WHITECAPS COMMUNITY SOCCER SYSTEM creates the large base of the model reaching over 21,000 youths through a combination of free community, school and pre-game clinics. Free access to these clinics increases the profile of the game and attracts new players to the sport at all ages and all skill levels.

WHITECAPS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM is the next step for many of the Community Soccer System youth. At this level, many development programs are user pay and include a variety of camps for all levels, and training programs for the more committed players.   There are also a variety of tournaments and showcases that reach players from U6 to U18.  

EA SPORTS BC SOCCER PREMIER LEAGUE is not operated by the Whitecaps but is included as an important piece in the clubs’ development model in partnership with BC Soccer. Eight founding franchises representing more than 80 per cent of the BC population will field boys and girls teams from U13 to U18.  It is at this regional level of high performance programming where the brightest can be scouted and invited in for Whitecaps professional development programs. The BCPL also connect players and clubs with other resources, and training opportunities.  This type of league platform is essential both as a development league and as a structured marketing tool to grow and professionalize the game further.

WHITECAPS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT is part of the Whitecaps substantial investment in player development.  

As part of the introduction of the expanded Boys Residency program and the Girls Elite program in September 2011, Prospects will become an integrated scouting and feeder program to identify the top U10 to U12 prospects in BC.  This funded program works in conjunction with club partners across BC.  From Prospects, the model now separates into Boys Residency and Girls Elite programs.  

Whitecaps Residency is a full-time, fully funded player development program unlike any other in North America.   Residency is designed to maximize a player’s potential on and off the field through a “soccer lifestyle” philosophy linking technical and personal development.  In September 2011, the Residency program will grow from the current squad of 25 players in the U17 to U19 age range to 80 players and teams in the U14, U16, and U18 categories.  Residency teams will play in the United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) for the September 2011 season

Whitecaps FC Girls Elite is a fully funded player development program for U14 to U18 girls that will evolve over the next two years.   Beginning in September 2011, the Whitecaps will continue to offer a funded full-time U18 player training development program for players who have been identified to move beyond community club soccer.  The club will build on this in the fall by including a part time seasonal training camp program for U14 to U16 girls that is integrated with the new EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League. As part of ongoing discussions with BC Soccer, the Whitecaps will be evolving the program for the fall of 2012 to provide additional benefits towards a top level program for U14 to U18 girls in the province.  

WHITECAPS FIRST TEAM is the top of the club model and where players aspire to reach.  Girls Elite graduates can play in the W-League with the Whitecaps Women while Residency players can enter the MLS First Team development environment that includes training and competitive opportunities with the MLS First Team and matches in both the MLS Reserve and USL Professional Development League (PDL) games.    

CANADIAN NATIONAL TEAM. Developing top Canadian players not only benefits the Whitecaps but also our national team program at various age levels.   

For more information or any questions on the Whitecaps club model please contact Dan Lenarduzzi via email at dlenarduzzi@whitecapsfc.com