Isaac Boehmer’s experience at the Vancouver Whitecaps FC pre-residency camp has him beaming about a potential professional soccer career.
“It was pretty exciting,” said Boehmer of the camp held March 17-19. “It was pretty tough.”
Boehmer, who was born in Penticton and resides in Okanagan Falls, was among five goalkeepers in Vancouver and said the experience helped him realize how stiff the competition is.
“I know what I have to beat,” said Boehmer, a goalkeeper for the Thompson Okanagan Football Club in the EA Sports B.C. Soccer Premier League.
The feedback Boehmer received in a report written by Whitecaps FC residency goalkeeper coach Raegyn Hall is that he’s a good stopper with technical foundation. He needs to continue to work on his balance and equal power to both sides and was found to be weak going to the left side. Hall’s report also said Boehmer has a good understanding of the game and his position. He needs to prepare himself to make more saves. He is good in game situations and is able to stay engaged and focused. It was also recommended that Boehmer continue to coach teammates and organize plays to prevent goals.
Boehmer, who also developed through Pinnacles FC and in its Excelsior program, is said to have good size and athleticism, is hard working, motivated and possesses a good personality. He also avoids getting distracted. The Whitecaps also want to see him continue to be a student of the game and learn more about the goalkeeper role.
Boehmer’s father Karl said it was a “great honour to be there.”
“Isaac has worked with the Whitecaps before,” said Karl.
Boehmer hasn’t forgotten who has helped him reach the stage he is at now. He credits the Pinnacles FC Excelsior program with building his confidence and to Pinnacles FC for allowing him to play an age group higher.
“I think Manuel Borba and Ezra Cremers really supported him,” said Karl. “When the chance came to play for TOFC, he took it.”
The reason Boehmer’s family made the decision for he and his older brother David to play in Kelowna with TOFC is because of the arrangement the league has with B.C. Soccer that includes the Whitecaps. They scout the B.C. Soccer Premier League to find players to compete on provincial teams. It was a family choice based on potential future opportunities. While the 1.5 hour drive each way for practices is a big commitment and a bit costly, they felt it was worth it.
“It’s exciting,” said Karl of the opportunity his son experienced. “I’m hopeful that he could make it one day.”
Karl, who played soccer for one year for Trinity Western University as a forward, would like to see Isaac make the Whitecaps residency program where he would possibly live there and come up through the ranks.
Isaac loves playing and enjoys his position as it allows him to dive.
“It’s really fun,” said Isaac, who has played since he was six. “Good competitive sport.”
For now, Boehmer is focused on helping his club team, coached by Shaun Flanagan, a big supporter of Isaac’s, get into the playoffs. Following last weekend’s action, TOFC’s under-13 squad has five wins in the 10 games.