Vancouver, BC – (Jan 18, 2024) – Sian Bagshawe, who has served as League1 BC (L1BC) General Manager since it was established in 2021, has advised the L1BC license holders and Canadian Soccer Business (CSB) that she will be stepping away from her role. She will continue in her position until early February and will support CSB and League1 Canada staff with the transition process.

Bagshawe has overseen the inaugural L1BC men’s and women’s seasons, played a large role in league expansion, and provided critical support to BC Soccer as it hosted the second annual League1 Canada Women’s Inter-Provincial Championship in Langley, BC in August 2023.

John Gibson, Interim General Manager of League1 Canada, said: “We cannot thank Sian enough for her commitment and dedication in establishing L1BC and overseeing two exciting campaigns. She leaves a lasting legacy and the new General Manager will certainly have big shoes to fill.”

Sian Bagshawe said: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all League1 BC clubs and BC Soccer for their commitment to support Pro-Am soccer in BC the past two seasons. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been in the General Manager role since the league’s inception, and appreciate the tireless work from all involved to grow this level of the game in the province and across the country.

“From the inaugural match, the inaugural goal, and the league’s first Championship Finals, to TSS Rovers’ historic performance in the Canadian Championship, the league’s first expansion team, and the evolution of our clubs, players moving on to professional environments, and Championship Finals at BC Place in our second year, there are countless memorable moments which are now written in soccer history in BC, and many more to be made. There is a great deal for the league to be proud of and success to build upon.

“I look forward to seeing League1 BC continue to evolve and take its successes, both on and off the field, to the next level as a part of League1 Canada and under the operation of Canadian Soccer Business.”

As a result of Bagshawe’s impending departure, CSB are now hiring a new L1BC General Manager. The successful candidate will oversee and manage the competition’s day-to-day business operations including allocating human, financial, and physical resources, in addition to providing strategic direction and communication across the province. The full job posting will be available to view here and applicants are requested to send their cover letter and CV to the attention of Soccer Operations at careers@canpl.ca.

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for the right individual to build upon a fantastic foundation that has been established by Sian and the L1BC license holders over the past couple of years,” said Gibson. “The new General Manager will have a big responsibility in helping forge pathways for players and will play an important role as part of the leadership group that is working to grow the game nationally through the League1 Canada alliance.”