Oceanside FC offers H.E.L.P to build soccer in the region
Published 4:30 pm Saturday, July 18, 2026
Soccer enthusiasm is reaching new heights across Canada this summer, and Oceanside Football Club hopes to turn that excitement into lasting community participation.
Following Canada’s successful hosting of FIFA World Cup games and an inspiring performance by the Canadian men’s national team, thousands of young Canadians have discovered a passion for the world’s most popular sport.
Locally, Oceanside FC is building on that momentum with the launch of H.E.L.P. – Hello Everyone, Let’s Play, a new initiative designed to encourage people of all ages to get active, connect with their community, and enjoy the game of soccer.
The club’s summer programming is already bringing that vision to life every Wednesday evening at the Qualicum Beach Community Park just behind the Ravensong Aquatic Centre.
Youth players in the U7 to U9 and U10 to U14 age groups take part in scrimmage sessions from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. under the direction of technical director Riley O’Neill and Oceanside FC’s youth coaching staff.
Later in the evening, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., players aged 15 and older compete in the club’s an adult six-a-side league, which has now been named the Rod Morrison Cup.
“Rod founded this tournament in 1996, and Oceanside FC is honoured to continue his legacy,” said Oceanside FC president Mike McMillen. “His passion for football and his commitment to our community helped shape the game in Oceanside for generations. Thank you, Rod — you are missed, but your legacy lives on every Wednesday evening at Ravensong fields.”
As participation continues to grow in Oceanside, the club says the need for improved recreation infrastructure has become increasingly important.
Through the H.E.L.P. initiative, Oceanside FC has launched a community petition calling on local governments to prioritize the development of a full-sized all-weather sports field in the Oceanside area.
Club officials emphasize the proposal extends well beyond soccer. An all-weather field would provide year-round recreation opportunities for schools, community organizations and athletes of all ages while creating a lasting community asset capable of serving the region for decades.
“Oceanside is growing, and so is the demand for accessible recreation space,” said McMillen. “Canada’s World Cup has inspired a new generation of players. Now we have an opportunity to invest in facilities that will allow that enthusiasm to continue long after the tournament has ended.”
Oceanside FC provides soccer programming for players from Nanoose Bay to Bowser, with its primary fields located in Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
For more information about Oceanside FC, its summer programs, the H.E.L.P. – Hello Everyone, Let’s Play initiative, or to register for the World Cup Final Watch Party, visit OceansideFC.com, follow Oceanside FC on social media, or attend one of the club’s Wednesday evening programs at Ravensong fields.