By Rick Kupchuk - Surrey North Delta Leader
Boys in Grades 8-12 can take part in Delta’s new soccer school program this fall. Girls will be eligible to join in 2009.
Two new soccer academies in the Delta School District will kick off in the fall, giving male students in Grades 8-12 an opportunity to combine sports with education.
Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club announced Wednesday the launch of a pair of programs.
The Whitecaps Delta Prospects Academy, in partnership with the British Columbia Soccer Association (BCSA), will be offered to Grade 11-12 boys at North Delta Secondary School. The Whitecaps Delta School Academy is for Grades 8-10 boys at Delview Secondary School.
The programs will “provide a formal training program, within the school timetable, with a commitment to academic and athletic excellence,” said the Whitecaps in a press release.
“We are very fortunate to have the Whitecaps partner with the Delta School District to offer several soccer academies located at our secondary schools,” said Delta School District superintendent Steve Cardwell. “These opportunities will not only benefit the students taking part, but will bring excellence, expertise and excitement to our community.
The programs will put student/athletes through “extensive” on-field and off-field training. They will kick off in September, 2008, and will be expanded a year later to include a girls program.
Bart Choufour, a head coach in the Whitecaps youth program and a teacher in the district, will be involved in the day-to-day operations of the program.
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