And what's even more 🤯 than that is every one of these affiliates invited the FFL in out of love for the community, as we fumbled to try to find a system that worked 😅 and that's the only reason the FFL was able to function for so many of those early years 🙏.

Fast forward to 8 years, 25 seasons, hundreds of matches, 6 different softwares and 20+ playoffs later... and I'm proud to say we've sent out our first commissions to affiliates who hosted a match! We're also able to pay competitive hourly rates to their coaches who are able to help facilitate the matches they host💸

Our events are by no means perfect (hence the debrief) but I finally feel I can confidently say I have the experience, and a custom built back end, that help us run very efficient and enjoyable events, while still being affordable and accessible to athletes of any level or ability 💪

So if you want to generate some easy income for your affiliate (and your coaches) while also getting a huge community boost (everyone comes out for a home team match!) then let's chat 2024 season 📩 simon@league.fit

Huge thank you to everyone who's been a part of getting the FFL to where it is 🙏and allowing me to treat entire regions like a big group class 😂 and to my better half hiding behind the desk @r_wu 😘 and I'm very excited for our post COVID regrowth alongside our partners over at @bioedgesciences 🤩 stay tuned.

#Functionalfitnessleague #FFLYVR #FFLYYJ #FFLYYC #functionalfitness #ffcomp #competition

Looking back over a decade of owning a brick and mortar small business in Vancouver, I can honestly say there was a cumulative total of maybe 2-3 years (out of the 10) that I wasn't dealing with something extremely mentally & emotionally taxing. Between partner buyouts, HRT lawsuits, and a pandemic (just to name a few) it's hard to find the time to remind yourself that you love (or at some point loved) what you do...

I only share this now because for the first time in a long time, I've had time to be reminded of how much I love what I do. Since downsizing I've been able to get back on the floor, coach more classes, do more programming, and get back to doing the things I started this for; rather than just stressing and trying to keep the doors open.

This doesn't mean Raincity is in the clear yet. Just like all small businesses; we survived COVID by deferring debts... and the majority of us still have a lot of them to pay off. But, for the first time in years I've had an incredible few months with an incredible team and community which has finally again made me excited for Raincity and it's future.

So a huge thank you to anyone and everyone who's supported and/or put up with me (and Raincity) in the last decade. Whether you've worked out, coached, or even just come by for the the parties and animals - thank you, and I hope you'll join us for another 5 (sorry it's not going to be another decade 😅).

- coach @thor604

Ps sorry not sorry I spent more time taking pics of animals than people #thortakespics #raincitybirthday

#rathletes #raincityathletics #findyourfit #smallbusiness #smallbusinessbccanada #rwutakespics

I know that sounds grim… but as a small business owner who just carried a 7k sqf brick and mortar shop through a 2 year long pandemic, I think it’s allowed.

Funny enough, surviving the pandemic wasn’t the hard part… bouncing back after has been. To be frank; Raincity has barely broken even since COVID (and the gov wants most of their money back soon).

My only options to try to get my life back, or make some actual $$, were a) to sell (not a lot of people buying gyms post pandemic); b) to try to retract to the OG side only and become a small private training studio (ending most/all group classes); or c) to run Raincity into the ground and pursue bankruptcy…

Last year I made the extremely difficult decision for my own mental health, that I would execute one of these options by Raincity’s 10th birthday (August)… but then a dream opportunity landed in my inbox; sub leasing out the high ceiling OG space and keeping the bigger side + access to the bathrooms.

This weekend we begin our renovations to say goodbye to (most of) the OG space, and we move full time into the 5k+ square foot Annex side.

Thank you everyone for the positive support in the many extremely difficult decisions I've had to make since COVID... and ✌️out to anyone who tries to bring negativity into the welcoming and inclusive community I've spent the last decade of my life building.

Tho our physical space may be getting smaller, I promise in every other way this change will allow Raincity and it's incredible community to grow bigger & better than ever ❤️

For the full breakdown of what's coming up: www.rncty.events

@raincityathls
@raincityfitclub

#raincityathletics #raincitysquad #rathletes #findyourfit #community