I enjoy watching the Vancouver Rise immensely.

First off, it’s women playing #soccer. Everyone should implicitly understand the appeal of women playing soccer. If you don’t, you must hate living.

But beyond the obvious, there’s many other reasons.

The Northern Super League is only in its 2nd year of play, and already it’s one of the best women’s soccer leagues in the world. All the games are well-attended. And we got talent from all over the world who are absolutely dying to play in Canada.

And that’s another reason to love it: the potential. You can’t build a good #WorldCup national squad without a solid domestic pro league. If you pay women to play, they’ll get better. Which means, come 2027, Canadian Women’s National Team has a big shot at winning it all.

Which we can’t say about the men’s team. Not diminishing the men’s team, I’m just pointing out the reality.

Next, Swangard Stadium. It only seats around 5,000 people, but it’s outdoors and the field is grass instead of turf. I hope they expand it for more seats because every Rise game is packed.

Also, the merch. The uniforms look fantastic. I bought my wife a jersey and a hat, and she looks great in it.

Can’t say enough good things about the food. Yes, you got your standard hot dogs. But there’s premium food trucks on the concourse serving a wide array of cuisine—including a killer Mexican truck that’s to die for.

The supporters are fire too. Shout out to the Crow Collective. Lots of spirit, great chants, and full of fire.

Finally, the Rise have stars. I love Yuka Okamoto, Latifa Abdu, Quinn, Melissa De Filippo, Anna Bout. Every time I see them on pitch, I can’t help but light up. They’re not just players. They’re not just my team. They’re like family—my girls.

And how awesome would it be to watch them lift up the Diana B. Matheson trophy for a second year in a row—which is the most beautiful trophy in women’s sports?

#NSL