This past weekend, the fifth edition of the annual Whitecaps FC Showcase presented by Sport Chek took place in Surrey, BC.
Over 80 college scouts came out to watch more than 80 elite youth soccer teams. Scouts travelled from across Canada, representing top programs from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and as far as the Maritimes. Additionally, there were also representatives from American schools as far as Philadelphia, Ohio, Memphis, New York, Kansas, and Texas. Also eyeing talent were Whitecaps FC youth development staff.
"The main objective of the showcase is to bring together the best talent in BC, across Canada, and from the Pacific Northwest, and put them on display for the many college, university, and Whitecaps scouts in attendance," said Dan Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC director of soccer development. "Each year our talent base grows, as does the network of scouts who attend. We're pleased to see this event continue to provide more and more scholarship opportunities."
The weekend also saw a
, and United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA)
matches featuring the 'Caps U-18 and U-16 Residency squads
.
On Sunday, Whitecaps FC MLS stars
Erik Hurtado
,
Kekuta Manneh
,
Gershon Koffie
,
Carlyle Mitchell
, and
Russell Teibert
all signed autographs. Teibert also gave a special pep talk to the Mountain United U-16 boys (pictured right) who earned this unique opportunity through a special draw with tournament partners Sport Chek.
Mark your calendars for next year, as the 2015 Whitecaps FC Showcase will take place from April 3 to 5. For more information visit
whitecapsfc.com/youth
.
