Squad teams up with Delta school district for programs
Vancouver Sun
Thursday, May 08, 2008
The Vancouver Whitecaps are "developing in Delta," announcing Wednesday they've joined with the Delta school district in creating the Delta Prospects Academy and the Whitecaps Delta School Academy.
The Whitecaps Delta Prospects Academy, a Grades 11 and 12 boys program at North Delta secondary school, and Whitecaps Delta school academy, which caters to Grades 8 to 10 boys at Delview Secondary School, will focus on education and soccer-skills development. Both programs will kick off this September with plans for a girls academy for the 2009-10 school year.
The partnership is a result of the success of the Whitecaps FC Residency program, a full-time academics and soccer program targeting the top under-18 boys in Canada, and a further attempt to bridge the gap in youth player development, said Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi.
"The new prospect and academy programs will provide a direct path for local talent," said Lenarduzzi.
The Whitecaps Delta Prospects Academy is a full-time player program with players selected as part of the Whitecaps and B.C. Soccer Association under-17 and under-18 transition program in preparation for potential Whitecaps' residency, national team or education opportunities.
Players are part of a full-time Whitecaps player program and will be training daily while attending school.
The curriculum is designed to enhance the student-athletes' training program, within the school timetable, with a commitment to academic and athletic excellence.
The Whitecaps and Delta school district will have a public information meeting regarding the new school soccer program tonight at 7 p.m. at Delview Secondary School, 9111 16th St.v
© The Vancouver Sun 2008
