The partnership between the Lethbridge Soccer Association and Vancouver Whitecaps FC has been extended until 2026.
In the announcement sporting director for the BC-based FC team, Axel Schuster says the partnership has been very positive, with the Southern Alberta group being described as “fantastic partners”.
“Soccer has grown significantly in Lethbridge in recent years, and together we are committed to continue strengthening that growth,” Schuster says.
The extension of the partnership between the two groups includes the addition of an assistant technical director and the Whitecaps FC Development Academy for the Lethbridge Youth Soccer League. The academy will give players the chance to get additional training and guidance from the Whitecaps staff in a professional environment.
President of the Board of Directors, Lethbridge Soccer Association Karen Larson says the organization is thrilled to continue the partnership.
“Through this partnership, LSA has seen tremendous growth in our programs. With the addition of an assistant technical director through Vancouver Whitecaps FC, we will be able to expand both our competitive youth program (LFC) as well as our newly rebranded recreational youth program (LYSL). This partnership will allow LSA to continue to grow as the centre of soccer excellence for Southern Alberta.”
The partnership between the two groups began in 2016 and over the years the organizations have collaborated through the the Whitecaps FC player development pathway, which is a step towards the full-time Girls Elite Academy and MLS Academy in Vancouver, post-secondary opportunities at the collegiate level, and Canadian national teams.
