A homegrown hero returns to BC Place

March 15^th, 2019

Alphonso Davies will return to BC Place on Sunday, March 24th with Canada's Men's National Team to face French Guiana in a crucial Concacaf Nations League qualifying match. The event will be a homecoming for one of the most promising soccer stars to ever play at BC Place.

At just 18 years old, Alphonso Davies is one of the greatest players to come out the MLS, but the story of his perseverance and success off the field is just as impressive as his performance on it.

Born in a Ghanaian refugee camp after his parents had fled the civil war in Liberia, Davies and his family struggled to survive.

"It was hard to live because the only way you survive sometimes is you have to carry guns," recalled Alphonso's father, Debeah. "We didn't have any interest in shooting guns. So, we decided to just escape from there. They have a program called resettlement, and they said 'OK, you have to fill in a form for Canada.' We went through the interview and everything, and made it, and came over here."

The Davies family immigrated to Canada when Alphonso was five, eventually settling in Edmonton, Alberta. It was there his talents started to shine.

"He's just one of those kids who had a permanent smile on his face, always dancing in the hallways. He's such a natural talent. Anything he touched — track, basketball, any sport — he was the kid," said Melissa Guzzo, a former teacher.

Davies was then recommended to join a free after-school soccer league for inner-city kids in elementary school who can't afford registration fees or equipment. The founder of the group quickly saw the young boy's potential.

"I saw him make his first touch, and I knew, immediately. This kid has a gift for the game," Tim Adams remembered after witnessing just a few minutes of Davies magic at an end-of-year tournament. "Other kids I've seen have had that level of athleticism. But he had the mind. He was way more than a guy who could kick the ball into the back of the net."

This led Adams to call local soccer coach Marco Bossio who quickly agreed.

"There was something special about this boy," the St. Nicholas Soccer Academy director said. "He had lightning-quick feet and speed with the ball. I knew that was something special at that age. I asked him what his plans were and he told me he would be playing for us next season. We were delighted. We have a lot of kids from different communities, so he fit in right away."

It wasn't until he began playing at St. Nicholas that Davies thought about playing soccer professionally.

"To be honest, I was just trying to play for fun, to keep myself active and keep myself out of trouble," Davies said. "I didn't think I was really good, I was just playing the game because I enjoyed playing it with my friends. Then once I started playing organized soccer, parents, coaches and other teammates were telling me to keep going and that I could become something so I started believing it. That’s what started me wanting to become a professional. That’s when I started training hard to become a professional."

By the age of 14, Davies had outgrown his teams in Edmonton and enrolled in the Vancouver Whitecaps’ residency program.

His progress was rapid and, after becoming the youngest player to appear in the United Soccer League, he made history as the first player born in the 2000s to play in the MLS. He was just 15 years, eight months and 15 days old.

"When he came in, we knew that he was a prospect for sure," recalled Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi. "I"m not sure that we would have gone overboard at that point and said he was going to make it and be something really special. For me, he's a little bit of an anomaly. When he came in, he was part of the U16 team and within months he went from U16 to U18, WFC2 [Whitecaps Football Club] to the senior team. That's very rare that happens, and it's very rare that it will happen that much in the future."

Davies quickly caught the attention of Canada's national team. He had already represented the country at U17 and U20 level when he was called up for the senior side, debuting against Curaçao on June 14th, 2017. He had only obtained his Canadian citizenship a week earlier.

"That was a great moment for the family," Davies remembered. "I'm glad I could get it. It's going to mean a lot, representing the country I've lived in for most of my life. Having that [Canadian] crest on my chest playing for them is going to mean a lot for me."

At just 16 years old, Davies became Canada's youngest ever goalscorer and the youngest to score at a Gold Cup with his goal against French Guiana, as well as the first player born in the 21st century to score at a major international tournament.

Davies status as a soccer superstar was granted but the young man represented more than just a prodigious athlete.

"Alphonso Davies is somebody that all our players can aspire to become," Canada national team coach John Herdman told the Edmonton Sun. "He underlines what Canada is. It is a country that accepts all."

Alphonso Davies signed the biggest MLS transfer deal in history in July 2018, agreeing to leave Vancouver Whitecaps FC at the end of the season to join Bayern Munich one of the world’s biggest and most successful clubs.

On March 24th, Davies will return to BC Place with Canada's Men's National Team to face French Guiana in a crucial Concacaf Nations League qualifying match. Don't miss your chance to cheer him on as he plays on home soil for the first time since joining Bayern Munich. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.canadasoccer.com

From Vancouver Sun: Ruggers offer rave reviews for BC Place tournament

March 9^th, 2019

Four years in, the Canada Sevens are now regarded as one of the best all-around stops on the 10-tournament HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Last year, local organizers received a World Rugby award as tournament of the year. Players and coaches parrot that the fans, venue — B.C. Place Stadium — and the city’s amenities are fantastic.

Here are a few of the comments from those on or near the pitch:

Adam Zaruba (Canadian player):

“It’s one of the few times a year we get to play in front of a home crowd, in front of friends and family. For us personally, as athletes that’s a really special thing...

“For the early games in the morning, some other stadiums, you play at 10, 10:30, you’ve got maybe 1,000 people in the stands. Here, the stadium’s already half-full, cheering.”

Dan Norton (England player, all-time leading try scorer):

“It’s pretty cool playing here. It’s one of the only artificial pitches (in the series). It’s nice to be able to get a constant bounce, nice solid contact when you run and move, it’s nice and fluid. Feels nice and fast beneath my feet.

“It is well received in the whole of the city, everyone’s buzzing about it, we get to go watch the Canucks and stuff, and enjoy what this city has to offer.”

Werner Kok (South Africa player):

“It’s amazing, every single time we’ve come to Canada, outside the field it’s an amazing place, though the cold gets us a little bit!

“Every time we walk into the stadium, your eyes just open up. You say ‘wow.’ It surprises you every time you step onto this pitch. It’s a quick field, it’s a wonderful field, it looks amazing and the screams above your head, it’s quite intimidating.

“It’s great, everything works, there’s always somebody ready to help you. The dressing rooms are amazing, there’s more than enough space and then when you come out here, the crowd, the crowd is amazing . ...

“It’s all very, very welcoming. I hope it stays here for another 10 years because I’d like to come watch as a fan one day.”

Dallen Stanford (former U.S. player, now television commentator):

“I love the Vancouver sevens because first of all it’s a new place to travel to, which is really great. And the actual stadium itself is one of the best I’ve seen in the world, because it’s a closed-dome stadium, the weather has no impact, which is fantastic.”

Read the full article by Patrick Johnston here.

International Women's Day Roundtable: How women are making their mark in the events industry

March 8^th, 2019

In honour of International Women’s Day, we want to celebrate all of the strong, talented women in our fast-paced, complex events industry. To put perspective on the current landscape for women in our industry, we have invited several female leaders from across our organization of B.C. Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), which operates BC Place and Vancouver Convention Centre for a timely roundtable discussion. They all get candid about their journey and the evolution of the role women play in their respective areas of expertise.

The women who participated in this discussion are:

• Rehana Din, Chief Financial Officer, PavCo;
• Patricia Jelinksi, General Manager, BC Place;
• Alikie Knight, Senior Manager, Venue Operations, Vancouver Convention Centre;
• Sarbjit Minhas, Manager, Facility Services, Vancouver Convention Centre;
• Jennifer Rafuse, General Manager, Centerplate (Vancouver Convention Centre Food & Beverage Partner)

How has the industry evolved for women over the past 10 years?

Rehana: Overall, there is more diversity in leadership roles, and I believe this has been key for the growth and development of women within any industry. This allows women to identify leaders who they are more similar to and envision themselves in a leadership role. The definition of a leader has evolved over time, allowing women to embrace what makes them unique or different and see those aspects as a benefit rather than something holding them back because they do not fit the typical “leader” mold.

Jennifer: Years ago, there was the thought that women aren’t cut out to be chefs because they couldn’t handle the pressure or take the heat of the kitchen. The labour is too difficult and hours are too long. It was a “boys club.” We now see a surge in women restaurant ownership, management and chefs, which were generally perceived as male roles in the past. 

What is being done within your industry to promote and develop women?

Patricia: I am a long-time member of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) and served on their Board of Directors for a two-year term. Women hold significant leadership roles in the Association including Chairs of the Board. They have a great mentorship program as well for young professionals and I highly recommend the opportunities provided through membership in this organization.

Rehana: Mentorship programs and peer relationships are extremely important when it comes to developing the next generation of female leaders. I have noticed that it isn’t only women mentoring women, but also men are mentoring women because they realize the value a person can bring regardless of gender. Having good relationships with your peers in an industry is also vital for growth so that you have people to relate to and get honest feedback from.

What do you think is the most significant barrier currently for women in your industry?

Alikie: The most significant barrier for women in this industry is balance. Balancing responsibilities of work and home is difficult, especially for women with children or those caring for aging parents, and many face the reality of making the choice between career and family. Attempting balance can often lead to burnout, with expectations high for being present and available for those on both sides of the scale. This is a creative, high-energy, and time-demanding industry with expectations of being available 24-7 knowing that "the show must go on."  

Rehana: I believe the biggest barrier throughout my career and many others has been internal. It has been engrained in many women to question our ability or to doubt ourselves more than we should. Having the self confidence that your voice and opinions matter is extremely important but seems to be hard for many women to believe. For so long, women have not been invited to have a seat at the table and it is important to realize that we do deserve to be there just as much as any male counterpart.

Jennifer: Changing the mindset of women and their peers to be confident and speak up with what they have to say or for what they stand for. Having a career or re-launching into the industry after having children, or conversely sacrificing the idea and thought of having a family and choosing not to because of their career.    

What woman inspires you most and why?

Sarbjit: Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo. As an Indian woman, what really struck me about her story was how she approached media interviews early on in her career when she first moved to the U.S. Usually going in to an interview I stress about my accent, how I pronounce certain words and how I am presenting myself. Indra Nooyi had the confidence to stand out by wearing her saree because she didn’t have the money to buy a business suit and to speak her truth. That self-confidence struck me greatly and has taught me that if I want to achieve something I can still be myself and go out and do it.

Alikie: The woman who inspires me most is Lady Gaga. Not only is she an innovative and inspiring artist, but she is a self-made woman who stands up for what she believes in and stays true to herself. I saw her perform in Las Vegas, and she told us "when you walk out this door tonight, do not leave this room loving me more, leave loving yourself more". This speaks to true to leadership, which is not about being the best, but about making everyone else better.

If you could have dinner with any woman, living or dead, real or fiction, who would it be and why?

Patricia: This is a very personal choice for me - it would be my Mother who passed away when I was seven. She was a force as a leader in our local community and I know I have missed her guidance and advice throughout my personal and professional life.

Jennifer: Nadia Comăneci. The hard work, training, and dedication that she demonstrated resulted in her being the first gymnast to be awarded perfect 10s at the age of 14 at the Olympics. Her documentary didn’t just focus on her wins and perfect scores, it also put into focus the trials and tribulations along her journey and that inspired me at a young age.

What advice would you give to young women starting out in your industry?

Alikie: My advice is to not be stuck on a certain career path. Build your skillset in unexpected ways that diversify your profile and add to your toolkit. You can leave your mark in profound ways if you take risks and tackle tasks or apply for roles that others shy away from.

Patricia: Learn all that you can. Take advantage of training or project team opportunities. Find a few people who will mentor and support you, in and outside, of the industry. Get involved and build your networks.

Jennifer: Don’t allow anyone to put you down or tell you that something isn’t possible. Regardless of gender, the sky is the limit given the right attitude, drive, motivation and goals. If you have thoughts or opinions voice them, and if you do, you might just notice that you have a seat at the table.

Rehana: Don’t underestimate the power of relationships. Do your best to build relationships with peers and mentors because you never know where that person will be in five years. Learn to say yes to opportunities you usually wouldn’t be comfortable because they may lead your career in a completely different direction than you expected.

Sarbjit: Have a purpose in whatever you choose to do. Do your best to be self-aware and evaluate yourself. Don’t be entitled – work hard!