Langley Event Centre to host Canadian Premier League expansion club

The Canadian Premier League’s newest expansion team has taken one step closer to becoming a fully-fledged team, and will call Langley, B.C. home.

The so-far unnamed team that is set to play in the GVA starting in 2023. The CPL and SixFive Sports and Entertainment LP have announced the new club will play at Langley Event Centre.

“The township and Langley Events Centre have been honoured to host numerous provincial, national, and international events, leagues, and teams, and we’re thrilled that the Canadian Premier League will now bring professional soccer to Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley,” said Langley Township mayor Jack Froese.

The Vancouver 2023 project, which was announced in November, will become the ninth official club of the CPL and the second expansion team.

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“This game is growing in this country, this game is growing in this community,” said Rob Friend. “To bring the Canadian Premier League to the Township of Langley, we are very, very proud. We’re very optimistic that we are going to grow the game and be part of this community. And it’s not just Langley, it’s Surrey, it’s throughout the whole [Fraser] Valley. It’s about providing opportunities for all — I didn’t have that opportunity. My young kids can now aspire to play in the Canadian Premier League,” said Rob Friend, president of the Vancouver 2023 project.

“We’ve been talking about this for almost five years now, and it’s a pretty special moment to stand here in front of all you guys… We’re excited to announce the name, announce the brand in the coming months, and to really dive into this community and to listen to what this community needs. And it’s not just the soccer community, it’s the entire community; inspiring the entire sports community. I’m an athlete, it’s in my DNA, it’s not just about inspiring the soccer community, it’s just inspiring the younger generation and being proud, and representing your local club,” he added.

Vancouver’s nearest opponent will be Pacific FC, which plays in Langford, B.C.. The team will have the opportunity to play the Whitecaps in Canada’s top soccer competition, the Canadian Championship.