Latest News

Vernon Indoor Tournament

We now have some Saturdays open between 10:15 am and 6:00 pm open and would like to offer districts and teams the opportunity to participate in a series of 4 team Indoor tournaments here in Vernon between now and the end of March. I have attached a registration form to be filled out and returned to me along with the entrance fee. These tournaments will provide each team with three games over the course of the day. This is open to all districts and will be on a first come basis. Teams will need to sign the VSA waiver in order to participate. I will send this along to the patrons once they have registered. It would assist me as well if the coaches and or managers could contact the other coaches in the other districts to assist in getting the word out. I have included a schedule for the age groups in this e-mail. I am sorry I cannot accommodate every age group and some have approached me in advance. Should there be no interest in an age group I would be happy to accommodate other age groups. As soon as I have 4 teams in an age group I will provide a schedule. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions. As soon as I have 4 teams in an age group I will provide a schedule. I may have two additional weekends available at the end of March. I will send this out again should these days open up to see if other age groups are interested as well as any other weekends that become available should there not be enough interest from a particular age group.
Regards,

Wayne Aasen
VSA Operations Manager
NOYSA Administrative Assistant
VSA Tournament Co-ordinator

VERNON INDOOR TOURNAMENTS

Feb-06   U11 BOYS   10:15 am - 5:30 pm
Feb-13   U11 GIRLS   10:15 am - 5:30 pm
Feb-20   U14 BOYS   10:15 am - 5:30 pm
Feb-27   U18 BOYS   10:15 am - 5:30 pm
Mar-06   U12 GIRLS   10:15 am - 5:30 pm
Mar-13   U12 BOYS   10:15 am - 5:30 pm
Mar-20    TBD
Mar 27    TBD

Games will consist of two 25 minute halves. A 5 minute half time and a 10 minute warm-up turnaround between games. In the case of the U-11's the games could be divided into 3 periods.

Showcase Selection Process

The selection process for showcase tournament events is as follows:

1) KU players from the 'A' training Group or 'A' team will first be asked to indicate if they are interested in attending the tournament.

2) From the list of interested players, the coaches and technical director will select the players who meet the necessary level of play to attend such a tournament.

3) If the above selection process does not reveal enough players from that KU pool, the team may then ask players with the necessary level of play from the age group above or below, to try out for the team. (in some cases players in older age groups are eligible because their birthday is after August 1st and under U.S. rules they qualify as a younger players.)

4) If the above step in the selection process still does not reveal enough players for the Showcase team, that team can then go outside of the COYSA District to recruit players. All players that are recruited must be players that are registered as Select players in their home District. When picking up Out-of-District (OOD) players, travel papers must get signed by the player's home district administrator. Please contact Lorrie Leins (our KU Administrator) if you need help or have questions on how to handle OOD players.

If you have questions about this policy, please contact me directly.

Regards,

Shaun Flanagan
Technical Director
Kelowna United FC

2010 Whitecaps West Coast College Showcase for boys postponed

We have decided, based on discussions and feedback to postpone the launch Whitecaps West Coast College Showcase for the boys until 2011.

Many comments indicated that there is a high degree of interest, but that the timing of the event (close to Coastal Cup in BC) along with the short notice (other events have already been planned) has made it challenging for the top teams to attend.

The Whitecaps are committed to providing a quality event that will be among the top showcases in North America and without a critical number of the top teams in Western Canada, it will be very difficult to achieve this.

Planning has started for the launch of the event in 2011 and we look forward to coming back with information in the months to come.

I want to thank the teams who had planned to attend this year and I hope that you will again consider the opportunity in the future.

Any registrations will be refunded immediately.

As always, please email with any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your understanding.

Regards,

Chris Murphy
Managing Director, Professional Development
Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Ph: 1.778.866.0977
Fax: 1.604.684.5173
Web: whitecapsfc.com

Pool Training Program Overview

Coaches List

BC Provincial Team Coaching Appointmen t

The Pool Training System

Kelowna United has introduced a pool training system that will essentially extend the player evaluation process to provide coaches with an opportunity to more thoroughly assess players before selecting ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams for the May 1st TOYSL Declaration deadline.

This new system creates a competitive yet healthy environment that rewards players with an ongoing equal opportunity to play at the highest level they aspire to regardless of the level they played the year before.

The new system works as follows:

Each pool will have a Head Pool Coach. Additional training coaches for the pool and declared teams will be chosen jointly by the Pool Head Coach and KU Technical Staff. Head coaches for the ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams will be appointed by KU Technical Staff at any time before May 1st.

Each pool will train as one group that will be split into ‘A’ and ‘B’ training groups by approximately the end of November (at coach’s discretion).

When practical, the ‘A’ and ‘B’ training groups will train at the same time and location under the direction of a head coach and training coaches.

Movement between training groups may take place from week to week or even from training session to training session up to May 1st. This movement may be in either direction and will be explained to players along with ways they can improve (if appropriate).

There will be zero tolerance for disrespect shown by players towards other players in other training groups or pools. Kelowna United players are expected to show courtesy and respect towards all players, coaches and officials at all times.

A Pool Manager, who is responsible for the entire player pool, will be appointed by the Pool Head Coach to oversee pool needs, by Nov. 20th at the latest, sooner if possible. Team managers for the ‘A’ and ‘B’ training groups may be appointed on or before the May 1st deadline for declaring official teams.

Coaches will have no input into what team their child is placed on. This decision will be made by Kelowna United Technical Staff.

‘A’ and ‘B’ teams will be designated by May 1. The head pool coach will continue to be responsible for both teams.

Dealing With Player Movement – Some Suggestions

Players handle movement between training pools best when their parents lead by example. Avoid the temptation to overreact and instead use this as an opportunity to help your child learn how they can become a better soccer player. Remind your child that coaches are looking for players who work hard and implement in games what they have learned in training.

Questions about player movement must be directed as follows:

From player to coach
From parent to coach through the pool manager
From parent to technical director

Step One: Player to Coach
Coaches are looking for players who work hard and implement in games what they have learned in training.
Players should learn to advocate for themselves and to speak proactively with coaches about ways they can improve. Questions a player may consider asking their coach include:

What do I need to work on to improve overall?
What do I need to work on to make the ‘A’ training group?
What do I need to work on to get back in the ‘A’ training group?
What do I need to work on to stay in the ‘A training group?
What do I need to work on to be in the starting line up?
What do I need to work on to be one of the top five players?

Step Two: Parent to Coach (through the Pool Manager)
Wait at least 24 hours and then email the team manager to arrange a meeting with the coach. We ask that
Parents communicate through managers so that coaches have more time to plan their practices. Never discuss your child’s performance with the coach on game day or during practice.

Step Three: Contact the Technical Director
Email the technical director with your concernsonly if you have completed step one and two and still have unresolved concerns.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sept. 2009 - Team Selections

A message to players and their parents from KU Technical Director Shaun Flanagan

Player lists are compiled in no specific order and a player’s place on the list does not reflect their ranking at tryouts.

Player lists are an indication of the pool of players we have currently chosen to work with. Technical staff reserve the right to add, move or remove players as we feel necessary to ensure the future success and stability of the squads.

Select ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams will be chosen from these pools at a later date.

The Kelowna United technical staff and board members are committed to providing equal opportunities for players who are committed and dedicated to their sport and to fellow team members.
All players will have to earn their position. If we are to develop players that will one day compete with the best, then those players selected have to train and accept responsibility like the best. No free rides.

We are in the process of determining coaching positions. Again, this is a difficult task that takes careful thought and consideration. In the past coaches have worked autonomously, however from now on coaches will work in a more collective team environment with regularly scheduled meetings that will help build continuity and ensure player and coach development is at the forefront of our organization.

Coaches List

Girls U11
Pool Head Coach: Shaun Flanagan and Tom Flanagan
technical2@kelownaunited.com

Training Group Coach:            accepting applications
Training Group Coach:            accepting applications
Training Group Coach:            accepting applications

U12
Pool Head Coach: Rob Johnson
rob.johnson@ubc.ca

Training Group Coach: Brian Grant
Training Group Coach:
Training Group Coach:

Girls U13
Pool Head Coach: Gary Graham
gary@lakesideoffice.ca

Pool Coach: Todd Penkala
Pool Coach: Linda George
Pool Coach: Julie Kellet

Girls U14
Pool Head Coach: Marty Vincze
valleysodapro@shaw.ca

Pool Coach: Jim Elwood
Pool Coach: Eddie Sanchez
Pool Coach: Rob Johnson

Girls U15
Pool Head Coach: Ashley Pereira
pereira_ashley2@hotmail.com

Pool Coach: Archie MacDonald
Pool Coach: Dwayne Taron
Pool Coach: Kevin Day

Girls U16
Pool Co-Head Coach: Kelly Murphy
kelly.murphy@interiorhealth.ca

Pool Co-Head Coach: Daryl Hazel
dwhazell@shaw.ca

Pool Coach: J. Sherry
Pool Coach:

Girls U17/18
Pool Head Coach: Leslie Park
theparkquad@shaw.ca

Pool Coach: Mark Krehel
Pool Coach: James Porteous
Pool Coach:

Boys U11
Pool Head Coach: Shaun Flanagan and Tom Flanagan
technical2@kelownaunited.com

Training Group Coach:            accepting applications
Training Group Coach:            accepting applications
Training Group Coach:            accepting applications

Boys U12
Pool Head Coach: Jim McGlinchey
celtic82@shaw.ca

Training Group Coach: Brad Trites
Training Group Coach: Tony Gonzales
Training Group Coach:  David Hughes & Chris Van Demark

Boys U13
Pool Head Coach: Chris Young
foreverbeyoung@shaw.ca

Pool Coach: Conrad Nicolai
Pool Coach: Dino Mastroianni

Boys U14

Head Coach: Tony Overton
overtons@live.ca

Pool Coach: Tony Overton
Pool Coach: Eric Ledding

Boys U15
Pool Head Coach: Johnny Menezes
johnnymenezes@yahoo.ca

Pool Coach: Enzo Nanci
Pool Coach: Duncan Lee, Claudio Torresan & Randy DeFoy

Boys U16
Pool Head Coach: Shaun Flanagan and Tom Flanagan
technical2@kelownaunited.com

Pool Coach: Jacques Rivet
Pool Coach: Gord Joyce

Boys U17/18
Pool Head Coach: Jason Thompson (JT)
jasont@soccerx.ca

Pool Coach: Dan Turner
Pool Coach: Bill Nimmo

BC Soccer Announces Head Coach Coaches

for 2010 Provincial Team

With its continued advancements within the area of player development, BC Soccer’s
Provincial Teams Program has become a symbol for players and coaches who are dedicated to
enhancing the development opportunities for elite players at the Regional, Provincial, and
National Team level of play.

It is with a continued commitment to its players overall development that the BC Soccer is
once again pleased and excited to announce the 2009 - 2010 Provincial Teams Program Head
Coaches. See below for detailed information.

Under 13 Boys Head Coach: Darren Rath

Under 13 Girls Head Coach: Wayne Shaw

Under 14 Boys Head Coach: Rob Csabai

Under 14 Girls Head Coach: Ken Garraway

Under 15 Boys Head Coach: Dante Zanatta

Under 15 Girls Head Coach: TBA

Under 16 Boys Head Coach: Michael Findlay

Under 16 Girls Head Coach: Markus Reinkens

The Provincial Teams Program professional and nationally certified coaches continue to
provide a “Player First” focus as it relates to its overall program mandate.

This provincial wide development program, which includes a seven month evaluation process,
ultimately selects a total of 144 male and female players from the ages of U13 through U16.

Once selected, these players enter a responsible but intense professional training and
development environment. This environment includes domestic and international
experiential soccer travel opportunities. These development focused trips have been created
to provide the best possible opportunities for players to experience and benefit from the
travel and training environment they may encounter at the international level of play.

It is the goal of BC Soccer to continue the growth and provide standards for a recognized
Provincial Teams Program.

This will provide the elite soccer players in British Columbia an opportunity to reach their full
potential within the overall BC Soccer / Canadian Soccer Association / Whitecaps FC model for
development, which supports the CSA Long Term Development Model.