The Carl Valentine and Bob Lenarduzzi Scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding youth participating in the Westcoast Boys Club Network who are pursuing post-secondary education, with a demonstrable commitment to both academics and leadership in their community.     

In recognition of Carl’s adopted home of North Vancouver, the scholarships in his name will be issued to participants of the Westcoast Boys Club Network on the North Shore.  In recognition of Bobby Lenarduzzi’s East Vancouver roots, the scholarships in his name will be issued to Westcoast Boys Club Network members in East Vancouver/Burnaby.

Timelines: 

April 27: Application portal opens
May 17: Application portal closes
Early June: Scholarship winners announced

Eligibility :

Applicants must be:  

• Participants in the East Vancouver, Burnaby or North Shore Westcoast Boys Club Network, as verified by a program lead 
• In their final year of high school, on track to graduate in the Spring 
• Current residents of British Columbia 
• Able to provide evidence (letter of acceptance) for attendance at an accredited Canadian post-secondary educational/technical/vocational institution in the Fall

Criteria:

The selection committee will be looking for student applicants who are well-rounded, involved in sport (preferably soccer), as a player, coach, referee or administrator, and demonstrate leadership in their community. Participation in a high school team, local club, or academy program, is all applicable. 

Notes:

• Partially completed applications will not be accepted 
• All applicants’ personal information will remain confidential; however, details of the scholarship recipients may be shared in marketing and promotional materials once approved by the individual and/or the Westcoast Boys Club Network  
• Scholarship funds will be distributed to the post-secondary institution and can only be applied towards tuition costs relating to post-secondary education  
• Scholarships must be used within 12 months of issue

Selection Committee: 

• Bobby Lenarduzzi 
• Carl Valentine 
• Representatives of Whitecaps FC (staff and/or alumni) 
• Representatives of the Whitecaps FC Foundation  
• Representative of the Boys Club Network

About Carl Valentine

Carl Valentine is a former professional soccer player who has played for clubs in North America and England, including the Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver 86ers, and Oldham Athletic. He has made 409 appearances in his 17 years with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and has also represented the Canadian National team at the international level, including playing for Canada at the 1986 World cup in Mexico. Now the Club Ambassador for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, he continues to inspire the next generation of soccer players. 

Why the Boys Club Network?

I chose the boys club to hopefully inspire the next generation of young boys with my story. 

About Bob Lenarduzzi 

Bobby Lenarduzzi is a former professional player and coach with the Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver 86ers and Canada’s National Team. As a player, he led the Whitecaps to their first championship, was the league’s all-time appearance leader, named North American Player of the Year, and chosen among CONCACAF’s Top 30 Players of the Century. For Canada, he earned 48 caps, including the ’86 World Cup and ’84 Olympics. As a coach, he led the 86ers to four championships and later served as Canada’s men’s head coach. As an executive, he helped bring Major League Soccer to Vancouver. A member of four Halls of Fame and the Order of British Columbia, he has spent more than 50 years representing his hometown and country and continues his work with the Whitecaps as Club Liaison. 

Why the Boys Club Network? 

Growing up in East Vancouver, I have many fond memories of my upbringing. I was fortunate to have parents who dedicated their lives to raising four boys and preparing us for life’s challenges. With my East Van roots and the East Van Boys Club Network’s mission to support at-risk young men, I feel strongly connected to their purpose, and I look forward to meeting the scholarship recipient.