Vancouver Whitecaps FC have announced that Chris Murphy has been appointed as the Whitecaps FC development manager. Murphy’s initial focus will be to build on the Whitecaps and BCSA Super Y-League partnership and to collaboratively create a stronger connection and partnership with clubs, associations and districts across BC.
"We’re very pleased to have someone of Chris’ experience and knowledge of the BC club system join our organization," said Whitecaps director of youth Dan Lenarduzzi. "We need to be a better partner with many of the clubs and associations by understanding their needs, as well as respecting their club structures and the tremendous amount of work they have done.”
"Chris brings to us an in-depth knowledge of the BC club system. Since 2003, he has been executive director of the Surrey Youth Soccer Association (SYSA), one of British Columbia’s largest and most progressive soccer clubs," Lenarduzzi added.
"Having served many years with one of our key member clubs within the Surrey Metro Soccer Association, we welcome the experience of Chris as part of our overall partnership with the Whitecaps and the Super Y-League program," said BCSA chief executive Bjorn Osieck. "We hope this will continue to strengthen our mandate of enhanced regional support for all our member associations and clubs in BC."
As SYSA executive director, Murphy has been highly effective in conflict resolution, negotiation, and problem solving. He has demonstrated leadership in areas of organizational change and the overall development of creating a club structure.
In addition to his SYSA executive director role, Murphy also held the general manager position for the Super Y-League expansion affiliate, Surrey WFC, in 2008.
As part of his appointment with the Whitecaps, Murphy will be in a transition period over the course of the next year to provide a proper succession plan for the SYSA. This will include maintaining arms-length status with any conflicting issues with immediate effect, as well as stepping away from any operational contact or involvement with the Surrey WFC affiliate.
In addition to his role with the SYSA, Murphy has held several related positions, including the tournament chair for the Canadian national championships in 2003, 2004, and 2006, and program director for the BCSA Shawnigan Lake Player Development Program in 2005 and 2006.
As an elected member of the Outdoor Sports Advisory Committee (OSAC) for the City of Surrey (2005 to 2007), Murphy was responsible for representing all soccer participants in the City of Surrey and providing recommendations for improvements to the sport to local government.
In addition to the business side of the game, Murphy is also an accomplished soccer coach. He has held the position of BC provincial team assistant coach for three years and currently holds the head coaching position with the Surrey Pegasus 93 Metro Girls team. Throughout the last decade, Murphy has been directly involved in the advancement of players to college, national, provincial, and Super Y-League opportunities, in addition to coaching teams to three medals at the Canadian national championships and four provincial championships.
Murphy will begin his position with the Whitecaps immediately and can be reached via email at
cmurphy@whitecapsfc.com
or by phone 778-866-0977.
