VANCOUVER - In the midst of a six-week offseason training camp, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will conclude their latest preparations for Major League Soccer with a 12-day training spell in Southern California.
Teitur Thordarson's side have been training since the beginning of November in the build-up to the club's inaugural MLS season, which begins in March. This has included daily on-field training sessions, as well as twice-a-week strength and conditioning sessions at Burnaby 8-Rinks.
Starting this weekend, the Blue and White will move their camp to the warm and sunny conditions in Ventura Beach, California. Hosted by United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League club Ventura County Fusion, the 'Caps will use the state-of-the-art soccer facilities at Oxnard College and look to play some friendly matches during their stay in Southern California.
Ventura County Fusion, in conjunction with First Wave Sports Marketing, have provided various professional clubs and national teams with a world-class base for offseason and preseason training in recent years. Other MLS clubs that have used the Oxnard College facility include Columbus Crew, Real Salt Lake, and Seattle Sounders FC. English clubs Burnley FC, Everton FC, and Portsmouth FC have also trained at the complex, as have Mexican giants Club America and Cruz Azul. Canada are also among the various national teams to have also used the facility.
Whitecaps FC will arrive in Ventura Beach on Saturday and remain in Southern California until Thursday, December 9. Thordarson's squad will then break for the holiday season before returning for the club's preseason training camp on Monday, January 24, 2011.
The 2011 MLS season begins the weekend of Saturday, March 19, 2011, with Whitecaps FC set to play a 34-match regular season schedule in its inaugural year in North America's top flight.
More than 15,000 Whitecaps FC season ticket deposits have been sold for the club’s inaugural season in MLS. Season ticket deposit holders will be able to choose from seven different seating categories starting at a base price of $319, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order. Pricing starts at less than $17 per game and more than 60 per cent of seats are available for less than $31 per game. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, suites, and loge boxes, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
