In 2007, Burnaby School District (SD41), Burnaby Neighbourhood House and City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, partnered together to form the Burnaby MoreSports program. Since its formation as an independent nonprofit in 2011, the Burnaby MoreSports Society has worked with its partners and community supporters to provide more accessible sports recreation programming at local schools.

BMS programs were developed specifically to serve young people who experience barriers to participation in recreational sports. Without opportunities to play and exercise regularly with friends and peers, marginalized youngsters are vulnerable to becoming isolated socially and emotionally, which puts their long-term health and well-being at risk.

Today, BMS is a registered charity providing free sports recreation, mentoring and leadership for more than 500 young people each year.

More information about what we do (and why) is on our Programs page.

Our Team

Maria (Program Manager) was Program Coordinator from 2012-2017 and rejoined the BMS team in the summer of 2019. She has a lifelong passion for sports and physical activity completing her Bachelor’s Degrees in Fitness Education (McGill University) and Recreation Management (Langara College). With the variety of her past jobs working with children in recreation (YMCA, Sport Ball, City of Burnaby) and having competed in team sports basketball, flag football and hockey, her own experience has taught her the importance of learning fundamental physical literacy, life and leadership skills through sports. When she’s not teaching sports to kids, you’ll find her traveling, paddle boarding and cheering for her hometown hockey team: “Go Habs!”

Harir (Senior Program Leader) graduated from UBC with a degree forensic psychology. She enjoys playing various sports, including field hockey, track and field, skating, and hiking. Harir has worked similar jobs in the past with kids, and has seen the ways in which sports can help children develop both physically and mentally. She believes that sports can act as an outlet for individuals to be part of a team, build a positive self-image, and develop perseverance. Harir has joined the BMS team hoping to foster a safe and fun environment for children to thrive.

Shayla (Senior Program Leader)  Shayla is a student at Douglas College and is currently completing a Bachelor’s of Physical Education and Coaching with a Minor in Criminology. Her love for sports and physical activity began at the age of 5 when she began playing softball and soccer. She loves challenges and played competitive rugby, basketball and volleyball throughout high school. Currently, Shayla plays adult soccer and softball. She believes sports are essential for physical and mental development and they are important for creating happy and healthy lifestyles.

Natalia (Program Leader) is a student at SFU studying Biomedical Physiology and volunteered as a YELL coach with BMS in 2018. She has been involved in a wide variety of physical activities for most of her life, including dance, karate, volleyball and soccer. Natalia enjoys all things active and passionately believes in the power of sport and its impact on personal and physical growth, as well as its impact on the community. She hopes to create a safe and welcoming environment for kids to build community, healthy habits, and active lifestyles.

Misa (Program Leader) Misa is a student at Capilano University studying legal studies. She previously volunteered for Burnaby MoreSports in high school before joining the team. Misa has played various sports for all of her life included soccer for 10 years and she wants to help kids find passion within sports just like she did. She believes that it’s important for kids to play sports to help develop friendships, learn teamwork, and to stay active. She wants to help provide a safe environment  for kids to be themselves and learn new skills.

Andrew (Program Leader) graduated from UBC with a degree in Kinesiology. He enjoys playing basketball, swimming, and soccer. Andrew has volunteered as a youth basketball coach for the Air Cadet program and has worked as a swimming instructor. Andrew believes sports can offer immense social, psychological, and physical benefits where learning physical literacy through progressive skill development can build strong foundations for healthy lifestyles. 

Suzanne (Program Leader) is a student at UBC studying Kinesiology. She has a passion for sports and being physically active when she has free time. Suzanne grew up playing a variety of sports including basketball, volleyball, ultimate, tennis, and badminton. She believes it is important for children to gain the fundamental movement and sport skills early on in life to lay a foundation for physical activity in the future. She hopes that she can be that person that can create a setting for children to develop and grow not only as athletes, but individuals as well outside the sport setting

Elise (Program Leader) Elise is currently a student at Douglas College completing her Bachelors of Physical Education and Coaching along with a Minor in Criminology. Her favourite sports growing up included soccer starting at the age of five along with, basketball, softball, and track and field. During high school she participated in competitive soccer, basketball, volleyball, and badminton. Elise still currently plays women’s soccer and loves tough competition. She believes that sports should be fun, inclusive, along with a little competition to create a positive, but challenging environment for everyone.

Naresh (Senior Program Leader) was a YELL coach for 3 years before joining the team in 2018. He is currently studying Business at Capilano University in hopes of pursuing a career in finance. He has played many different sports growing up including football, ice hockey, and soccer. He believes playing sports at a young age will not only help develop important life skills, like teamwork, communication, and discipline, but also help build confidence and self-esteem. Naresh is also a major fitness fanatic who hopes to motivate and inspire others to stay active and healthy.

Board of Directors

Sue (Co-President) has been with the BMS Board since 2015. She has over 25 years of nonprofit experience as a volunteer, board executive and paid administrator.

Susie (Co-President) joined the BMS Board in 2022. Bio coming.

Dallas (Past President) joined the BMS Board in the fall of 2017. He is a chartered accountant and currently works with the provincial government. Growing up in a small farming town in Manitoba, he knows the importance of giving back to his community. Sports has always been a big part of his life and he recognizes the impact sports can have on a child’s future. The life skills that can be developed will stay with the kids as they go forward in their lives.

Mark (Vice President) was elected to the BMS Board in November 2019, and has considerable experience as a corporate lawyer and chartered accountant.

Eric (Treasurer) has been on the Board of Directors since 2015. As a chartered accountant, he has significant financial, tax and compliance expertise.

Norita (Secretary) re-joined the BMS Board in November 2019, and is a lawyer and senior executive in real estate.

Cole (Director-at-Large) joined the BMS Board in 2022. As a management consultant, he has experience with strategic planning, project management and digital transformation.