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. We will spend this week 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.
Yesterday we covered Active Start which is followed by the second phase of the four-level coaching pathway called Fundamentals. Stage two, also called “fun with the ball”, focuses on teaching technical skills such as ball handling to ages U-7 to U-9. Today we recognize the BC Soccer learning facilitator of this course, Nara Riplinger. We would like to recognize and thank Nara for over 15 years of commitment to coaching and training others in BC. In being asked how the Fundamentals course benefits young soccer players today Nara states:
“I can truly appreciate the benefits of the new delivery model for the participants. The take-away resource material can only help coaches provide an enjoyable environment for themselves and their players. Being a female coach and player (I still play recreationally), it is rewarding to be a mentor for young girls and for females who are pursuing their coaching credentials.”
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 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.
