Tsleil-Waututh Nation has unveiled a new artificial turf for its soccer players after more than 40 years in the making. The multi-use sports turf was showcased to officials from the province, municipalities in the Lower Mainland, soccer clubs, and the community during a ribbon-cutting event on Tuesday.
While the turf is open for external bookings, its primary purpose is to support the development of Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s athletes and enhance family connections both on and off the field. Dave Thomas, a community soccer coach, shared his personal bond with his 15-year-old daughter Jasmine, emphasizing how soccer has brought them together since she was three years old.
Thomas expressed his hope that the new turf will help create similar strong connections between other parents and children within the community. Jasmine echoed this sentiment, highlighting soccer as the core of her relationship with her father.
Furthermore, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, in collaboration with Musqueam and Squamish Nation, signed a memorandum of understanding with the City of Vancouver and the province in 2025 to host matches for FIFA World Cup 26. Chief Justin Sky George expressed pride and excitement at the opportunity to be a host nation for such a prestigious global sporting event.
The construction of the artificial turf was made possible through legacy funds from the Province of British Columbia and FIFA funding, with Tsleil-Waututh Nation bearing most of the field’s construction costs. The design of the field incorporates eco-friendly features such as trench drains, bioswales, interceptor ditches, and rain gardens to manage surface water sustainably.
Anne Kang, B.C.’s minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport, emphasized that the new field symbolizes a commitment to community engagement and shared responsibilities. The project, which took approximately a year to complete, reflects the community’s long-standing desire to provide a space for youth development and growth beyond monetary considerations.