A Beginner’s Guide to Vancouver Rise FC
Feeling curious about Vancouver Rise FC? You're in the right place! Explore what makes them "Stronger By Nature” in this new fan-friendly guide to Vancouver, BC’s latest professional soccer team.
What league does Vancouver Rise FC play in?
Northern Super League, a Canadian professional soccer league that was born from Project 8 (2022), an initiative by former Canadian international Diana Matheson and her business partner, Thomas Gilbert. Vancouver and Calgary were the first groups to commit to the Project 8 intiative to bring a professional women’s league to Canaada.
Matheson announced on April 4th, 2024 that six clubs had officially submitted applications for professional club admission to Canada Soccer, including Vancouver. Just over one month later, she revealed the official name of the women’s league, Northern Super League, and its kickoff date of April 2025.
On August 26th, Vancouver Rise FC’s official branding was unveiled.
Christine Sinclair posing for her ownership group announcement with Vancouver Rise FC. Photo courtesy of VRFC.
Who owns Vancouver Rise FC?
At the time of writing, owners include Vancouver Whitecaps co-owner Greg Kerfoot (majority) and former Canadian international Christine Sinclair.
What are the official colours of Vancouver Rise FC?
The official club colours are teal, gold and black, in recognition of British Columbia’s beautiful sunset skies and Pacific Ocean views.
Vancouver Rise FC Head Coach Anja Heiner-Møller
Who is the first Head Coach of Vancouver Rise FC?
Vancouver FC’s first (and current) head coach is Anja Heiner-Møller, who previously coached Denmark’s U-19 National Team as well as the U-16 National Team (assistant coach) Ballerup-Skovlunde Fodbold (head coach), FC Nordsjælland U-18 women’s team (head coach) and the Brøndby IF U-18 women’s team (head coach).
Anja also represented Denmark as a player with her call-ups ranging from the U-16 team to the senior team (44 matches).
Her club history also includes Danish clubs Brøndby IF, Odense Boldklub, and Hillerød G&I (250 matches).
Vancouver Rise FC Defender Shannon Woeller. PC: VRFC
Who was Vancouver Rise FC’s first signing?
The first signing in Vancouver Rise FC’s club history was Shannon Woeller, a Canadian international who plays as a defender.
Woeller’s club history includes Vancouver Whitecaps (USL W-League), Seattle Sounders (USL W-League), IK Grand Bodø (Norway), Stjarnan (Iceland), FF USV Jena (Germany), Eskilstuna United DFF (Sweden), Valencia CF (Spain), Växjö DFF (Sweden), IF Brommapojkarna (Sweden), IFK Norrköping (Sweden), and Vittsjö GIK (Sweden).
Woeller was born in Vancouver, BC in 1990.
Where does Vancouver Rise FC play?
While their official kick-off match is at BC Place in Vancouver, Vancouver Rise’s official home is Swangard Stadium in Burnaby.
Who plays for Vancouver Rise FC?
As of April 16th, 2025:
Attackers: Jessica De Filippo, Mariah Lee, Nedya Sawan, Holly Ward
Midfielders: Samantha Chang, Sofia Hagman, Sara Lilia Vidlund, Josie Longhurst, Anais Oularbi, Lisa Pechersky, Quinn, Nicole Stanton
Defenders: Jessika Cowart, Kennedy Faulknor, Kayla Goncalves, Jasmyne Spencer, Shannon Woeller, Jaylyn Wright, Ariel Young
Goalkeepers: Morgan McAslan, Kristin Tynan, Jessica Wulf
Who scored the first goal for Vancouver Rise FC?
The first Vancouver Rise FC goal was scored via penalty kick by Quinn vs. Calgary Wild on April 16th, 2025.
It was also the first goal in Northern Super League history. Vancouver won the match 1-0.