Recently I had the privilege of representing Vancouver Whitecaps FC at this year’s BC Summer Games, which were held in Surrey from July 19 to 22. I got to attend the opening ceremonies with nearly 4,000 athletes who would participate in 20 sports over three days. The dignitaries and athletes were treated to some great entertainment before the lighting of the torch.
Surrey put on a great BC Summer Games with over 3,500 volunteers making sure that everything ran really smoothly. For the games to be successful they need the support of the many partners, and this year Vancouver Whitecaps FC were happy to be a part of this special event.
The soccer tournament was held at Newton Athletic Park where many exciting matches were played on both the girls and boys . The coaches had scouted these players throughout their zones looking for the best players in each community.
Myself and a number of Whitecaps FC players were in attendance to present the gold, silver and bronze medals to each winning team. Following this event the coaches got to choose two players from their team to attend a clinic with the Whitecaps FC Residency coaches on August 11, and attend the game that evening against Real Salt Lake at BC Place.
The clinic was run by staff coaches Bart Choufour (U-14 boys), Martin Nash (U16 & 18 boys), and women’s head coach Jessie Symons. ‘Caps MLS defender Greg Klazura was also there to lend a hand.
Overall, 16 boys and girls were put through their paces, and Whitecaps FC head of player management and advancement Stuart Neely was on hand to do some evaluations of any potential Whitecaps FC prospects.
When I talked to our coaches they were really encouraged by the quality of play on the field. The young BC Summer Games players were thrilled to be in this challenging environment and to have the chance to impress the ‘Caps coaches. There were also a number of BC Summer Games coaches in attendance and they were thrilled to be able learn from the ‘Caps staff in a classroom session, and then on the field.
All in all, it was a great opportunity for Whitecaps FC to foster this partnership with the BC Summer Games as we continue to help grow the game of soccer throughout British Columbia.
