British Columbia Soccer Association and Whitecaps FC Form Partnership
Published on October 25, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
Vancouver, BC - The governing body of soccer in BC; British Columbia Soccer Association, and the professional soccer club of BC, Whitecaps FC, announced today a new partnership to enhance and streamline player development in BC. The goal is to better develop players for selection to Provincial teams; CSA National teams; and the Whitecaps Men's and Women's teams.
"The Whitecaps are excited to be a partner in this province wide development model. This bold initiative is a testament to the leadership of the Provincial Association, its members and the professional club," says Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps Director.
New Player Development Model Now In Place
"Both organizations understand to move soccer forward we have to come together for the good of the game and player development," says BCSA President Victor Montagliani. "With the establishment of the District Development Centre Program a new province wide player development model is now in place throughout BC which will bring together the pillars of player development; community, provincial, professional, and National teams."
The emphasis is still to empower the foundation of player development which is Community Club and District programs. BC Soccer will build on this foundation by clarifying player development through District Development Centres (DDCs,) which will operate regionally throughout BC.
Fonseca Now Whitecaps Full Time DDC Technical Director
The Whitecaps new training centre at SFU will operate as the Greater Vancouver DDC. The Whitecaps are showing their commitment by announcing that Tony Fonseca will be moving over from the Whitecaps Men's head coaching position to become the Whitecaps full time DDC Technical Director.
Community Club programs will be encouraged to recommend players for DDC training. Eventually this process will allow DDCs to facilitate the evaluation process for the Provincial program, as well as two key soccer development leagues - Super Y, and IPL (Intra Provincial League).
"We're very happy to be part of the official BC Soccer development model. With the Whitecaps playing in the Men's A-league, and the Women's W-League, it makes sense for the Super Y-League to be part of the youth soccer development model in BC helping to develop canadian players for provincial, national team, and professional opportunities," says Matt Weibe, USL Super Y League Director.
"I'd like to acknowledge both BC Soccer and the Whitecaps for their leadership and initiative. This is the type of partnership that keeps us moving in the right direction and we look forward to working together with both BC Soccer and the Whitecaps to continue to move player development forward in Canada," says CSA President Andy Sharpe.
USL First Division Stories from October 25, 2004
- British Columbia Soccer Association and Whitecaps FC Form Partnership - Vancouver Whitecaps
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