Fireside with National Team Coach Jesse Marsch

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Vancouver soccer fans and local coaches are invited to an exclusive fireside chat with National Team Coach Jesse Marsch, presented by The Coaches Site and Blackfin Sports Group. The conversation comes just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, with Vancouver among the host cities.

This exclusive event, hosted by former USMNT World Cup defender & Vancouver Whitecaps Captain Jay DeMerit, takes place on January 31, 2026, at SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts in Vancouver. The afternoon includes a fireside chat with Marsch moderated by Aaron Wilbur, Founder of The Coaches Site, live attendee Q&A, networking, and the option to attend a post-event social hour at a nearby pub.

Tickets are available now and are expected to sell out as space is limited!

Since taking the helm of the National Team in May 2024, Marsch has energized the program, guiding it to its highest ever FIFA World Ranking. In this intimate discussion, Marsch will explore the team’s identity, his preparations for the World Cup, and his vision for growing soccer in Canada - from youth development to elite competition.

Highlights of the conversation will include:

• How his team shows up on the pitch and embodies its identity
• Strategies for preparing the squad for World Cup play
• Marsch’s coaching philosophy and practical guidance for local youth coaches
• Leadership lessons from a 15-year coaching career spanning MLS, Bundesliga, and Premier League
• Why Marsch is passionate about the future of Canadian soccer

Marsch will also reflect on his coaching journey from his time as an Assistant Coach with the U.S. Men’s National Team, to his Head Coaching positions with Montreal Impact, New York Red Bulls, RB Salzburg, RB Leipzig, and Leeds United, sharing lessons in leadership, culture, and player development that can be applied by coaches at every level.

About The Coaches Site

The Coaches Site is an education and social platform that enables coaches of all sports to create, save, organize and share coaching content. Offering solutions for individuals and sports organizations, The Coaches Site helps coaches explore new resources, connect with a global network of leaders and build their digital development playbook.

About Blackfin Sports Group

Blackfin Sports Group is a boutique sports & entertainment agency based in Vancouver. Blackfin offers a unique blend of sales, business strategy and legal services that provides sports properties and individuals a single resource to support their business and brand objectives.

Info: Check in to the event and get your TCS swag kit!

Info: Hosted by former captain of the Vancouver Whitecaps, Jay DeMerit.

Info: In this exclusive interview, we'll uncover the identity of Canada’s National Team and how it shows up on the pitch, Marsch's development philosophy and how youth coaches can implement it, the leadership lessons Marsch has learned throughout his 15 year coaching career, and so much more!

Info: Enjoy a drink on us and get to know the Vancouver soccer coaching community at Blarney Stone.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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