As a result of discussions between Whitecaps staff and regional stakeholders from the North Okanagan Youth Soccer Association (NOYSA) and Central Okanagan Youth Soccer Association (COYSA), the Vancouver Whitecaps FC will continue to run U21 Okanagan Whitecaps FC Pacific Coast League (PCSL) teams in 2010 as part of the integration of the regional development model.
The support for the Okanagan Whitecaps FC teams comes in the wake of a cooperative initiative of Thompson Okanagan youth districts, to manage, operate and staff a new Super Y-League club that will be more aligned with the Thompson Okanagan Youth Soccer League (TOYSL).
There will be a new name and logo for 2010 but like other partners clubs in the Super Y-League, the teams will continue to wear a WFC Professional Development Partner badge on the sleeve.
The Whitecaps and TOYSL believe that an opportunity exists in the region to allow for the local soccer community to manage and control the development of youth players in a high performance league, while still being supported by the Whitecaps FC and BC Soccer. said Chris Murphy, Managing Director of Professional Development.
“In addition it is fantastic to have local support from the Vernon and Kelowna areas through NOYSA and COYSA respectively for the Whitecaps U21 teams. We feel that this will be an outstanding opportunity for the current players, in addition to providing a next level of play for aspiring players in this area identified through the Super Y-League and regional club programs.
The U21 OKWFC PCSL teams will be staffed by Whitecaps coaches David Broadhurst (men) and Claire Paterson (women). Both of these coaches bring tremendous experience to their teams and working knowledge of the TOYSL soccer system.
Players within the U17-U21 age group, who meet the standard and want to play for the Okanagan Whitecaps PCSL team, will be evaluated for possible inclusion and supported in their goals for further advancement in soccer and education.
Following up on a successful season, which saw the Okanagan Whitecaps Men’s teams win the U21 league and playoffs, the two teams will prepare for the start of the 2010 season by running fall/winter training at the Vernon Indoor Soccer facility.
More details about the upcoming season will be released shortly.
For more information on Whitecaps FC teams and programs in the Okanagan visit
//www.whitecapsfc.com/youth/okanagan/
For additional information about the Super Y-League or your regional program, please contact your youth district representatives.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC inquiries can be directed to Chris Murphy by email at
cmurphy@whitcapsfc.com.
