Kootenay Regional Head coach Brett Adams has been delighted with the progress of the Vancouver Whitecaps coaching programs in the Kootenays.
Since September, Adams has seen the program go from strength to strength.
“ I have been really happy and proud of the progressive steps the program has made already. In just sixth months we have worked with over 100 players in the Nelson area alone,” said Adams.
“Our aim is to continue growing and to try to coach and educate as many Kootenay-based players as possible.”
Last week at the pre-residency combine, two Kootenay-based players were in attendance. The players were Parker Shaw-Lazier and Marco Falcone.
The combine consisted of two training sessions a day for three days with a trial match on day three. The combine was led by head academy coach Bart Choufour.
The players were also coached by U16 coach Rich Fagan, U18 head coach Niall Thompson and Adams was also in attendance.
“Last week two of the players were invited by me to train and be evaluated in the pre-residency combine. Both of the players performed very well and had a great experience playing alongside some of the best talent in Canada.”
Adams went on to explain that “as we continue to grow we hope that this opportunity is the first of many for players in the Kootenays. The overall goal is to potentially see a player from this area one day become a full-time member of the Whitecaps Team.”
Other exciting opportunities include selected players from the girls being invited to train with the girls elite head coach Jesse Symons.
“In the coming months we will look to send players from the Kootenays to train with the girls elite squad. It is very important to us where possible to give all players an opportunity to play with the best players in BC. The girls academy in Vancouver is very strong and will look to get girls from this area an experience of training in that environment.”
Adams has set up training groups in Nelson (prospects sessions), Cranbrook (skills sessions) and Fernie (school academy). Adams is also working with Nelson Youth Soccer as the technical director for this upcoming season.
“It’s not my job to come in and take over, the coaches have great ideas and have done a very good job of coaching these players. I will be here to add structure and advice as we aim to get all coaches working on the same page. Having already done three coaching clinics, it is clear that the coaches in this area are some of the most dedicated enthusiastic individuals that I have ever had the pleasure to work with. It’s going to be a great season.”
Adams is also working with KYSA (Kootenay South). The Prospect Kootenay Academy is currently holding try outs for its invite only sessions. Players from the age of 10 to 18, boys and girls can contact the organization to schedule a try out. For more information visit www.whitecapsfc.com/youth/programs/academy/kootenay or contact badams@whitecapsfc.com.