VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC have united with the Vancouver Southsiders, Curva Collective, and Rain City Brigade to honour a “Kid Captain” at every home match in 2018.

The Kid Captain of the Match program is a joint effort between the club and its supporters’ groups to honour children battling health conditions and/or those who have made a positive impact in their community. Each match, a new Kid Captain will be recognized prior to kickoff in the supporters’ section, where a representative from one of the supporters’ groups will place a scarf around their neck.

The Kid Captain will also receive a new 2018 Whitecaps FC Unity Jersey and have the exclusive opportunity to watch the match from field level in the EA SPORTS™ Fan Bench.

Taylin McGill, 16, will be the first Kid Captain recognized when Whitecaps FC open their 2018 MLS season against Montreal Impact this Sunday at BC Place. McGill, who was diagnosed with salmonella bacterial meningitis as an infant, is a true BC Children’s Hospital success story, having learned to talk, walk, and eat again after undergoing 14 brain surgeries by age seven. She also suffered many more seizures, including some that lasted up to 90 minutes.

McGill’s perseverance and positive attitude is an inspiration to all those around her. Keep an eye on the videoboard prior to kickoff and join us in celebrating McGill on Sunday at BC Place.