On April 11, nearly 25,000 fans filled BC Place for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. New York City FC match. Among them were members of Coast Mental Health’s Young Adult Program and Peer Support Workers, who experienced the energy of a live professional soccer game together thanks to the generosity of BC Place and the BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo). 

For many Coast participants, this was their first time attending a professional sporting event. The shared experience offered an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and feel part of something bigger. 

“I’m very excited to be here and to see Muller, the player who won the World Cup in 2014,” shared Sebastian, a participant in Coast’s Young Adult Program. “I haven’t been to games like this for a long time.” 

Opportunities like this help reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging — an important part of emotional well-being and recovery. The excitement in the stadium created moments of joy that many participants will remember long after the final whistle. 

“I’ve never been to a game like this before, and it was an exciting experience,” said Kiyomi, a Peer Support Worker at Coast. “When the Whitecaps scored and the stadium filled with cheers, it was an amazing moment.” 

Coast Mental Health is grateful to BC Place and PavCo for making this memorable evening possible. Their support helped create an inclusive, uplifting experience that strengthened connections and brought our community together.