with these potential challenges I am committed to making this work! For the many kids who are currently at risk of being displaced and/or forced to quit the sport due to these barriers.

Call to Action:

If you or a business/organization is interested in helping bring a new community Bantam/Midget football association to life, please reach out.

This is a meaningful opportunity to support local youth, promote active living, and give back through the power of sport and love of football. 

Please contact:
  bantammidgetvictoria@gmail.com
  250-882-1251

Thank you for taking the time to read and engage. Let’s work together to keep these kids on the field!