The Vancouver Whitecaps and Mission Soccer Club (MSC) wrapped up their first youth soccer camp on Aug. 13, and the MSC president aims to make it annual.
The MSC is looking to become a “network partner” with the Vancouver Whitecaps, which would involve mutual promotion and a camp every summer, said MSC President Doug McKellan.
“We were approached by the Whitecaps because we’ve got a reputation for developing players,” McKellan said.
“A lot of players have been going to their Whitecap Summer Soccer Camps, and they noticed these kids from Mission come in with a decent amount of skill for them to work with.”
The Whitecaps have a new sporting director, who is interested in partnering with local clubs to help develop coaches, who will in turn better develop players and improve all levels of play, McKellan said. He said their aim is to grow the talent pool to pull from.
The Mission camp was launched to celebrate the partnership, McKellan said.
The camp was visited by Whitecaps veteran Carl Valentine, as well as Canadian and Vancouver Soccer icon, Bob Lenarduzzi.
Both were impressed by the turf at the Mission Sports Park facilities, according to McKellan.
“But the highlight for most kids was the appearance of Spike, the lovable Whitecaps mascot,” McKellan said. “A lot of hugs and signatures at the end of the daily activities.”
Emerging from COVID-19, McKellan said the registration numbers are still low for the fall. Email president@missionsoccerclub.com to get your kid signed up.