If you want to see some soccer stars of the future, then get yourself along to Minoru Park this week.
Vancouver Whitecaps, in collaboration with the City of Richmond, is hosting its new National Combine from April 4 to 7.
More than 400 identified youth players in the Whitecaps FC BMO Academy System, coming from eight provinces across the country, along with over 70 U.S. and Canadian university scouts, will arrive at Minoru Park.
The players will showcase their on-field skills with the goal of securing a potential spot in the Whitecaps’ full-time academy program and gain traction with universities looking to sign their next Canadian talent.
In addition, players will be involved in daily development workshops with both Whitecaps and Canadian national team staff.
“We are looking forward to building this event as it supports the goals and dreams all of our academy players across the country,” said Ryan Clark, Whitecaps’ manager of Collegiate Transition and ID events.
“It brings the added excitement to each game having a large amount of scouts at top universities from all regions of North America along with our club's professional staff and youth national team coaches on-site.
Nancy Small, CEO of Tourism Richmond, meanwhile said the event could have a very positive impact on the local economy.
“This is another example of the power of collaboration that helps to support the hopes and dreams of these athletes. We will be rolling out the welcome mat for all,” said Small.
The action begins at Minoru turf fields Monday, April 4 with training for all squads between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Games will be running daily from April 5-7, with kick-offs on all three fields between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. The event is free for the public.
