British Columbia Coaches Week kicked off this past Friday, September 14, 2012. This week, Vancouver Whitecaps FC together with BC Soccer would like to extend our appreciation to the many BC coaches that dedicate their time and share their knowledge and abilities with over 120,000 registered soccer players across the province.
Earlier this year, BC Soccer, in partnership with Coaches BC organized a group of 75 experienced coaches to deliver soccer-specific community coach stream courses to educate its valued members and coaches across BC. This week we are highlighting each phase of the workshops and recognizing the coaches that helped facilitate them. For more information on the national coaching pathway and soccer coaching certification please click here.
On Monday we covered Active Start, followed by Fundamentals, which brings us to the third phase called Learn to Train. This stage is known as “The Golden Age of Learning” that introduces players U-9 to U-12 to the importance of technical proficiency while maintaining a fun, competitive atmosphere. Today we recognize the BC Soccer learning facilitator of this course, former Whitecaps FC midfielder Alfredo Valente.
Alfredo played 11 memorable seasons with Whitecaps FC, and now he's passing on his vast soccer knowlege to the next generation in his current role with Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club as head coach of technical programs and head coach of U-8 to U-12 boys, and of the U-17 girls in the EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League.
On behalf of Whitecaps FC and BC Soccer, we would like to thank Alfredo for over 10 years of commitment to coaching and training others in BC.
In being asked how the Learn to Train course benefits young soccer players today, Alfredo states:
“After my playing career, I ensured that I continued my coaching certification and I have been involved with these ages (boys and girls) for some time at my club. Being a learning facilitator for BC Soccer, delivering the new material allows players to be placed in an environment of “game play” which promotes decision making and skill development. Coaches walk away with curriculum they can easily follow week to week, videos they can review, and theory material as well.”
In addition to delivering the formal pathway of coaching certification in the province, BC Soccer is proud to support supplemental coaching-education opportunities such as the first ever Whitecaps FC Coaching Clinic presented by Tim Hortons.
Whitecaps FC would like to invite all coaches to join our technical coaching staff this Sunday, September 23, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT at BC Place for our free Whitecaps FC Coaching Clinic presented by Tim Hortons. Register now for your chance to gain expert advice and coaching tips from MLS level coaching staff.
For more details on BC Coaches week please visit www.coachesbc.ca/coaches-week
Vancouver Whitecaps FC are preparing to launch a special offer for fans on 2013 Season Tickets. To thank fans for their continued support, those who purchase Season Tickets from Saturday, September 22 to Wednesday, October 3 will receive a special signing bonus of 12 per cent off. Fans can take advantage of this offer and renew or purchase their Season Tickets online at whitecapsfc.com or by phone at 604.669.9283.
