WEST VANCOUVER, B.C. – On Wednesday, June 25th at 10:00 a.m., West Vancouver Football Club (West Van FC) will proudly celebrate the groundbreaking of the Paul Myers Athletic Centre (PMAC) at West Vancouver Secondary School. This milestone event marks the beginning of construction on what will be West Vancouver’s only indoor soccer and multi-sport facility, a transformative addition to the community’s athletic infrastructure.
The state-of-the-art facility has been made possible by an extraordinary $3 million donation from philanthropist Paul Myers, whose generosity reflects a deep commitment to youth and community wellness. Many North Shore residents will be familiar with Paul through his company Keith Plumbing & Heating and his $25 million donation to the Acute Care tower at Lions Gate Hospital that now bears his name. “Supporting this project is about more than building a facility—it’s about investing in the health, happiness, and future of this community,” said Paul Myers. “I’m proud to be part of something that will serve generations of athletes, students, and families in West Vancouver.”
The Paul Myers Athletic Centre has also been realized as a result of West Van FC setting up a project partnership with Sport BC’s BC Amateur Sport Fund, a qualified donee that works to raise and disburse funds to the exclusive benefit of amateur sport. West Van FC’s partnership with BC Amateur Sport Fund allows individuals and organizations to make donations to the benefit of the Athletic Centre and receive a tax receipt for their gift.
The Paul Myers Athletic Centre is the result of a strategic collaboration between West Van FC and the West Vancouver School District, which has generously partnered to allow the facility to be built on school district property. In return, students at West Vancouver Secondary will have access to the PMAC during school hours. “The new Paul Myers Athletic Centre is a game-changer for local soccer development and WVS students,” said Nicole Brown, Board Chair, West Vancouver Schools. “During school hours, Physical Health Education (PHE) classes will have access to this state-of-the-art facility, enhancing their programming with a high-quality indoor training space.”
The groundbreaking ceremony will be attended by Paul Myers, West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager & council members, Ruth Burr, President of West Van FC, &WVFC directors, the Board of West Vancouver Schools and senior staff. Additionally, Rob Newman, President and CEO, Michael Peters, VP Finance, and Allison Mailer, VP Operations of Sport BC will all be in attendance to celebrate this milestone for West Vancouver sport.
Regarding the collaboration, Sport BC President & CEO, Rob Newman shared “The fundraising partnership between the BC Amateur Sport Fund, West Van FC, and the Paul Myers Family Foundation is a powerful example of the potential of sport philanthropy. Sport BC is proud of this partnership as an example of the potential of sport philanthropy to have a meaningful impact for community now and for generations. We thank West Van FC and the Paul Myers Family Foundation bringing us to the team to benefit amateur sport.”
“This facility represents a commitment to the health, development, and future of young and older athletes in our community,” said Ruth Burr, President of West Van FC. “We’re thrilled to begin this journey and incredibly grateful for Paul Myers’ generosity and vision.”
As construction begins, West Van FC is actively seeking sponsorship and donations to help complete the finishing touches to the facility, particularly the addition of key amenities such as the washrooms and warm-up turf. Community partners and businesses are invited to be part of this legacy project through tax-deductible donations and sponsorship opportunities.
Construction on the PMAC is scheduled to begin this summer, with completion anticipated in late 2025.
About West Van FC:
West Van FC is comprised of over 1,500 youth and 300 adult soccer players. It is the oldest community sports organization in West Vancouver, with over 200 community volunteers and more than 20 technical staff. Programs are offered for children as young as four and also adults playing on our Over 55 team.
About BC Amateur Sport Fund:
The BC Amateur Sport Fund seeks to raise funds to benefit amateur sport initiatives in the province of British Columbia by partnering with Sport BC’s Provincial Sport Organizations (“PSO”) and their member clubs on projects that promote participation, competition, or governance of sport. Administered by Sport BC, the Fund is the BC chapter of the Canadian Council of Provincial & Territorial Sport Federations (“CCPTSF”), a Registered Canadian Amateur Association (“RCAAA”) with qualified donee status established in 1980 to promote amateur athletics across Canada. Donors can make a gift to the Fund benefiting the Paul Myers Athletic Centre online at http://support.bcamateursportfund.org/P0549 or can contact the Fund at
[email protected] for more information. About Sport BC
About Sport BC believes in the power of sport and is committed to building stronger communities through positive sport experiences. Our goal is to enhance and support sport participation in British Columbia ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive through sport. Through KidSport BC, BC Amateur Sport Fund, and BC Women and Sport along with our services Sport BC Insurance, and Payroll and Group Benefits; Sport BC supports our seventy-eight member organizations. Keep up to date @SportBC #PoweredBySportBC
Media Contact:
Betty Dodson West Van FC Communications 604-926-1757 [email protected]