Our Story

Every great athlete starts somewhere. This is where we began, and where your journey continues.

Facility Interior

Built From Passion

Back in 2012, our founder Marcus Chen walked into what was basically an abandoned warehouse on Warrior Way. Most folks saw rotting floorboards and leaky ceilings. He saw something different - potential for a space where athletes wouldn't have to compromise.

Championship Moments

The Vision

Coming from years playing semi-pro basketball across Canada, Marcus knew what was missing in Vancouver. There weren't enough facilities that treated athletes like athletes - whether you're a kid learning to dribble or training for nationals.

How We Got Here

1

2013 - The Beginning

Year One

Started with one court, three basketball hoops that we refurbished ourselves, and a dream. Our first "member" was Marcus's nephew who needed somewhere to practice after school. By month three, we had 15 kids showing up regularly.

2

2015 - Expansion Era

Growth

Added two more courts and brought Sarah Kim on board - she'd been coaching volleyball at UBC and wanted to create something special for youth athletes. That's when we really became a multi-sport facility, not just another basketball gym.

3

2018 - Tournament Ready

Milestone

Hosted our first provincial tournament. It was chaos honestly - we weren't quite ready for 400 athletes showing up over one weekend. But we pulled it off, and suddenly we were on the map as a legit competition venue.

4

2021 - Complete Rebuild

Transformation

COVID hit us hard like everyone else. But we came back stronger - completely renovated the entire facility. New floors, upgraded equipment, better lighting. Added our fitness center and specialized training areas. This is when Flameborn really became what it is today.

5

2025 - Present Day

Now

We've got over 2,000 active members, host tournaments almost every month, and our youth programs have sent athletes to provincial and national teams. But honestly? We're still that same place where someone can walk in and just work on their game.

Meet The Team

We're not corporate suits or franchise managers. We're coaches, former athletes, and sports junkies who actually care about what happens on our courts.

Marcus Chen

Marcus Chen

Founder & Head Director

Marcus Chen

15+ years playing semi-pro ball taught me what athletes need. Started this place because I was tired of mediocre facilities that didn't get it. Still coach on Tuesdays and Thursdays when I'm not buried in paperwork.

Sarah Kim

Sarah Kim

Athletic Programs Director

Sarah Kim

Former UBC volleyball coach who saw what we were building and jumped on board. Designed most of our youth development programs. Has this crazy ability to spot talent in kids before anyone else does. Coffee addict, perfectionist, volleyball nerd.

Devon Richards

Devon Richards

Strength & Conditioning Lead

Devon Richards

Certified strength coach who worked with national team athletes before joining us. Runs our conditioning programs and makes sure nobody's skipping leg day. Tough as nails but genuinely cares about keeping athletes healthy and strong.

Priya Patel

Priya Patel

Events & Operations Manager

Priya Patel

The organizational wizard who actually keeps this place running. Coordinates all our tournaments and makes sure everything from scheduling to snack bars works smoothly. Former event planner who got hooked on sports management. Total multitasking genius.

James Okonkwo

James Okonkwo

Youth Development Coach

James Okonkwo

Played college ball in the States before coming back to Vancouver. Amazing with kids - has this way of pushing them hard while keeping it fun. Runs most of our youth leagues and somehow remembers every kid's name even when we've got 200+ enrolled.

Rachel Thompson

Rachel Thompson

Sports Therapist

Rachel Thompson

Registered physiotherapist who's saved countless athletes from stupid injuries. Does injury prevention workshops and rehab programs. Also the voice of reason who tells people when they need to actually rest instead of pushing through pain.

What We're Really About

Look, we're not gonna feed you some corporate mission statement written by a marketing team. Here's the deal - we built this place because we love sports and we were sick of facilities that treated athletes like just another booking slot.

Whether you're training for nationals or just want somewhere decent to play pickup ball on weekends, you matter here. We've got the equipment, the space, and the expertise to help you get better. But more than that, we've created a community where athletes actually want to train.

That's it. No fancy slogans, no empty promises. Just quality facilities, knowledgeable coaches, and a genuine love for what we do.

2000+

Active Members

12+

Years Operating

50+

Annual Tournaments

Come See For Yourself

We're not hiding behind stock photos and marketing hype. Drop by anytime during operating hours for a tour.

No Appointment Needed

Just show up. Our staff's usually around and happy to show you what we've got going on.

Meet The Crew

Talk to our coaches, check out the programs, ask questions. We're pretty straightforward people.

See Real Training

Watch actual sessions happening. You'll get a feel for the vibe and what we're all about way better than any website can show.

Get In Touch