Vancouver Whitecaps FC expands Saskatchewan soccer academy to Regina
CBC News | Posted: June 11, 2015 5:47 PM | Last Updated: June 11, 2015
The Whitecaps Saskatchewan Academy in Saskatoon helping young players make it to the pros
Saskatchewan's first professional soccer Academy is expanding to Regina.
In 2013, Major League Soccer (MLS) club Vancouver Whitecaps FC set up the Whitecaps Saskatchewan Academy in Saskatoon. The Academy helps develops Saskatchewan's best young players.
Until Monday, the Academy was only in Saskatoon. Thursday's announcement means young soccer players in the Queen City get more chances to develop and potentially play professionally.
- Sask. soccer players dream big thanks to Whitecaps
- Saskatoon's Brett Levis signs with Vancouver Whitecaps farm team
Whitecaps FC director of soccer development Dan Lenarduzzi said it will team up with FC Regina, an amalgamation of several Regina clubs.
"We're really excited to expand our footprint and network in Saskatchewan as part of a partnership with FC Regina," Lenarduzzi said in a news release. "We look forward to be able to leverage our resources together to bring additional opportunities to the Regina market."
FC Regina has about 1,300 members.
The Whitecaps Academy in Saskatoon has already produced results. Former University of Saskatchewan soccer player Brett Levis recently signed with the Whitecaps WFC2, which serves as a feeder system for the MLS squad.
University of Saskatchewan men's soccer head coach Bryce Chapman will lead the Regina Academy, as well as the Saskatchewan Academy Centre in Saskatoon.
The Whitecaps will hold a prospects camp to evaluate player in fall. The inaugural camp in Regina will be July 6-8 at Leibel Field.