While Whitecaps FC call Vancouver home, the Blue and White are very much becoming Western Canada’s club. A big part of that movement is to provide opportunities for young soccer players across the country to have a clear path to achieve their soccer dreams.
That pathway has been implemented as far as Saskatchewan. Regina native Rodrigo Santamaria has been experiencing the benefits of the ‘Caps development structure.
Starting out in his youth club, FC Regina, Rodrigo was identified and scouted into the Whitecaps FC Saskatchewan Academy Centre under the guidance of head coach Bryce Chapman. After starting his training with Whitecaps FC in Saskatoon, Rodrigo came to Vancouver to take part in a Academy Centre High Potential Player (HPP) training week as part of the Whitecaps FC Showcase presented by Sport Chek. His performance at the tournament saw him named a Showcase All-Star.
Now, Rodrigo has joined Whitecaps FC Pre-Residency at the first ever National U-15 Identification Competition in Toronto, Ontario, representing the ‘Caps against the top players his age from across the country, including Toronto FC and Montreal Impact academy teams.
“Rodrigo’s path is a great example of the opportunities that are now available for local players in Saskatchewan,” noted Chapman. “There are many talented players in our province, and they’re getting noticed through our Whitecaps FC programs and given a chance to progress.”
Check out the video below as Global Regina caught up with Rodrigo before departing for Toronto.
For more information on Whitecaps FC Academy Centre programs, visit whitecapsfc.com/academycentres.
