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 Whitecaps Residency. 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.

Prospects runs from September to March, with age-based programs U-11 to U-18. The program is focused on individual player development, technical testing, and formalized feedback. There will also be selected monthly exhibition games and potentially one or two competitive travel events.

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. 

At no time 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 

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

Whitecaps Team – April to August 

At the conclusion of Prospects in March, players have opportunities to play for Whitecaps or partner teams from April to August.. 

Please view the Whitecaps Team and Competitive programs by clicking here.

Staffing

PROSPECTS is fully integrated with Whitecaps Residency 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 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:

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