Beginning this fall, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will build on the current partnership with BC Soccer by providing further support at the U13 and U14 age groups within the BC Soccer Provincial Program.
The support is in alignment with Canada Soccer’s Long Term Player Development model (LTPD) as the Provincial Program identifies and selects players from the BC Soccer Premier League (BCSPL) on an ongoing basis. Whitecaps FC staff will then support BC Soccer staff in monitoring, evaluating, and developing players throughout the year.
Male players coming through the program will continue to move into Whitecaps FC full-time professional Residency teams at the U-15, U-17, and U-19 levels to play in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Female players will advance through the program moving into the Canada Soccer licensed Whitecaps FC BC Super REX professional program, in partnership with BC Soccer.
“We’re excited to be enhancing our support to BC Soccer on this activity,” said Whitecaps FC Residency technical director Craig Dalrymple. “This change in Whitecaps FC programming will allow young local players to continue developing with their clubs in the BCSPL environment, while also expanding our identification and evaluation to a larger base of players throughout the year within the Provincial Program.
“Combined with our academy centres that we operate in partnership with the respective provincial governing bodies across the country, we are casting a wide net of young talent to bring through the development pathway.”
“This is a great opportunity to work more closely with BC Soccer to have a broader look on players in younger age groups,” added Emma Humphries, Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Super REX director and head coach. “Through our collaboration with BC Soccer, we continue to support Canada Soccer in our mutual goal of producing players for our senior women’s national team.”
“BC Soccer is pleased to continue to enhance and grow the partnership we have with the professional club in BC,” said BC Soccer director of soccer development Chris Cerroni. “Our objective is to develop and support as many players as possible as they work to reach the highest level they desire.”
