Bringing Big Soccer Dreams to Life with the “Sq’éwqel Strong” Mini-Pitch
The visual concept illustrates the Mini-Pitch System TM engineered by Musco is a versatile facility featuring fencing, goals, accessible gates, benches, lockable storage, and lighting equipped with Musco’s state-of-the-art LED technology. Initially designed for soccer, the pitch is adaptable for other sports, including ball hockey as with this newest design working in collaboration with Hope and Health. The Sq’éwqel Strong Mini-Pitch will be an artificial turf surface.
“Soccer runs deep in our community—it connects generations, builds pride, and brings our people together. The Sq’éwqel Strong Mini-Pitch is more than a field—it’s a place where our youth can grow, stay active year-round, and carry forward the strength, resilience, and spirit of those who came before them.”
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Agassiz, BC – Hope and Health, in partnership with Seabird Island Nation, adidas, and Musco Lighting, is proud to announce the installation of the “Sq’éwqel Strong Mini-Pitch,” with its grand opening anticipated around National Indigenous Peoples Day this June.
This milestone marks the 10th mini-pitch installation led by Hope and Health and its partners across Indigenous communities—continuing a movement to create vibrant, inclusive, and high-quality spaces where youth can play, connect, and dream big through sport.
Hope and Health is a sport-for-development charitable organization best known for its Hope and Health at Home “H3” community-based programming, delivered in partnership with Indigenous communities, as well as its annual camps hosted at BC Place and communities across the province.
“We’ve been welcoming Seabird Island Nation participants to our annual camps for many years and know them to be such a passionate and talented soccer community,” said Deana Gill, Co-Founder and CEO of Hope and Health. “We are incredibly proud to bring this Mini-Pitch to life together. Seeing a space that is already filled with daily play transformed into a high-quality, all-weather pitch is powerful—it creates opportunity, builds confidence, and inspires youth to dream even bigger.”
“At adidas, we believe in the power of sport to create change and break down barriers,” said a representative from adidas. “We are honoured to partner with Hope and Health and Seabird Island Nation to help create a space where young people can access sport, build community, and pursue their dreams. The Sq’éwqel Strong Mini-Pitch is a reflection of what’s possible when we invest in youth and community together.”
The Sq’éwqel Strong Mini-Pitch will provide year-round, all-weather access to the game, supporting both recreational play and skill development. It will also serve as a hub for Hope and Health programming and contribute to the growing “5v5 Champions League” network across Indigenous communities.
The pitch is being built using the Musco Mini-Pitch System™, a modular sports solution designed to deliver safe, durable, and inspiring play environments. Site preparation and installation are supported by Binnie, Cedar Crest, and Knox Contracting.
The mini-pitch’s striking endline banners and archways will be placed on both ends. It will include empowering messages "Sq’éwqel Strong", "Every Child Matters", and "Be the Change".
The pitches, created in collaboration with the Musco Mini-Pitch System™, with site preparation and installation supported by Binnie, Cedar Crest, and Knox Contracting, will feature the innovative multi-sport design for all future projects. Graphics created by Identity Graphics out of Cowichan and installed by Joel Wilson (DABHand Installations). All projects feature the Hope and Health logo designed by Maynard Johnny Jr - Coast Salish Artist re-patterned and painted orange as a tribute to residential school survivors.
Hope and Health has enhanced its program delivery to incorporate 5V5 specific game techniques, player development, and coaching methodology. The 5V5 format will be fully utilized in H3 program delivery and support the start-up of the Hope and Health “5V5 Champions” league. This league aims to accelerate Indigenous athlete development and serve as a recruitment pool for soccer partners at the academy and university levels.
About Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island Nation)
The vibrant Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island Band) community has prospered on fertile lands along the Fraser River since time immemorial. Today, more than 1,000 proud and resilient residents call this close-knit community home, blending the rich cultures of the Stó:lō and Nlaka’pamux peoples and united through Halq’eméylem language and shared traditions.
About Hope and Health
Hope and Health uses the beautiful game of soccer and mentorship to inspire hope and improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of Indigenous children and youth.
The organization is committed to advancing reconciliACTION through sport, aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (87–91), and beyond. Their vision is for Indigenous youth to carry themselves with pride and confidence, achieve their highest potential, and dream big.
Learn more: https://www.hopeandhealth.org
Media Contact
Deana Gill Co-Founder & CEO, Hope and Health 📞 604-388-4673 📧 deana@hopeandhealth.org