'Caps and Thomas Niendorf part ways

February 25, 2010

Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that Residency managing director and head coach Thomas Niendorf will not return for the 2010 season. Whitecaps men's team assistant coach Colin Miller will immediately assume interim coaching duties for the club's Residency program, with support from Residency assistant coach Steve Meadley and men's team head coach Teitur Thordarson.

"We are very appreciative of Thomas' contribution to the club," said Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi. "Thomas played a pivotal role in getting the club's Residency program up and running, and in establishing a successful track record on which we will build on. The program will continue to be a focal point of our club, and the recruiting process for a replacement will begin immediately."

Since the Whitecaps Residency program began in September 2007, eight players have participated in loan spells with Germany's FC Energie Cottbus, with one player making a permanent transfer to the club. In addition, six members of the current Whitecaps men's team are products of the Residency program.

Prior to joining the Whitecaps in May 2007, Niendorf was the technical director and head coach of the now defunct Calgary Storm of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League from 2000 to 2002, and head coach of former USL First Division club Calgary Mustangs in 2004. From 1995 to 2001, he was also the director of the Thomas Niendorf Soccer Training Academy.

About Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency is based out of the Whitecaps Training Centre at Simon Fraser University, with a number of the players attending Burnaby Central Secondary School. The elite youth program - for players from U-17 to U-19 - provides a development gateway through to professional opportunities with the Whitecaps men’s team and European clubs. The program uses the European club model of identification, development, and placement. Whitecaps Residency and the Whitecaps youth prospects programs are committed to cooperation and communication with the provincial and Canadian national team programs. Each player's professional commitments, education, club, and national or provincial team responsibilities are carefully considered and coordinated for optimal periodization.

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