Whitecaps announce Vernon Academy

Vancouver Whitecaps FC have announced a partnership with the North Okanagan Youth Soccer Association (NOYSA) and the Vernon School District #22 to operate the Whitecaps FC Vernon School Academy.The NOYSA school program, previously named the Okanagan Centre for Soccer Excellence, will now be known as the Whitecaps FC Vernon School Academy.The objective of the Whitecaps FC Vernon School Academy is to provide a formal training program, within the school timetable, with a commitment to academic and athletic excellence. The curriculum is designed to enhance the technical and tactical components of the student-athlete's game through extensive on-field and off-field training. The B.C. Ministry of Physical Education requirements are incorporated into the program."We're very excited to form this partnership with NOYSA and the Vernon School District," said Whitecaps director of youth Dan Lenarduzzi. "The Whitecaps are very respectful of the job that has been done to establish this innovative and highly successful school program in Vernon. With the Whitecaps support in management and operation, we hope to partner with the local resources to enhance the great work that has been done and connect this Whitecaps FC Vernon School Academy to the Whitecaps development network.""By partnering with the Whitecaps on the Whitecaps FC Vernon School Academy, we are providing our student-athletes with greater opportunities by being part of a larger network and professional club structure," said NOYSA executive director Marina Korberg."The addition of the Whitecaps to our school program further enhances the professional environment to allow our student-athletes to establish and realize athletic and personal goals, while building time management and leadership skills," said Superintendent of School District No. 22, Bob Peacock.The Whitecaps in partnership with NOYSA will oversee the management of the program on an ongoing basis and will include scheduled visits to Vernon. The Whitecaps will support and implement technical direction together with the nationally accredited coach and certified teacher.The Vernon Academy will commence in September 2008 through to January 2009 and will be offered for one semester to all secondary students from School District No. 22. Daily training will take place at the VantageOne Indoor Soccer Centre, a new facility built and operated by the Vernon Soccer Association. In addition to technical training and school studies, the program will include specific sports training, fitness, nutrition, and sport psychology.The Whitecaps FC Vernon School Academy is a first for the Whitecaps. "This is a natural extension of our regional partnership with the Okanagan in general," Lenarduzzi said. "We are exploring additional Whitecaps FC Regional School Academies with our development partners in other areas of BC."The Whitecaps FC Vernon School Academy is a program within the structure of the NOYSA District Development Centre, as part of the British Columbia Soccer Association (BCSA) development model.For more information and registration for the Whitecaps FC Vernon School Academy, contact Marina Korberg, Executive Director, NOYSA at the NOYSA Office: 250.545.5808 or noysa@telus.net or visit the NOYSA website at
http://www.vernonsoccer.ca/soccer_excellence/index.php