FALL RIVER: Suburban Football Club announced recently they have been awarded the designation of Member Association Level 1 in Canada Soccer’s Club Licensing program. Canada Soccer made the announcement on Monday.
After merging with neighboring clubs Central Football Club and Bedford Soccer Club in fall 2019, Suburban FC had a goal of being recognized under the club licensing program, however the speed at which this has been completed is beyond what was expected.
“COVID-19 has been a challenge but has also presented our club an opportunity. We have been able to dedicate more time and effort in getting our application in for club licensing while also keeping our members active,” says Director of Football Operations, Jessie Burgins. “We are excited to be awarded level 1 and will continue to put in the work to get the national youth license status.
Peter Crowe, club [resident, said they are excited and proud to achieve this designation.
“We will be pushing hard to advance this license to the highest level available for our membership” added Crowe.
The Canada Soccer Club Licensing program is designed to work member organizations in Canada to use best practices for organizations both on and off the field. The goal of the program is to raise the standards of member organizations in order to improve the overall soccer ecosystem in Canada.
“At Suburban FC the club licensing program has been steering us to provide a policy-based structure that will result in defined standards and expectations for our club,” said Crowe. “This will raise the level of club operations for our members.
“This program is driving us to prioritize fun in a safe environment, develop and deliver appropriate high-quality programming, maximize personal development and engagement in an accessible and inclusive environment on the field while engaging as good corporate and community citizens off the field.
“This all really exemplifies exactly what we are striving to be at Suburban FC.”
Prior to the announcement, there were no soccer clubs at the Member Association 1 level or higher east of Ontario. In addition to Suburban FC, Halifax City Soccer Club was also announced as having achieved MA1.
Suburban covers the HRM areas of Beaver Bank, Bedford, Hammonds Plains, Fall River, Sackville, and Wellington.
