VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday that Rhian Wilkinson will be departing her role as head coach of the Girls Elite REX program, in partnership with BC Soccer, to take a full-time position as head coach of Canada Soccer’s U-20 and U-17 women’s national teams. Wilkinson will also continue to serve as assistant coach to Kenneth Heiner-Møller for Canada’s senior women’s national team.
Whitecaps FC REX assistant coach Michael Norris will assume the lead until the full staff announcement is made this month.
“I would like to thank Vancouver Whitecaps FC,” said Wilkinson. “The experience I have gained on and off the field, working with their top athletes as well as their staff, has been an important step in my development. Working with a club that is and has been a leader in the women’s game was a wonderful experience. They supported me from day one and encouraged me while I finished my UEFA A license, as well as supported me in my role as one of the assistant coaches for Canada Soccer’s women’s national team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019.”
“This is a natural progression for Rhian after working in a joint role with our program and Canada Soccer,” said Dan Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC director of soccer development. “We’re thankful for the positive impact that she had during her time at the club and we wish her the best in this next step in her career.”
“Rhian was an excellent asset to soccer in BC and in her brief time leading the Super REX program she had a notable impact,” said Chris Cerroni, director of soccer development for BC Soccer. “From all of us at BC Soccer, we wish her the very best in her full-time role with Canada Soccer.”
Wilkinson served in a dual role with Whitecaps FC and Canada Soccer after joining the club in November. She began her time with the ‘Caps after leading Canada to a fourth place finish at the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay, where she was assisted by Michael Norris. In addition to her role with Whitecaps FC, Wilkinson doubled as an assistant coach for Canada’s senior women’s national team, including working with the team at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
