VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC is pleased to welcome the Sunshine Coast Youth Soccer Association (SCYSA) as a new member of the Whitecaps FC Network Partner Program.
The Whitecaps FC Network Partner Program is focused on the continued development of soccer talent in Canada. The program provides clubs and associations across Canada with the opportunity to team up with the Whitecaps to grow and develop their soccer operations. Network Partners clubs’ benefit through technical services, curriculum, coach development, exclusive insider access to events, and developmental pathway opportunities.
“We are thrilled to be working with the Sunshine Coast Youth Soccer Association,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “There are passionate, dedicated, and talented young players in every community, and we look forward to working with the SCYSA to provide opportunities throughout the region.”
The Sunshine Coast Youth Soccer Association (SCYSA) was formed in 1986 by a few volunteers who saw a need for soccer on the Sunshine Coast. Now the largest youth sports association on the Coast, the mission of the Sunshine Coast Youth Soccer Association is to provide an opportunity for all children to play recreational soccer in a safe, supportive, sporting environment and at an affordable price.
“The opportunity to form a partnership with Vancouver Whitecaps FC fits right into our plan for our club and members,” said Jay Ritchlin, SCYSA president. “It allows SCYSA players and coaches to receive training from the Whitecaps highly educated staff on the field and in the classroom. It's a great opportunity to create excitement for soccer in our community and help grow the SCYSA membership.”
Currently, the club has 647 active members, including boys and girls teams in U-6 to U-18 age groups from House League to the BC Coastal Soccer League, and has a popular Active Start program for ages three to five. The SCYSA also supports exceptional local youth players from the towns, districts and First Nations on the coast with financial assistance from time to time and offer annual Reg Thomas bursaries for post-secondary education of qualifying members. To find out more go to scysa.ca.
For more information on the Whitecaps FC Network Partner Program, visit whitecapsfc.com/networkpartner.
