SportChek and the Vancouver Whitecaps are teaming up to bring the Whitecaps FC Community Clinic to King’s Park.
The clinic will be held Oct. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Kids will learn introductory skills and receive instruction from Whitecaps coaches, including women’s assistant coach Carl Valentine, and players at no cost. With two fields being used, the Whitecaps are hoping to see over 200 kids participate. The camp is targeted for boys and girls aged seven to 10. The first 15 minutes will be used for player check-in, then an hour split on introduction, demo and skill sessions. That will be followed by a World Cup style tournament then a wrap-up with prizes and an autograph session.
“They get a chance to meet up with some of the players which is what they all want to do anyway,” said Whitecaps manager of camps and clinics Sam Lenarduzzi. “It’s pretty simple, but it’s a fun day.”
As of last week, 35 spots were filled. The South Okanagan Youth Soccer Association has emailed players in each age group, while the Whitecaps contacted players who attended their summer camp.
“I want to at least make sure we have kids to appreciate it,” he said. “We want to make sure it goes well so we can repeat it again next year.”
While Lenarduzzi won’t know until Thursday which players are coming, there will be some from the MLS squad who don’t accompany the team on its trip to play FC Dallas on Oct. 15. Lenarduzzi said they will also bring players from the female residency team.
Players must register in advance either online at whitecapsfc.com/clinics or call Marlise Buchi at 778-330-1354 or email her at mbuchi@whitecapsfc.com.