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Kootenay players showcase talents at Star Fire tournament

The Nelson Daily Sports
By The Nelson Daily Sports
December 9th, 2019

The Whitecaps University Prep Academy program sent two teams to participate in the Star Fire Showcase tournament held recently in Seattle, WA.

Despite finishing the tournament with losing record, the players gained valuable experience, plus were able to showcase their talents in front of college and university scouts from both Canada and USA.

“The players performed fantastically well (during the) weekend,” said Brett Adams, head coach of the of the Whitecaps Kootenay Academy Centre.

“The (U16) Junior girls battled hard and never gave up,” Adams added. “The senior girls played some of the best soccer I have seen in the six years I have been in Canada. Lots of players spoke with college coaches and that is our aim, to get these players to the next level.”

Adams said the University Prep Academy was launched in select centres this fall, with the Kootenays Academy being selected as one. This new academy program will be the best tool available to give Kootenay players, including local athletes from Nelson, Trail and Castlegar, multiple opportunities to showcase themselves for soccer at the post-secondary level. 

Highlights include:

  • U15 to U18 Selection only – For players looking for the best opportunity to play in College, University, and beyond
  • Training and conditioning – Focused on qualities noticed by college and university scouts
  • Showcasing – get noticed at Showcase’s and special events
  • Scholarship Strategy – Map and execute your post-secondary strategy

The Kootenay program, which is based in Nelson and Cranbrook, schedules monthly training sessions in Creston.

Selection is based on written application and evaluation process. There are currently 22 players registered in the junior program and 18 in the senior team.

During the past five years, the Kootenay program has seen more than 25 players go on to play at the university or college level.

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