Stewardship Department Seeks Input on Soccer Field 

Tsartlip Stewardship Department is exploring building a new soccer field and accompanying facilities at the existing soccer field location—the intersection of Tsartlip Drive and Stelly’s Cross Road in Brentwood Bay, BC—but needs your input to make it happen!

(Shown above, the proposed layout of the new soccer field)

According to Director of Stewardship William Morris, the existing field has a long history. “My late grandfather played soccer and he was instrumental in helping with the original Braves when they purchased the land,” says Morris. “My grandfather played on that field,” he continues. “My dad and his siblings played on that field. Me and my siblings played numerous tournaments and practices . . . My son played on that field just this past year.”

Despite its significance for the Tsartlip community, the current soccer field hasn’t had any attention in the form of funds or maintenance in more than a decade.

Morris’ vision is to create a multi-purpose facility the community could take pride in. Children and advanced athletes alike could enjoy playing soccer, rugby, softball, and other sports, supporting the legacy of Tsartlip’s excellence in sports and making the field a destination for world-class athletes.

Tsartlip athletes have experienced incredible success. Tsartlip’s Joseph Seward Jr., for example, is on his way to Spain to play soccer with the infamous Real Madrid Academy. Tsartlip’s William Morris Jr. is heading to New Zealand to play rugby. And, the Saanich Hurricanes ladies soccer team is full of talented athletes, who came together to win this year’s Saanich Tournament. 

Joseph’s, William’s, and the Hurricanes’ success is just the latest in the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples’ long legacy of athleticism, which includes impressive players such as Jasper and Len Morris, Tua Va’a, John Etzel Jr., Charles Claxton, and Landon Underwood.

These players’ success it particularly impressive given the many obstacles facing W̱SÁNEĆ athletes. Lack of suitable space, lack of funds, and lack of transportation make participation in sport challenging for the community. 

Creating this field will be a large step towards removing these barriers for Tsartlip athletes. Morris wants Tsartlip’s athletes to have a home field which is reflective of their excellence, and which will provide an opportunity for high-level tournaments to take place at Tsartlip. Morris envisions the new field might bring world-class players and tournaments to Tsartlip, such as the International Rugby tournament which is currently held in Langford, BC. 

Creating a safe new space for the Tsartlip community to engage in sport could also benefit the community’s physical and mental health, and help youth develop important leadership skills.

Morris discussed the idea with Kear Porttris and Eric Wilson, Engineering instructors at the University of Victoria, who in turn tasked one of their classes with an assignment for creating a preliminary design and budget for the potential new facility. The students were given a proposed budget of $1-2 million.

They proposed an all-weather turf field that could host games, tournaments and large community gatherings. The new field could consist of three fields in one, located at the north end of the current footprint, with total dimensions of 215 feet by 195 feet. Two smaller fields could span the width of the large field for the younger teams to use. The facility could also include a concrete walkway, 600-occupant bleachers, four light fixtures, 63 parking stalls, public washrooms, concession areas, team changing rooms and a relocated playground.

While the proposal from UVIC students is very well thought out, Morris knows that the next step is to gather community input.

We invite you to be part of the community-led project. Tell us what is important to you when it comes to building a new soccer field and facility. Participants have the chance to win a $25 gift card.

Here’s how to participate: 

1️. Read the reference materials to understand the project. 

2️. Visit one of our contest posts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin. 

3️. Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas directly on the posts via a comment, or   send us a direct message and have your voice heard for the soccer field proposal.

🎁 Each of the following Mondays, one lucky participant will be randomly selected to win a $25 gift card!

Join the contest, have your say, and help create a vibrant and community-led soccer field project!