LETHBRIDGE, AB – Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Lethbridge Soccer Association (LSA) announced on Thursday the expansion of their partnership through 2026.
“The Lethbridge Soccer Association have been fantastic partners,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “Soccer has grown significantly in Lethbridge in recent years, and together we are committed to continue strengthening that growth.”
The partnership, which originally began in 2016, will now be expanded with the addition of an assistant technical director. The partnership will also see the introduction of a new Whitecaps FC Development Academy for LYSL recreational youth program players to receive additional training in a professional training environment from Whitecaps FC staff.
The BMO Lethbridge Academy Centre participates in the Whitecaps FC player development pathway, collaborating to allow players an opportunity to progress towards full-time Girls Elite Academy and MLS Academy programming in Vancouver, post-secondary opportunities at the collegiate level, and Canadian national teams.
“The Lethbridge Soccer Association is thrilled to continue to partner with Vancouver Whitecaps FC,“ added Karen Larson, president of the Board of Directors, Lethbridge Soccer Association. “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.”
Local Whitecaps FC programs include Development Academies, Prospects Academies, ‘Caps to College programs, and Camps & Clinics. Programs will be offered for players aged U9 to U18. Players in the Caps’ to College program may get the opportunity to also participate in the Whitecaps Academy Showcase in Vancouver.
