Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster and GCBA VP Alexander Jecht discuss football, business and what comes next after FIFA World Cup 2026.
The World Cup came to Vancouver. What happens next?
The Rotary Club of Vancouver, in partnership with the German Canadian Business Association, welcomes Axel Schuster, CEO & Sporting Director of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Alexander Jecht, Vice-President of the German Canadian Business Association, for a conversation about football, business and the opportunities ahead.
Axel has led the Whitecaps since late 2019, following two decades in German professional football with Bundesliga clubs FSV Mainz 05 and Schalke 04. Under his leadership, the Whitecaps have become consistent playoff contenders while continuing to grow their presence in Canadian soccer.
Alexander brings more than 30 years of experience in the financial industry, including senior leadership roles with INTERHYP, UBS and Julius Baer.
With Vancouver having just welcomed the world for FIFA World Cup 2026, the conversation will look beyond the tournament itself: What does this moment mean for the growth of football in Canada? What is the business opportunity for Vancouver and the region? And where do the Whitecaps go from here?
The discussion will be moderated by Navid Morawej, President of the Rotary Club of Vancouver, followed by audience Q&A.
This is a great opportunity to bring a friend, colleague or prospective member who might enjoy the conversation and experience one of our Tuesday lunches.
Upcoming Meeting - SAVE THE DATE - September 15th
The Science of Happiness & Appreciation
About this Club Day
Join us for a special Tuesday luncheon featuring a panel conversation on generating happiness and appreciation - how giving, gratitude, and connection build stronger relationships, businesses, and communities.
The meeting opens at noon with lunch and the Secretary's announcements. At 12:45 we move into the panel: a lively member-hosted conversation with our panelists, sharing practical, research-backed insights you can apply in your everyday life and leadership. It is a topic that speaks directly to Rotary's values of service, fellowship, and community.
Featured Speaker
Dr. Lara B. Aknin Dr. Lara Aknin is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Simon Fraser University, and an Editor of the World Happiness Report. Internationally recognized for her research on generosity, social connection, and happiness, her work has appeared in leading journals, including Science, Nature Human Behaviour, and the Lancet. A former Chair of the Lancet's COVID-19 Mental Health Task Force. Dr. Aknin regularly shares her expertise with government, business, and public health leaders worldwide. She is also an award-winning researcher and educator.
Michelle Ng Michelle Ng is the Founder of Vancouver Foodie Tours and Granville Island Delivery Co. For 16 years she has built both on conviction: food is the fastest way to build connection. More than 75,000 guests later, she brings a practitioner's perspective on what it actually takes to create happiness and appreciation, day after day.
Kevin Hayes Kevin Hayes is a sales and marketing professional. He brings his industry experience to the Rotary Club of Vancouver and contributes to our community through active participation. Please join me in welcoming Kevin Hayes.
Come in person to celebrate your birthday with Purdy's chocolates!!
Let us know what you think about our last meeting. Scan the QR code below and fill out the short survey.
We stand at the precipice of history, staring down a formidable enemy that has haunted generations: polio. For decades, Rotary has led the global crusade to consign this paralyzing disease to the history books, bringing hope to millions of children and families worldwide. But the final stretch is always the hardest, and the threat of resurgence is real. If we falter now, polio could make a devastating comeback. We cannot let that happen.
We are calling upon your unwavering passion, dedication, and leadership to join us in our ultimate push.
On **September 4, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM**, at **The Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver)**, we invite you to experience an unforgettable evening of music and purpose at our **END POLIO Concert**.
We are honoured to present **Spencer and his Dream Continues Band**, featuring a double quartet, for a breathtaking performance.
Best of all, Spencer our dear District Governor Dean's friend, has graciously covered all expenses—meaning 100% of all ticket proceeds will go directly to our District fund for End Polio.
ROTARY 100
Online International Mega Meeting
✦ SPECIAL INVITATION ✦
ROTARY 100 ONLINE INTERNATIONAL MEGA MEETING
THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY 2026.
You are warmly invited as a Special Guest to the Rotary 100 Online International Mega Meeting – The People’s Assembly 2026, a global gathering being held in recognition of the United Nations International Day of Peace and during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81).
This special international gathering will bring together leaders, peace-builders, humanitarians, change-makers and advocates from around the world for meaningful dialogue, connection and collective action towards a more peaceful, inclusive and resilient world.
We opened up a second sheet of ice for signups, but it then has already been filled. Due to booking requirements, we're going to open a wait list and see if another 8 people would join.
Please RSVP by Monday the 31st at 4pm:
To join the wait list, please contact Nathan Hesketh (604-518-3370) and send your $40 payment. For questions, you can also reach Phil Webber (604-417-4420). It will be helpful if you could fill this 2-question form as well: https://forms.gle/9aZYcqkxP8kN9kZR8
Join us for a fun introduction to curling at the Vancouver Curling Club!
When: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM
Where: Vancouver Curling Club (Hillcrest Centre, 4575 Clancy Loranger Way)
6:30 PM: Off-Ice safety and equipment intro (MANDATORY - late means no soup...err...curling for you...)
6:45 PM – 8:30 PM: On-Ice instruction and a mini-game
8:30 PM: Drinks (no-host bar) and Nachos upstairs
What to Wear & Bring: Clean running shoes (change into them inside the rink to keep ice clean)
Warm, stretchy layers and loose pants
Light gloves (optional)
Questions? Contact Nathan or Patricia at admin@rotaryvancouver.org
Rotary Club of Vancouver – Building Our New Digital Home
Over the past year, President Navid and a team of members have led a major refresh of the Rotary Club of Vancouver’s digital presence.
This work includes a completely redesigned website and a set of connected online tools that bring our people, events, and service projects into one integrated system.
President Navid introduced the new platform this past Tuesday to our members:
"The intention behind this upgrade is threefold.
First, we want to make leadership and volunteering easier by reducing the time our members spend on administration and giving them clear, centralized information about what’s happening in the club.
Second, we aim to showcase who we truly are with clearer messaging, engaging photography and video, and up-to-date stories about our impact in the community—so that anyone visiting our site can quickly understand what Rotary does and why it matters.
Third, we are preparing for growth and partnerships, making it simpler for guests, prospective members, and community or business partners to learn about upcoming events, explore our areas of focus, and see how they can get involved.
All club members were encouraged to visit the new site, explore the updated system, review and complete their profiles, and share feedback, so that these tools continue to evolve with the needs and ideas of the club.
While the technology is new, the purpose is firmly rooted in Rotary values. These changes help us preserve our history and traditions—capturing stories and milestones that used to disappear into old emails—while giving the next generation of leaders the tools they need to carry the Rotary Club of Vancouver forward, with more impact and less friction."
Closing Remarks
President Navid closed the meeting with a toast:
“Here is to a Club that honours its past, embraces the future and keeps finding new ways to serve."
ROTARY 100 ONLINE INTERNATIONAL MEGA MEETING
REGISTER NOW: 
Or scan the QR code provided on the official event invitation to register.
