More than 800 enthusiastic young soccer players came out to last weekend's Sunshine Coast Youth Soccer Association (SCYSA) training session put on by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Youth teams from all over the Coast came with their coaches to take advantage of the chance to learn from some of the best at Kinnikinnick field. Each player received one and a half to two hours of professional training from one of 10 Whitecaps FC coaching staff, here for the two-day event.
Although the time allotted to train individual teams was quick, it covered a lot, leaving kids and coaches better equipped for the soccer season.
"After the weekend, all the emails in my inbox were from coaches and parents talking about how much they learned and what a great time they had," said SCYSA president Norm Blair.
In the midst of having fun, players and coaches also learned valuable drill techniques and ways to further develop skills in passing, dribbling, shooting and team play.
The short training sessions are a new venture for the Whitecaps who usually conduct longer training camps.
"This is the first time we've ever done this, but Norm [Blair] came up with the idea and brought it forward to us, and we refined it. It turned out really well, and we hope to do it every year," said Vancouver Whitecaps FC manager Sam Lenarduzzi.
Every member of the SCYSA was invited to take part in the training at no cost, thanks to gaming funds set aside for the event.
"Using some of that money for player development was a great way to start the year," Blair said.
As an added bonus, players who came out to the training session also received a free ticket to an upcoming Whitecaps game.
The program was so successful and so well received, the SCYSA and the Whitecaps plan to offer something similar again next year.
