'Power of sport:' Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the Netherlands hold soccer coach program

Coaches from two First Nations in B.C. are strengthening their soccer skills through a global coaching program offered by the governing body of soccer in the Netherlands.

Tsleil-Waututh Nation partnered with the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) to provide a week-long coaching program for six soccer coaches from Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Squamish Nation.

Dozens of kids from the two nations competed in a day tournament Wednesday, one of the first opportunities for the community to use its new multi-use turf, a project that's been 40 years in the making.

Several officials for the First Nation, community members, KNVB officials and the Dutch consul general in Vancouver were in attendance.

Tsleil-Waututh Nation elected Councillor Dennis Thomas (Whonoak) said soccer is a beloved sport in the community, and has been playing soccer himself for over 35 years.

He said he hopes the relationship with KNVB and the new turf will bring additional opportunities to the nation.

"What we've seen within the last number of years is this resurgence of our members being active in outside community clubs," said Thomas.

"It just really meant that the time was now in order for us to really be committed in the power of sport."

Finley Spence from Squamish Nation said he had a great time playing in the tournament, ultimately winning first place.

"I thought I got 42 points on the scoreboard but then ... she said 59," said Spence.

"I have fun playing it. You know, I don't care if I lose or win."

KNVB's WorldCoaches program is based on the organization's extensive international coaching experience and its belief that soccer can be used as a means for social development. 

"We are educating coaches in their own environment, in their own