Since the announcement of the partnership between Elgin Middlesex Soccer Association (EMSA) and the Vancouver Whitecaps to establish a Whitecaps Academy, we continue to work at putting the other organizational pieces together. Most recently, Alan Alderson was announced as the new Regional Head Coach for the Whitecaps Academy, and he will also provide technical support as head coach of the London Youth Whitecaps.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Alan to lead our London Youth Academy Centre,” said Whitecaps FC director of soccer development Dan Lenarduzzi. “Alan is a coach with a tremendous reputation of working with young players. Together, we look forward to a promising future in Southern Ontario.”
A Canadian Soccer Association national ‘A’ license trained head coach with more than 20 years of experience, Alderson spent the past three years as head coach of the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) men’s soccer program, leading the Timberwolves’ transition from the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) into Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS). Prior to his time at UNBC, Alderson led a similar transition for the Trinity Western University men’s program, turning the Spartans from CIS newcomer to perennial national contender. On the women’s side, Alderson has served as head coach at Indiana Wesleyan University in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and assistant coach at the University of the Fraser Valley, helping UFV to a third place finish in CIS.
“I am really excited to be a part of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a dynamic organization that is on the cutting edge of player development in North America,” said Alderson. “In Prince George, I saw firsthand the excitement and enthusiasm that a Whitecaps FC Academy Centre can bring to a community. I look forward to helping generate the same enthusiasm in the Southern Ontario soccer community, and I’m honoured to play a part in helping young players in this country strive to reach higher standards and develop their abilities.”
In addition to his university roles, Alderson has also been president of the CIS Men’s Soccer Association, director of coaching for the Abbotsford Soccer Association’s USL Super Y program, director of coaching for National Sport Development in Calgary, and head coach for Alberta’s U-16 boys’ provincial team.
Alderson returns to the London region after spending part of his professional playing career with the London Lasers of the former Canadian Soccer League. Alderson also played professionally with the Calgary Strikers, as well as the Indiana Blast of the United Soccer League. Collegiately, Alderson played at both the University of Victoria and Trinity Western University.
Alderson will arrive in London on August 23, and begin his coaching duties at the London Prospects camp on August 24.
Many players have already registered for the Prospect Camp, which will be held from August 24-27. The players identified will be given an opportunity to participate in additional training through the academy. Coaches have also been named for the various teams and are prepared for the assessment of new players. Assessment dates for players to try out for the London Youth Whitecaps teams have been established, and they can be viewed online: londonyouthwhitecaps.com
For more information on Whitecaps FC Academy Centres, visit whitecapsfc.com/academy.
