The team’s Captain, Priya Sidhu, shared her thoughts, “Being part of SFC Women’s Soccer since the very beginning has been such an incredible journey. I’m so proud of how far we’ve come and especially of all the new players who joined us this season—your energy, commitment, and talent made a huge impact.”
BY J.M. LEE,
These are a few words that describe what it means to be a part of a women’s soccer team.
She was only five and a half years old when she put on her soccer boots for the first time. She scored two goals on her first day! So excited, she came home and immediately called her grandparents to tell them about her great game. That day, a spark was lit; the game, teamwork, supportive coaching, and her drive to win would keep drawing her back for years to come.
Similar stories echoed in homes across the region as the girls headed to the park every week to play soccer. Soccer holds many meanings: from early morning practices to hot chocolate runs before games, to having their parents cheering them from the sidelines, and in some lucky cases, the dads coaching during some of the most critical years of their growth.
They are our daughters and granddaughters, our nieces and cousins. Every week, their stories were shared on social media through pictures and comments. Some girls advanced to higher levels earlier in their playing careers, while others moved from team to team, sometimes strategically; most of the time, they just wanted to play with their friends and have fun. Positive environments were created, and lifelong lessons were taught through the game—skills such as punctuality, work ethic, teamwork, and leadership, among others. They all love the game equally, regardless of how they got here.
On May 5th, 2025, during a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, the BC Soccer Men’s and Women’s Final games took place at Minoru Park in Richmond, BC. It was a match between Surrey Football Club (SFC) and Comas Valley FC. Both teams finished at the top of their Selects A division standings. Kash Sidhu coached the SFC team with assistant coach Nirmal Sahota.
What was special about that day? It wasn’t just a final — it was the culmination of years of dedication, growth, and love for the game. That Sunday afternoon didn’t just symbolize a championship title; it embodied every cold morning practice, every knee covered in turf burn, every pep talk, every tear shed in loss, and joy in victory.
But it wasn’t smooth sailing.
SFC found themselves down 1-0 for nearly the entire game. The pressure was mounting with every passing minute, and the final whistle loomed closer. Still, the girls didn’t fold. They fought. They pressed. And in the final minute, with the clock ticking down and hope hanging by a thread, SFC striker Jessica Sidhu scored. The bench erupted. The stands erupted. The dream was still alive.
With the game tied at 1-1 after regulation, it went to penalty kicks (PKs)—the most nerve-wracking way to decide a match, and Surrey Football Club managed to come out on top. The players erupted with emotion—a mix of celebration, relief, and pride. Teammates embraced. Coaches raised their arms. And fans in the stands cheered loudly in joy.
Coach Kash Sidhu reflected after the game: “We started slow, but it’s how you finish. You practiced more this year than in the last six years combined—that’s your dedication. The heat, the ref, the bad turf—you pushed through it all. Some of you wanted to come off, but you stayed on for the team. Scoring with a minute left and then finishing in PKs… wow. I’m so proud of all of you.”
The team’s Captain, Priya Sidhu, shared her thoughts, “Being part of SFC Women’s Soccer since the very beginning has been such an incredible journey. I’m so proud of how far we’ve come and especially of all the new players who joined us this season—your energy, commitment, and talent made a huge impact. Winning the provincial championships was a proud moment that reflected all the hard work, resilience, and heart this team put in all season long!”
As the sun started to set on that unforgettable Sunday, one thing was clear—it was more than a win. It was a reminder that the game extends beyond the field. Soccer has become a tool for empowerment, leadership, and lasting connection.
Soccer isn’t just about the skills of the game. It’s about opportunity, equity, belonging, and positivity. Many girls take different pathways in and out of soccer, from playing at a higher level to leaving the game, only to return later. There is an undeniable love for the game, and it continues to bring these girls back to the field every week. Their journeys remind us that it’s never too late to play, and we hope they encourage girls everywhere to give soccer a try.
