PROSPECTS

Prospects is the Whitecaps Youth Soccer program that provides for the development of a pool of highly talented young players from around BC to train together regularly in a professional environment with Whitecaps professional staff.

As part of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC club model, Prospects is designed to produce players into the Whitecaps full-time player program (Men’s Residency and Women’s Prospects). The ultimate objective is to assist players on their way to Professional opportunities with the Whitecaps or in Europe, National Teams opportunities, and Scholastic programs.

The program is built on an annual schedule, with age-based programs (U-11 to U-18) divided into two phases: the Training phase and the Team phase.

The Training phase takes place from September to March, during which programs are focused on individual player development, technical testing, and formalized feedback. The training phase will also include selected monthly exhibition games and potentially one or two competitive travel events.

The Team phase takes place from April to August, during which time players take part in team programs that are either run by or supported by Vancouver Whitecaps FC. These include BC provincial teams, and partner programs such as Super-Y League teams.

SELECTION

The Whitecaps will offer this opportunity to a limited number of top players in the Province and beyond. Players are selected from all programs and regions, based on technical merit, character, and Club coach recommendation.

Prospects Training Phase Selection

At no time in the Training Phase is a Prospects roster set. This allows for participation in Prospects to be fluid, dynamic, and based on performance and commitment. Prospects can be invited to attend regularly or be invited in for a limited time. Players are selected through:

Evaluation through Whitecaps FC programs including the Club Super Series and Seasonal Camps.
Evaluation through Whitecaps Partner Academy programs, games and events.
Consultation and dialogue with Clubs head coaches and BCSA Provincial team Staff

Prospects Team Phase Selection – April to August

U11, U12, U18 - Whitecaps team players will be selected form the Prospects training phase. The nucleus of each Prospects team will be in place by January. Additional players may be added within January/February.
U13 to U16 - Whitecaps Partner program team players will be selected by Provincial and Super Y League partners. The Whitecaps will provide player recommendations.

For more on Prospects Rosters please view either the Boys or Girls tab from the menu on the left.

STAFFING

PROSPECTS is fully integrated with Whitecaps full time player programs and professional teams and staff.

Bart Choufour is the Head Coach of the U11-18 Boys Prospects. Choufour is supported by a professional staff and is integrated with Thomas Niendorf, Men's Residency Head Coach, and the coaching staff of the Whitecaps Men.

Jesse Symons is the Head Coach of the U11-18 Girls and Womens Prospects. Symons is supported by Bob Birarda, Whitecaps Women's Head Coach.

COST

PROSPECTS is subsidized by the Whitecaps Foundation to eliminate player training fees. There will only be an equipment fee to have all players outfitted in new Whitecaps FC equipment. Players will also be committed to any special program travel events, and the cost of these events will be charged to the players directly.

EXPECTATIONS

The full “professionalization” of Prospects means that all accepted players are asked to make this program including all events, training, games, travel, meetings, and sports science programming a priority over club training (not including league games or cup play) or school sport commitments.

Prospects will compliment and not conflict with Provincial Team or National Team commitments. Prospects will not schedule conflict with Provincial Cup or National Championship competitions, and avoid scheduling new conflict with club events. There will be one/two travel weekend conflicts chosen in consultation and communicated early to club coaches.

This all falls within the recognized path of development as approved by the British Columbia Soccer Association. These priorities are as follows:

Selection to a CSA National Team Program Project at any level.
Selection and participation within the CSA NTC Program.
Participation within recognized BCSA Club and District Competitions (e.g. Cup and League play).
Selection and participation within the Provincial Teams Programming - March through July.
Selection and participation within Vancouver Whitecaps FC Prospects - September to March.
Scheduled BCSA Club Team Training.