VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Medicine Hat Soccer Association announced a new partnership on Wednesday as part of the 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 Partner clubs’ benefit through technical services, curriculum, coach development, exclusive insider access to events, and developmental pathway opportunities.
“We’re excited to build our relationship with Medicine Hat Soccer Association and integrate with the community,” said Mike Ayyash, Whitecaps FC BMO Academy Centre director. “Medicine Hat has a long history with the sport, which we are looking forward to help them grow.”
Medicine Hat Soccer Association has been operating since 1971 with over 1,300 youth players participating in their club. Operating as a member of Alberta Soccer and Calgary Minor Soccer Association, the club’s mission is to enable boys, girls, and adults in the District of Medicine Hat to play the game of soccer at a level corresponding to their age and ability level.
Whitecaps FC BMO Medicine Hat Academy head coach Sam Heap will work with the club as technical director, starting on August 1.
“The Medicine Hat Soccer Association has a long history of high-quality technical development programming within the district,” added Jeff Vangen, president of the MHSA. “As we emerge from the pandemic, we want to ensure our membership knows that we are more committed than ever to providing strong technical development and leadership within our programs. We are extremely excited to partner with the Vancouver Whitecaps organization for a technical director for our programming and whom will also run Whitecaps FC BMO Academy programs as we strive to continue supporting our technical development of players in Medicine Hat.”
For more information on the Whitecaps FC Network Partner Program, visit whitecapsfc.com/networkpartner.