Burnaby icon Christine Sinclair is joining the Vancouver Rise FC ownership group

Although Burnaby soccer legend Christine Sinclair has announced she is hanging up her boots for good, she won't be retiring from the game entirely.

Vancouver Rise FC of the Northern Super League, Canada's new professional women's soccer league scheduled for its inaugural season in 2025, has announced that Sinclair has joined its ownership group along with majority owner Greg Kerfoot.

Sinclair currently plays for the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and announced in September that she would retire from professional soccer at the end of this season.

She withdrew from international competition on December 5, 2023, playing a friendly match against Australia at BC Place in Vancouver.

“Growing up in Burnaby, I never imagined I would be the owner of a professional women’s soccer club in my hometown,” Sinclair said in a Vancouver Rise FC announcement.

“I want every little girl in British Columbia and Canada to be inspired to play, coach or manage – see the opportunities for women in sport.” I'm so excited to be part of this movement and my passion to be able to share to help this club grow.”

🐐The GOAT accompanies us on the rise!

Global football icon @sincy12 will join Vancouver Rise FC's ownership group ahead of opening @NorthernSuperLg Season.#VanRiseFC | #StrongerByNature pic.twitter.com/zVS3ne0pX0

— Vancouver Rise FC (@VancouverRiseFC) October 7, 2024

Sinclair was one of the original members of the Portland Thorns and is the only player to have been there for the club's entire twelve-year existence.

She holds numerous club records, including games played (195 to date) and games started (176).

During her Thorns career, she scored 64 goals in the regular season, which is a record for the Thorns and the third-most in NWSL history.

The Burnaby product scored 190 international goals and represented Canada on the world stage, which is the most goals ever in both men's and women's soccer.

“There are few names in the history of Canadian sports and soccer as great as Christine Sinclair,” added Stephanie Labbé, Vancouver Rise FC sporting director and former CANWNT teammate.

“She has had an unprecedented impact on Canada’s sporting landscape and inspired millions of people across the country.”

“We are delighted that she has taken on a leadership role at our club to have as big an impact on the future of football. We won gold together and are now both looking forward to embarking on this next journey together in Canada with Vancouver Rise FC.” .”

The Northern Super League will feature six teams in its inaugural season next year.

In addition to Vancouver Rise FC, the clubs also include AFC Toronto, Ottawa Rapid FC, Halifax Tides FC, Calgary Wild FC and Montreal (no official team name has been announced).