After years of close calls and heartbreaks, the Sunshine Coast’s women’s soccer team, The Coasters, have their name back on the trophy — emerging as champions at the 2025 Squamish Soccerfest.
Each year, the Sunshine Coast puts together a talented squad of women to represent the region at this competitive and beloved festival, which draws in 72 teams from across B.C. — 36 men’s and 36 women’s teams — for a weekend of soccer.
The big win came agonizingly close last year. The Coasters were dominant through the tournament’s early stages, winning every match on Saturday and their first Sunday game — only to be knocked out of finals contention with a single loss Sunday afternoon, landing them in a bittersweet fifth place finish.
This year, that memory fuelled them. With undeniable chemistry, they stormed through the weekend undefeated. By Sunday afternoon, they had earned their place in the final.
Tense from the outset, this final game was a tactical battle — both teams locked into a 0-0 score by halftime. But midway through the second half, the Coasters found the back of the net after a brilliant attacking sequence. The final stretch was all grit. With the opposition throwing everything forward, the Coasters dug in. Every player on the field committed to defense, and their goalkeeper, the quiet hero of the match, came up huge with multiple incredible saves to preserve the lead.
Finally, the whistle blew, and the win was theirs.
This victory wasn’t just a trophy — it was a testament to resilience, teamwork, and belief. And now, the Coasters return home not just proud representatives of the Sunshine Coast, but as champions of the Squamish Soccerfest.
