VANCOUVER, JULY 2025 — A potential shift is on the horizon for Zone 4 Women’s Team 1 Interclub league, as the future of joint play with Zone 3 clubs is being reconsidered amid ongoing structural challenges.
Historically, Zone 4’s Team 1 clubs—Burnaby Mountain, Fraserview, University, and Vancouver Chinese Ladies—have joined forces with four clubs from Zone 3 for competition, but that collaboration may be due for a rethink.
Among the factors prompting reflection are travel distances between the two zones and challenges assembling full three-team rosters.
Another major sticking point is differing approaches to green fee structure. In Zone 4, Teams 2 and 3 have a "user pay" green fee model system which their Team 1 would like to adopt as well. Member Clubs of Team 1 in Zone 3, however, have indicated a preference to continue with a "host pays" approach.
Burnaby Mountain has already announced its intent to withdraw from Team 1 competition under the current system.
With only four teams competing from each Zone, if a solution cannot be found, then both Zones will suffer diminished competition.
Zone 4 Women’s Chair Jessie Horner has proposed a Zoom meeting in August to assess options going forward, including whether Team 1 could continue with just Zone 4 clubs or if another collaborative model is possible. Clubs currently participating—or interested in doing so—are encouraged to get in touch. Interested parties can contact her at jessiejhorner@gmail.com.
“Now please share with your members!” Horner added, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue in shaping the future of competitive women’s interclub play.