VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that Alan Alderson has been named head coach for the club’s recently launched London Youth Academy Centre, a partnership with the Elgin Middlesex Soccer Association (EMSA).
“We’re thrilled to welcome Alan to lead our London Youth Academy Centre,” said Whitecaps FC director of soccer development Dan Lenarduzzi. “Alan is a coach with a tremendous reputation of working with young players. Together, we look forward to a promising future in Southern Ontario.”
A Canadian Soccer Association national ‘A’ license trained head coach with more than 20 years of experience, Alderson spent the past three years as head coach of the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) men’s soccer program, leading the Timberwolves transition from the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) into Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS). Prior to his time at UNBC, Alderson led a similar transition for the Trinity Western University men’s program, turning the Spartans from CIS newcomer to perennial national contender. On the women’s side, Alderson has served as head coach at Indiana Wesleyan University in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and assistant coach at the University of the Fraser Valley, helping UFV to a third place finish in CIS.
“I am really excited to be a part of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a dynamic organization who are on the cutting edge of player development in North America,” said Alderson. “In Prince George, I saw firsthand the excitement and enthusiasm that a Whitecaps FC Academy Centre can bring to a community. I look forward to helping generate the same enthusiasm in the Southern Ontario soccer community and I’m honoured to play a part in helping young players in this country strive to reach higher standards and develop their abilities.”
In addition to his university roles, Alderson has also been president of the CIS Men’s Soccer Association, director of coaching for the Abbotsford Soccer Association’s USL Super Y program, director of coaching for National Sport Development in Calgary, and head coach for Alberta’s U-16 boys’ provincial team.
Alderson returns to the London region after spending part of his professional playing career with London Lasers of the former Canadian Soccer League. Alderson also played professionally with Calgary Strikers, as well as Indiana Blast of the United Soccer Leagues. Collegiately, Alderson played at both the University of Victoria and Trinity Western University.
Alderson will arrive in London on August 23 and begin his coaching duties at the London Prospects camp on August 24.
For more information on Whitecaps FC Academy Centres, visit whitecapsfc.com/academy.
