Whitecaps FC BMO Academy System returns to Vancouver Island, with programming to begin this fall
VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club has partnered with Victoria’s Westcastle International Academy (WIA) as part of the Whitecaps FC BMO Academy System. The club will begin its search for the head coach of the Whitecaps FC Vancouver Island BMO Academy Centre shortly with programming beginning in the fall of 2024.
“We’re thrilled to establish our partnership with Westcastle International Academy in Victoria as the most recent addition to our country-wide network,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “The work being done at the grassroots level is vital to the growth of the sport in Canada and WIA aims to continue to make a significant impact on Vancouver Island. We’re looking forward to working together.”
Westcastle International Academy is committed to develop youth soccer players on Vancouver Island and supporting them in reaching their full potential. WIA is a member of the Lower Island Soccer Association and the Pacific Coast Soccer League. WIA’s main goal is to create opportunities in the Canada Soccer Player Development Program, which aligns with the Canada Soccer Player Pathway.
“Westcastle International Academy is excited to join forces with Vancouver Whitecaps FC to expand the Island’s player development pathway,” added Alexia Eiley, WIA executive director. “We are confident that the Whitecaps FC program will assist in cultivating players aspiring to reach the pinnacle of youth soccer in Canada. Additionally, the ’Caps to College program will open new doors for athletes in the competitive pathway and beyond, helping them achieve their collegiate dreams.”
The Whitecaps FC BMO Academy System is focused on the continued development of soccer talent in Canada. The program provides players, coaches, clubs, and associations across Canada with the opportunity to partner with Whitecaps FC to grow and develop their soccer operations. Partner clubs benefit through technical services, curriculum, coach development, player development, talent identification, and exclusive insider access to events and developmental pathway opportunities.
To learn more about programming and express interest to be involved, please visit HERE for Prospects Academy, and HERE for 'Caps to College.
To learn more about Westcastle International Academy, please visit westcastleinternationalacademy.com.
About Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC is one of the longest-running and successful professional soccer clubs in North America having played its inaugural season in 1974. Since 2011, the men's first team has played in Major League Soccer, the top tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. Whitecaps FC is a fully integrated club, housing one of the most unique soccer development programs. Starting from grassroots and including professional development academies for both boys and girls from coast-to-coast, with a goal to provide a safe and welcoming environment so that all participants can thrive and achieve their potential. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com.
