At just 19 years old, Owen McBride was entering his freshman season with Simon Fraser University’s men’s soccer team, when he took a leap of faith and began his plans towards transforming his soccer coaching side hustle into a full-fledged business. Through a lifetime of semi-professional soccer experiences that included stints with Team BC and Vancouver Whitecaps Residency, Owen had the opportunity to witness the ins and outs of the sporting communities and landscapes and began formulating a plan to address some of the issues, which included:
- Lack of quality coaching
- Lack of fun
- Lack of affordability
- Lack of transparency
The Launch of Private Coaching Co (PCC)
In 2019, Private Coaching Co (PCC) was launched during the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic to address the lack of quality sport experiences available for Vancouver communities. With a goal of helping one million kids fall in love with sport, PCC quickly became a household name in the Lower Mainland communities and began to expand services, first starting with individual and small group training across several sports, and ultimately pivoting to become the largest provider of after school programming and support on the North Shore. Today, just 4 years later, PCC operates in over 30 schools, works with thousands of youth across North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Vancouver, Surrey, and Toronto, and supports dozens of community groups, organizations and clubs to promote high quality, maximum fun, multi-sport programs. While scaling programming, PCC has also expanded its team of talented and devoted coaches and currently employs a team of over 35 kinesiology and education students, providing quality work experiences and compensation during a busy time of their lives.
While expanding programming across BC, Owen and his team quickly began to recognize long withstanding gaps in services and resources within certain communities, groups and cities. Here in BC, a province renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant communities, hides a stark reality. According to recent statistics, approximately one in seven children in BC live below the poverty line. These numbers represent more than just figures on a page, but rather represent real lives, real dreams, and real potential stifled by circumstance. Individuals, families, schools and community groups all over the province are desperately in need of support, yet do not have the resources or means necessary to fulfil these needs. After zeroing in on the issue, Owen and his team formulated a plan to garner community support and tackle the problems head on.
Furthering Impact Through The Play4Life Foundation
To create a greater impact in the community, the Play4Life Foundation was launched as a charitable entity designed to directly address the lack of equity and resources, and provide high quality experiences and support for those who otherwise would not be able access them.
The Play4Life Foundation envisions a future where every child has the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of sports. By providing accessible programs and resources, we aim to create a lasting impact on the lives of countless young people.
Conclusion
Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of sports. The Play4Life Foundation is committed to making this a reality. By providing access to programs, resources, and mentorship, we aim to empower young people to reach their full potential and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
With your support, we can build a world where all children have the chance to play, learn, and grow. Join us in our mission to level the playing field and create a legacy of hope and opportunity for generations to come.