Vancouver Rise FC has parted ways with sporting director Stephanie Labbé and eliminated the position as part of planning for 2027.
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Vancouver Rise FC announced Friday that it has ended its partnership with sporting director Stephanie Labbé.
The club said Labbé was its first employee and helped build the team that won the inaugural Northern Super League championship last year.
In a statement, interim president Aditi Bhatt said, "We are incredibly grateful to Steph for everything she has done to help build this club," adding, "She played a vital role in building Rise FC and will always be part of our history as an inaugural NSL champion."
Rise said it has eliminated the sporting director position as part of planning for 2027.
Labbé, who acknowledged on Instagram that her departure was not what she expected, wrote, "While this is not how I envisioned my time at Vancouver Rise FC coming to an end, it's clear with the club's new direction, it’s time for me to look forward."
She also stressed the importance of supporting players and creating a positive environment, saying, "Advocating for players has always been one of the most meaningful parts of this work," and that she believes "building a successful club means investing in people, prioritizing player wellbeing, and creating an environment where athletes and staff feel supported, valued, and empowered to be at their best."
The club said chief soccer officer Robyn Gayle will continue to lead its sporting department.
The move comes just over a month after Vancouver fired head coach Anja Heiner-Moller, with the defending champions fighting for a playoff berth.
Vancouver’s fourth-place Rise visit Ottawa on Sunday and can clinch a post-season spot with a win if fifth-place Halifax loses to Montreal on Saturday.
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