South Delta United x Fusion FC Amalgamation — Member Q&A

As SDU prepares to vote on a proposed amalgamation with Fusion FC, we want to provide our members with clear and honest answers to any questions received. Some things we know, and some are still evolving, but our goal is to be as transparent as possible. We appreciate your patience and support as we work through this process.

Please note: Some details are confirmed, and others are still being worked through. We’re doing our best to keep members informed as things unfold. Before anything is finalized, SDU will carefully review all legal, financial, and operational aspects. No formal agreement will be signed until we've done our due diligence and are confident the decision is in the club's best interest.

  • Fusion youth players risk not having a club to play for next season due to decisions made at the district and provincial levels. These players seek a new home to continue developing and participating in the sport they love. By welcoming them into SDU, we offer them the opportunity to continue their soccer journey.

    At the same time, this amalgamation could bring tangible benefits to SDU: access to additional technical staff, the possibility of a high-performance BCSPL pathway based in our community, and a larger player pool that could strengthen programming at all levels.

    We also recognize challenges and risks. The BCSPL license transfer is not guaranteed, turf scheduling must be carefully managed, and some logistics—such as staffing and team integration—are still evolving.

    Initial conversations with Fusion began in July 2024, with the intention of exploring a phased partnership. However, on March 12th, new decisions at the district level have significantly accelerated timelines.

    That’s why we’re putting this decision to our members. We want to be transparent, allow you to ask questions, and let you vote on what you feel best suits the future of our club. Whatever the outcome, SDU will remain focused on growing the game in South Delta and creating incredible experiences for our players and families.

  • Yes. If we decide not to pursue the BCSPL license, or feel it isn’t a realistic path forward, we can still move ahead as South Delta United. In that case, we would continue to welcome any interested Fusion players and coaches into our club with open arms. Regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to growing the game in our community and pursuing meaningful development pathways for all SDU players.

  • Yes. Fusion FC is holding its own Special General Meeting and member vote at the same time as SDU. The outcome of their vote is not guaranteed. It is possible that Fusion members may choose not to proceed with the amalgamation. If that happens, Fusion FC will dissolve, and we will still welcome any interested Fusion players and coaches into SDU. Regardless of the outcome, our club remains focused on doing what is best for our players and families.

  • The timeline for this decision was significantly shortened by BC Soccer, which has imposed a hard deadline on Fusion FC. Since early discussions began, we have been operating with evolving information and shifting timelines. We understand it can be frustrating, and we’ve done our best to keep members informed as the situation develops. This process has involved a great deal of volunteer time and coordination, and we’re working with the best information available at any given point.

    If Fusion does not vote in favour of amalgamation, they will cease operations, and SDU will still be in a position to welcome Fusion players and coaches into our programming. The retention of the BCSPL license is also a complex and uncertain process, and it may not be something either club ultimately wishes to pursue depending on the circumstances.

Club Structure & Governance

  • This would be a full amalgamation. Fusion and SDU would become one club under the SDU name and structure. SDU would remain the operating club and governing non-profit entity. Fusion programming would be fully integrated into SDU.

  • If the amalgamation proceeds, Fusion’s executive board will step down, and SDU will assume oversight of the combined club operations. This includes programming and administration, subject to financial structure, the number of Fusion players who transition, and approval of the BCSPL license transition.

  • Yes. Fusion is a registered non-profit. Under the proposed amalgamation, SDU would remain the governing non-profit.

  • BC Soccer has given Fusion until the end of the month to find a district to join or cease operations. Richmond District have declined to integrate Fusion, leaving SDU as a potential solution. This timeline is driving the urgency behind the vote.

    Any changes to governance or operations would only move forward after a full review by the SDU board, including legal and regulatory checks.

Impact on SDU Teams, Size & Structure 

  • Yes. Fusion players would participate in SDU programming, train, and play in South Delta.

  • The amalgamation would increase the club's size. Ideally, Fusion players would join SDU in existing teams, limiting disruption for current SDU teams in the short term. There may be more player movement in future seasons and increased competition for positions.

  • Fusion currently has around 700 players, but not all are expected to transfer to SDU—especially grassroots players, as the commute through the tunnel may be a barrier for many families.

  • No major changes are expected. Equipment use would not be significantly impacted. A larger club size also allows for bulk purchasing and potential cost savings.

  • With more players potentially joining the club, there will naturally be increased demand for training space—particularly on weeknight turf. While we don't yet know the exact numbers, we're actively planning for a range of scenarios.

    We’re confident we can find workable solutions. Weekend games are not expected to be significantly affected, as there is availability on grass fields. We’re also exploring creative options—such as using local gyms for younger age groups—to ensure all teams have access to the space they need.

Player Development & Technical Programming 

  • SDU would benefit from an expanded coaching team, with Fusion bringing a strong track record of technical coaching and player development. A more extensive player base provides greater depth across age groups and allows for more internal opportunities for growth. The potential additions could lead to expanded training groups, greater competition, and more team formation options. In addition, hosting high-performance programming within our community would offer a more accessible pathway for players looking to progress within the sport.

  • Yes. Player evaluations will continue as expected across all divisions.

  • No. Core SDU programming will remain intact and may benefit from expanded coaching support and resources.

  • These details are still being worked out and will be presented at the meeting. We aim to strengthen both areas by adding Fusion’s coaches and experience, but we take a careful and measured approach.

We’re still working through the details and will share updates. Before anything becomes official, we’ll do a full review to ensure any changes are financially and legally sound.

High-Performance Pathway (BCSPL)

  • Fusion holds a BCSPL license, which could be transferred to SDU. This would offer a high-performance pathway directly to U14–U18 players within our club. However, this requires formal approval from BC Soccer and the South Fraser District Association and is not guaranteed. We are engaging in good faith with the appropriate governing bodies and are committed to following all protocols throughout this process.

  • Currently, SDU players can join external high-performance programs. If the amalgamation proceeds, BCSPL-level programming could be brought into SDU. However, this remains subject to external approval.

  • No. Fusion’s BCSPL license is still valid. However, where they are currently based, the Richmond district voted to remove them, meaning they can no longer operate there. Fusion must join another district by March 31st to maintain the license.

  • These organizations have communicated that any transition must address specific procedural and structural considerations. We are in ongoing discussions and will continue to meet all requirements set out by the appropriate governing bodies.

    If this moves ahead, the BCSPL program could be run through SDU, but only if we get the necessary approvals. We’re working with the right soccer bodies and won’t commit to anything without understanding the whole picture.

Financial Impact

  • Fees will increase next season, but this is unrelated to the potential Fusion amalgamation. The increase is due to a City of Delta expected decision to increase field rental costs for the upcoming season, which will impact all sports clubs that use South Delta fields. In addition, SDU is moving toward a model where all Div 1 teams will have a paid coach, which is part of our long-term plan to enhance player development and coaching consistency across the club. We understand that any increase in fees affects families, and we’re committed to keeping costs as manageable as possible while continuing to improve the quality of programming.

    We’re still working through the details and will share updates. Before anything becomes official, we’ll do a full review to ensure any changes are financially and legally sound

  • Yes. A full due diligence review has been conducted, covering all recorded, unrecorded, disclosed, and undisclosed assets, liabilities, contingencies, and potential exposures—including fraud or error, whether intentional or unintentional. This included a thorough assessment of Fusion FC’s financial position, contractual obligations, legal claims, tax compliance, and internal controls. The review ensured clarity, completeness, and adherence to accounting standards and legal requirements prior to advancing to final agreement.

Pros & CONS OVerView

Potential Benefits (Pros)

  1. Supporting Youth Participation
    This proposal offers a chance to provide stability for youth players who have been impacted by decisions beyond their control. It reflects a desire to support players in continuing their soccer journey in a consistent and community-focused environment.

  2. Expanded Player Pathways
    If approved, the amalgamation could position SDU to pursue high-performance programming—such as BCSPL—closer to home, giving players more accessible development options without having to leave the club.

  3. Coaching and Program Depth
    Fusion brings a track record of technical programming and player development that could complement and enhance SDU’s existing coaching strengths and club philosophy.

  4. More Development Opportunities
    A larger player base could allow for expanded training groups, more internal competition, and flexibility in team formation—contributing to a stronger development model overall.

  5. Collaborative Club Growth
    Bringing new families into SDU represents a natural next step in our ongoing commitment to inclusive, community-based soccer. It’s an opportunity to shape the future of our club with thoughtful planning and shared values

Potential Challenges (Cons)

  1. BCSPL License Not Guaranteed
    Transferring the BCSPL license to SDU requires formal approval from governing bodies, and while efforts are ongoing, this is not yet confirmed.

  2. Uncertain Player & Coach Participation
    It’s difficult to predict exactly how many Fusion players or coaches may join SDU, which could affect planning in the short term.

  3. Increased Administrative Workload
    Integrating two clubs will require significant coordination across operations, systems, and staffing. We are preparing for this, but it is a considerable undertaking.

  4. Reputation & Relationships in the Soccer Community
    Fusion’s past experiences within the soccer ecosystem may bring some scrutiny. We are committed to operating with integrity and transparency, but we recognize that navigating relationships in a complex and competitive environment requires care.

  5. Due Diligence & Risk Management
    As with any amalgamation, it's essential to identify and assess any risks or obligations before moving forward. SDU is taking a careful and thorough approach to ensure the club remains protected.

  6. Field Capacity
    More players could put added strain on field scheduling, particularly turf. We are proactively exploring solutions, but this will require careful management.

This process has progressed swiftly, and we’re doing our utmost to gather, assess, and share information as it becomes available. We recognize that this proposal may evoke a range of perspectives and emotions, and we are dedicated to maintaining respectful, constructive dialogue as our membership makes this critical decision.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Jeff Hodgson at jeff@southdeltaunited.com. We welcome all feedback.

Disclaimer

This FAQ is meant to help you understand the key points of the proposed amalgamation. We’re still working through the process, and things may change. Before any agreement is signed, the SDU board will thoroughly review the legal, financial, and operational details to ensure it’s the right move for our club.