Whitecaps Announce Plan To Build Training Center

[François]

From the CSA
A-League
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Whitecaps Announce Plan To Build Training Center



Vancouver, BC – The Whitecaps FC in partnership with Simon Fraser University announced plans to build the Whitecaps Training Centre at SFU’s Burnaby Mountain Campus today. The investment being made by the Whitecaps involves plans to develop a permanent training facility for the club which would also be used by Canada’s national teams. Construction is set to begin in May and expected to be completed by October 2004.

This announcement represents the first time in club history that the Whitecaps have had a permanent training centre. The investment ranks among one of the largest in SFU history.

“The purpose of this training centre is to provide the Whitecaps FC and the Canadian Soccer Association with a permanent, year-round training facility,” says Whitecaps owner, Greg Kerfoot. “As an organization our objective has consistently been to develop a strong club structure and this facility provides the foundation to serve that goal.”

Details of the facility’s plans include the initial development of two turf fields with lights and fencing. The training centre will also incorporate SFU’s existing two grass fields into the facility. Plans for an additional two turf fields and a clubhouse with coaching offices and change rooms are currently being discussed. With an estimated cost per field of approximately $1.5 million, the initial investment will likely exceed $3 million.

“Having a year-round training facility will strengthen the Whitecaps at every level from our youth development programs to our professional teams,” says Whitecaps Director of Soccer Operations, Bob Lenarduzzi. “This development will continue to encourage a closer relationship with Soccer Canada, as well as SFU athletics. Partnerships with groups involved in soccer at both the local and national level are a key factor in what we’re trying to accomplish. We’re also excited to be working with the BC Soccer Association towards the mutual goal of continuing to grow the game in this province.”

The Training Centre will be used by the Whitecaps Men’s, Women’s and Youth teams, the Canadian National teams including: Men’s and Women’s World Cup teams, U-23 Men, U-20 Men, and U-19 Women.

“The CSA supports the evolution of this project and looks forward to being able to have its national teams use the facility,” said CSA President Andy Sharpe. “We are delighted with the ongoing commitment shown by Whitecaps FC and owner Greg Kerfoot to the future of soccer in Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada. This is a major step forward in our quest to improve the quality of facilities across the country and the subsequent impact on the preparations of our national team programs.”

“This is a historic day for SFU because a privately owned professional sports franchise and one of Canada’s leading universities have developed a partnership that will create a legacy of excellence,” said SFU president, Michael Stevenson. “This new relationship with the Whitecaps and the Canadian Soccer Association benefits SFU and the surrounding community by providing more than double the current available field use.”