Surrey’s bid for Canada Soccer’s National Training Centre could offer the Whitecaps a stadium solution amid relocation concerns.
Surrey Eyes National Soccer Centre Opportunity
As the Vancouver Whitecaps kick off the 2026 MLS season at B.C. Place this Saturday, time is ticking on more than just the scoreboard. With a one-year lease signed with PavCo and uncertainty looming over a permanent home, the club is facing a critical juncture.
The Whitecaps have been on the market for over a year with no firm buyers. Meanwhile, their initial plan to develop a stadium at the Hastings Park site expires this December, leaving the team’s future up in the air.
B.C. Place Isn’t a Long-Term Answer
Major League Soccer officials have made it clear: staying at B.C. Place under current terms isn’t financially sustainable. PavCo, the stadium’s provincial operator, confirms there’s no flexibility to offer more. Essentially, the Whitecaps need a new home—and fast.
Enter Surrey, the Lower Mainland’s fastest-growing city. Mayor Brenda Locke, continuing a long line of predecessors with ambitious visions, has championed the idea of a new outdoor stadium. Recently, council approved a 10,000-seat arena as part of a larger entertainment complex at Tom Binnie Park, signaling Surrey’s appetite for big projects.
National Training Centre Proposal Sparks Interest
Earlier this month, Surrey responded to Canada Soccer’s call for expressions of interest in a new National Training Centre. The city proposed multiple sites, including Cloverdale Athletic Park, South Surrey Athletic Park, and Newton Athletic Park. A private parcel south of the Nikomeckl River was later withdrawn due to its Agricultural Land Reserve status.
The big question: Could one of these sites host a purpose-built 25,000-seat stadium as part of a broader training complex? Surrey officials are open to creative solutions and collaborations, emphasizing sports and community development as a “generational investment” that could leave a lasting legacy from the FIFA World Cup.
Tyler Westover, Surrey’s director of business and government relations, said, “We are open to serious dialogue with any parties that can help achieve our shared ambitions for sport and community facilities. At this stage, it’s too early to define specific components.”
Whitecaps Weigh Options, But Vancouver Remains Priority
So far, the Whitecaps haven’t fully embraced the Surrey proposal. The team remains focused on Vancouver and the potential Hastings Park development, though they haven’t completely ruled out other opportunities.
Canada Soccer’s spokesperson stressed that the national request for proposals allows them to compare options and determine what’s most feasible. While the UBC National Soccer Development Centre is an excellent facility, a formal national selection process is necessary to evaluate all possibilities.
What’s Next for Vancouver’s MLS Team?
With the Whitecaps’ sale uncertain and relocation a looming possibility, Surrey’s interest provides a potential lifeline. However, no concrete proposal has been made yet, and other cities—including Port Alberni and several Ontario communities—have also expressed interest.
For now, Canada Soccer is hedging its bets, ensuring the National Training Centre is positioned for long-term success regardless of the Whitecaps’ future. But for fans in Vancouver, one hope remains: that the team stays close to home and Surrey’s proposal becomes the spark for a new chapter in B.C. soccer.
Stay updated instantly — follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X
