Whitecaps launch College Showcase | Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Vancouver Whitecaps FC, in partnership with the Washington State-based Showcase of Champions, are proud to announce the first annual Whitecaps West Coast College Showcase. The invitation-only showcase will combine high-level competition, college search workshops, and guest speakers from around North America.

The showcase provides a unique opportunity for U-15 to U-18 players to demonstrate their talents to a large audience of college and university coaches and scouts. Off the field, players will gain an advantage by learning about college recruitment, scholarships, as well as entrance requirements and processes. The showcase takes place at Newton Athletic Park in Surrey, BC, with the girls weekend set for March 19 to 21, 2010, while a boys showcase weekend will be coming in 2011.

Whitecaps coaches and scouts will also be present to evaluate candidates for specific Whitecaps opportunities. Those opportunities include the Whitecaps Residency programs, as well as the club's W-League women's team.

"A significant number of Whitecaps development alumni have gone on to scholarships in the United States and Canada, while some have also pursued professional careers through the Whitecaps men’s, women’s, and Residency teams,” explained Whitecaps director of youth development Dan Lenarduzzi. “The Whitecaps West Coast College Showcase will leverage the club’s profile, resources, and North American network to provide a valuable local opportunity for even more aspiring players."
Invitations will be extended to top teams in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, in the following age groups:
• Freshman (Grade 9 / 1995 / U-15) • Sophomore (Grade 10 / 1994 / U-16) • Junior/Senior (Grade 11 & 12 / 1993 & 1992 / U-17 & U-18) A maximum of 8-12 teams per age group will be accepted to the showcase.
The Whitecaps West Coast College Showcase will feature:
• Four matches per registered team • A ‘College-bound’ workbook for each player • Age-specific workshops for players and parents • Presentations and panels by college coaches • A player profile book distributed to all college coaches • A high ratio of college coaches and Whitecaps scouts per match

More on the Whitecaps West Coast College Showcase is available by
clicking here
or through Chris Murphy at
cmurphy@whitecapsfc.com
or 778.866.0977.


<strong>About the Showcase of Champions </strong>The Washington State-based 'Showcase of Champions' was established in 1999 by former Canadian international and Vancouver 86ers alumni Greg Ion. Over its 11 years of operation in Washington State, the Showcase of Champions has featured more than 10,000 participants in college workshops and presentations; 650 competing teams; and more than 300 college coaches seeking potential prospects. "We understand the time and financial investment that families annually contribute to their children. Our program provides the best value and the greatest benefit to a striving soccer family, " said Ion. "In partnership with the Whitecaps, we hope to provide that same experience to Vancouver by bringing the best guest speakers, soccer personalities, and college coaches from around North America."	<img src="//www.whitecapsfc.com/files/YouthUploads/show.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-top-style: solid; border-left-style: solid" border="0">

<strong>About the Showcase of Champions </strong>The Washington State-based 'Showcase of Champions' was established in 1999 by former Canadian international and Vancouver 86ers alumni Greg Ion. Over its 11 years of operation in Washington State, the Showcase of Champions has featured more than 10,000 participants in college workshops and presentations; 650 competing teams; and more than 300 college coaches seeking potential prospects. "We understand the time and financial investment that families annually contribute to their children. Our program provides the best value and the greatest benefit to a striving soccer family, " said Ion. "In partnership with the Whitecaps, we hope to provide that same experience to Vancouver by bringing the best guest speakers, soccer personalities, and college coaches from around North America."