By Simon Fudge/whitecapsfc.com
These are exciting times at Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and while focus is moving towards Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2011, a long and storied history continues to provide an important foundation for the club.
It was 10 years ago today that the name 'Whitecaps' formally returned to Vancouver's professional sports scene, as then Vancouver 86ers owner David Stadnyk bought the naming rights from John Laxton, who was a former director of the club during their days in the old North American Soccer League (NASL).
Before October 26, 2000, the name 'Whitecaps' was synonymous with an important decade in the club's history. Between 1974 and 1984, thousands watched the 'Caps take on their NASL rivals at the old Empire Stadium and BC Place, with the club winning Vancouver's first major North American sports championship in the form of the NASL Soccer Bowl title in 1979.
The 86ers themselves continued Vancouver's great success in professional soccer when it formed in 1987. Yet, the turn of a new millennium and widespread public support resulted in a press conference 14 years later at the Vancouver Aquarium, with the club formally changing their name from 86ers to Whitecaps ahead of the 2001 A-League season.
The return of Whitecaps FC and their famous Blue and White colours brought a period of success, especially following Greg Kerfoot's takeover of the club in November 2002. The men's team won two United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division championship titles in 2006 and 2008, wile the women's team earned two USL W-League championship titles in 2004 and 2006. Those titles helped re-establish the Whitecaps name as one of the most respected in North American soccer.
That legacy will surely reach new heights in the years ahead, as Whitecaps FC prepare to take their place among North America's soccer elite, as a member of MLS next March.
Learn more about Whitecaps FC by visiting the club's history page
