Pacific FC is building the largest indoor field house in B.C.
The $5-million facility, under construction on West Shore Parkway, is being paid for by the Canadian Premier League professional soccer club on land leased from Langford.
The 55,000-square-foot facility will be for Pacific FC training sessions. It will also be available by rental for other teams, from national teams down to youth clubs, in soccer, baseball, football, rugby and lacrosse.
The full-size field can be broken into smaller-size configurations as needed.
Greater Victoria has a reputation for providing a mild year-round training environment for athletes. But it does rain regularly in winter. The new facility, expected to be completed by the end of the year, addresses one of the biggest sports needs on the Island — an indoor full-field training option for when it’s wet or otherwise unpleasant outside.
“It rains a lot on the West Coast. Well, we’ll fix that,” said Langford Mayor Stew Young.
“We need good training facilities to build better athletes. This is a good partnership between Langford and PFC.”
Team president Josh Simpson said the deal works for both Pacific FC and Langford.
“We are doing the best things we can for the development of our players and to make a positive impact on the Island,” said Simpson, who grew up on the West Shore, and played pro soccer in Europe and represented Canada 43 times. “This is something that is screaming to be built here. We are leasing the land from Langford, but this facility is our own investment. We’re really excited about this.”
Meanwhile, Pacific FC meets FC Edmonton on Sunday at Westhills Stadium amid ongoing construction at the site.
Young said the Westhills Stadium upgrades will be complete by Aug. 24, with a grand-opening ceremony scheduled for that date.
