In the build-up to Major League Soccer in 2011, Vancouver Whitecaps FC have appointed club legend Carl Valentine to the role of Whitecaps FC club ambassador and staff coach.
One of the most popular figures to play for the Blue and White, the 52-year-old's new role will cover a wide area of responsibilities on the business and technical side of the club.
"I'm excited to be back on board again with the club, and at such a great time in their history," said Valentine. "Whitecaps FC have been a major part of my life, having been the reason I left England to come to Vancouver many years ago. To have this opportunity to serve the club in these new roles is a great fit for me. I'm really looking forward to it."
As club ambassador, Valentine will make appearances at various Whitecaps FC events. They include game-day hosting at Whitecaps FC home matches, as well as appearances at club executive, partner, community, and promotional events. A Whitecaps FC alumnus, Valentine will also serve as alumni program coordinator, where he will help develop and manage the club's alumni engagement program.
Valentine will also provide insight and coverage on Whitecaps FC as one of the club's online video hosts and as a guest website columnist. This will include video reports and features on Whitecaps FC during the season.
As a staff coach, the former Canadian international will also continue in his role as a specialist coach with the men's team, having worked with the midfielders in Teitur Thordarson's squad during their current offseason training camp. He will also provide his expertise to the game's future talent as a support coach with the club's Residency and Prospects programs, as well as various camps and clinics during the year.
A speedy and skillful player, Valentine became a fan favourite during the club's days in the old North American Soccer League (NASL), Canadian Soccer League (CSL), and United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1). The native of Manchester, England, was an integral part of the Whitecaps FC side that won the 1979 NASL championship title, while he was also a key member of the Vancouver 86ers squad that claimed four-straight CSL championship titles between 1988 and 1991. Valentine is Vancouver's all-time leader in appearances with 409, while he sits third on the club's career points list with 65 goals and 69 assists for 199 points. Between 1994 and 1999, Valentine served as Whitecaps FC head coach.
Though born in the United Kingdom, Valentine made 31 international appearances for Canada between 1985 and 1993, and was part of the squad that appeared at the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Making his international debut in St. John's, Newfoundland, on September 14, 1985, Valentine is renowned for assisting on both goals in the decisive 2-1 victory over Honduras that took Canada to Mexico '86.
More than 15,000 Whitecaps FC season ticket deposits have been sold for the club’s inaugural season in MLS. Season ticket deposit holders will be able to choose from seven different seating categories starting at a base price of $319, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order. Pricing starts at less than $17 per game and more than 60 per cent of seats are available for less than $31 per game. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, suites, and loge boxes, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
