Inaugural CAN/MEX Tournament Showcases the Best of BC and Mexico

This past weekend saw Lower Vancouver Island play host to the inaugural CAN/MEX Tournament, which showcased some of B.C.'s best 2009-2012 born players, as well as some special guests from Pacific FC Mexico. The tournament kicked off on Friday April 18 at North Saanich’s Blue Heron Field and concluded on Monday April 21.

Pacific FC Mexico is an academy affiliate of Pacific FC, the Island’s own Canadian Premier League (CPL) team. They launched in Mexico City, Metepec, Querétaro, Aguascalientes, Puebla and León in August 2024 and offer training to both male and female players between the U-9 and U-15 age groups. 

The CAN/MEX tournament included over 300 players, with players from all across BC and Mexico. Joined by Pacific FC Mexico, were clubs including Vancouver Island Wave, Nanaimo United, Bays United, Saanich Fusion, Supra Academy and Sefa Academy. 

Sunday saw Saanich Fusion capture two championships in the 2009 and 2010 boys’ finals, followed by championship wins by the 2011 Supra Academy boys and the 2012 Sefa Academy Boys. 

On Monday it was the girls' turn, and the Vancouver Island Wave took the win in the 2009/10 final, followed by the 2011/12 Pacific FC Mexico girls lifting the trophy.

“We would like to acknowledge Peninsula Soccer Association for being such great partners over the four days of the tournament” said Giuliano Caseiro, Senior Manager of Operations for Pacific FC Youth Development. “Their facility is a top venue for soccer tournaments and their staff members, Dale West, Sean Broome and Aoy Broome went above and beyond to make us feel welcome.”

The hope is to make CAN/MEX a yearly tournament to promote sportsmanship, healthy competition, and cultural exchange between Canadians and Mexican players and coaches.