Lethbridge signs Whitecaps Academy soccer players to post secondary teams
The Vancouver Whitecaps Major League soccer club has many developmental programs all over the country, including here in Lethbridge.
Whitecaps FC announced its expanded partnership with the Alberta Soccer Association on Tuesday, giving players from all over the province elite-level soccer programming opportunities. Local players looking to continue their careers in southern Alberta are doing so.
“There’s a standard…when you put this (Whitecaps) badge on, it’s not some house league or anything like that,” says Whitecaps Academy player, Vincent Dyck.
The Whitecaps Academy brings opportunity for high school players to play at an elite level. LSA technical director, and Whitecaps Academy coach, Sam Heap beams at his players talent, and passion for the game.
“When I’m driving home, I’ll see two or three of them on a run, and that’s just fantastic for me. That’s the commitment that a program like this needs,” says Heap.
Canadian soccer superstar Alphonso Davies is a Whitecaps alum, keeping the dream alive for local athletes. “The dream, I guess you could say is to play professional in some way, but a big part of it is doing all we can to make sure we’re able to go to the next level of post secondary,” says Whitecaps Academy player, Kyeler Viani.
In just 18 months the Whitecaps Academy has developed strong relationships with Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge, recently signing 8 of its 10 players to post secondary clubs — 7 to Lethbridge College.
