Special guest speakers from the University of North Carolina, Duke University, University of Notre Dame, Santa Clara University, and the University of Portland to attend first annual Whitecaps West Coast College Showcase.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today their first set of guest speakers for the first annual Whitecaps West Coast College Showcase at Newton Athletic Park in Surrey, BC, next March.
With support from the Washington State-based 'Showcase of Champions', the Whitecaps are launching an invitation-only Showcase to provide U-15 to U-18 players from across Western Canada a unique opportunity to demonstrate their talents to a large audience of college and university coaches and scouts. The Showcase will combine high-level competition, college search workshops, and guest speakers from around North America.
March 6 to 8, 2010, leading coaches and trainers from some of the top National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women's soccer programs in the United States will speak at the first annual Showcase. "Our goal each year is to bring in the top speakers to provide the best information and resources to striving Canadian players regarding opportunities in Canada and the United States," said 'Showcase of Champions' president and Vancouver Whitecaps alumni Greg Ion.
Leading the list of guest speakers is University of North Carolina assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Chris Ducar. A member of the most successful women’s soccer program in NCAA Division I - including more than 19 national championship titles - Ducar has spent the last 14 years working with legendary Tar Heels head coach Anson Dorrance. "We are excited to have Chris Ducar at our first annual Showcase to share his incredible insights on the college recruiting process," explained Whitecaps director of youth development Dan Lenarduzzi.
Additional key speakers and guests will include mental training coach Dr. Greg Dale from Duke University, University of Notre Dame women's head coach Randy Waldrum, Santa Clara University women's associate head coach Greg Murphy, and University of Portland director of soccer Bill Irwin. "With so many talented players in Western Canada, I look forward to being able to attend what is sure to be a fantastic opportunity for players," said Irwin.
The Whitecaps West Coast College Showcase provides the best value and benefits for an aspiring soccer family. Beyond the tournament-style competition, the classroom sessions, information for players and parents, and college coach participation will provide families the greatest advantage over other similar events and programs. At the Showcase, the players will receive a college bound workbook, while attending college coaches are provided with a profile on every team and athlete.
"We look forward to announcing additional college and university attendees from both the United States and Canada in the near future," said Whitecaps managing director of professional development Chris Murphy.
For more information on the Whitecaps West Coast College Showcase, click here or contact Chris Murphy at
cmurphy@whitecapsfc.com or by phone at 778.866.0977.
