Whitecaps London Football Club. (London, Canada)

In today's episode of Post Secondary Celebration Series we speak with Anya Kok. Anya joined our club in 2021 mid way through the season after her family relocated to London Ontario. She instantly became an integral piece of the U17 girls OPDL defensive team. Lucky for us, Anya came to us from Cambridge United OPDL team. Anya was part of the u17 OPDL girl team that went to the final of the Gary Millar Charity Shield. She will be playing with our League 1 Reserve until she leaves us for the fall to attend the Royal Military College of Canada Women's Soccer Team. Good Luck Anya! https://www.rmc-cmr.ca/en/athletic-department/womens-varsity-soccer

On today's episode we speak with Jessye Rady. Jessye is new to our club in 2023. She learned her craft at the St. Thomas Soccer Club. The pandemic almost changed and removed her passion for the beautiful game. She's roared back after the pandemic and dove back into the game with two feet. She credits a couple coaches with keeping her focused throughout. Jessye will be heading to Niagara College. Good Luck Jessye! https://goknights.ca/sports/wsoc/index

Paige Seabrook has been a member of the club since 2016. Paige played her youth soccer with our affiliate Sarnia Girls Soccer Club. Paige is one of the ORIGINAL OPDL players since the inception of the club. She was a standout and dependable goalie for the team. A huge shout out to her parents and who with other families travelled to London for practice sessions four to five times per week. Paige was an integral part of the u17 girls 2022 OPDL team that made a run to the final of the Gary Millar Charity Shield. Congrats to Paige Seabrook for committing to Fanshawe College @fanshawefalcons  https://fanshawefalcons.ca/sports/wsoc/index We wish you the best of luck and are proud of your hard work and dedication over the years Goodluck Paige

In this episode we speak with Sophia Lezizidis. Sophia has been with our club since 2016. She is one of the OG's from the inception of the OPDL license was issued to Whitecaps London. Sophia played her youth soccer at Byron Soccer Club. In every year of play Sophia was in the TOP 10 scoring race in the entire age related group of the OPDL. She played a large role on the u17 girls team that made it to the final of the Gary Millar Charity Shield. She was the leading scorer in the Premier Division of the u17g girls OPDL age group. Sophia will be heading to Grambling State University located in the State of Louisiana. Sophia will be playing on our League 1 Reserve team. Good Luck Sophia! https://gsutigers.com/sports/womens-soccer

Reilly Flesher has been with the club since 2016. She played her youth soccer at our affiliate Byron Optimist Soccer Club. She has been an original member of the club since Whitecaps London joined the OPDL in 2017. Reilly is a powerhouse defender with incredibly strong play. Reilly will be heading off to Beautiful British Columbia in the fall. She is a current player of our League 1 Reserve team for the remainder of 2023. https://gowolfpack.ca/sports/womens-soccer Congrats on signing to Thompson Rivers University. We wish you the best of luck in BC.

In this episode we speak to Devin Dance. Devin played soccer in her early years with London Football Academy (LFA). She moved to Whitecaps London in 2018. She was an integral piece of the 2022 - u17 OPDL girls run to the final of the Gary Millar Charity Shield. Her strength is locking up the midfield to any opponent. Congrats to Devin Dance for committing to Canisius College. We are proud of all your hard work over the years and excited to see what the future has in store. Devin is currently a member of our League 1 Reserve squad for 2023. Goodluck Devin https://gogriffs.com/sports/womens-soccer

On today's episode of we speak Maria Saavedra. Maria joined our organization in 2019. She instantly made an impact, She is a fast and high impact player. She was an integral piece of the incredible run the 2022 - U17 girls OPDL team here at Whitecaps London that reached the final of the Gary Millar Charity Shield. Maria will be attending and has committed to Oakland University @oaklandwsoc 

In this special edition of the podcast we speak to Mike Ayyash the Whitecaps FC Academy Centre Director and Rob Pereira Whitecaps London Academy Centre Head Coach. We discuss the combine. How it started, How it's evolved from the early days, where it is today and where it's going. We announce the KEYNOTE speakers in the PODCAST too. The combine takes place April 3- 6 in Richmond BC. Players from across Canada will there as well as SCOUTS from a massive list of schools from Canada and the USA will be in attendance in person. Enjoy the PODCAST. About: The Whitecaps FC Academy Centre Combine is a marquee event for player development and identification within our club. This event provides an opportunity for players within our provincial Academy Centre network to come together, compete, develop, and get scouted by our staff in Vancouver, college and university coaches and national team coaches.

GOALIES GOALIES GOALIES….Now that we have your attention. You are going to love this episode with Jacqueline Cardy. She's our u17G OPDL goalkeeper. She speaks from the heart about the beautiful game and shares her journey from Timbit soccer to now. She didn't play goalie until she hit age 12. On Jan 18, 2013, Jacqueline after 5 months of inpatient intensive chemo for childhood AML *. Ten years later Jacqueline is CANCER FREE and is an incredibly smart, driven, and talented 16-year-old. Thank you Jacqueline for sharing your story with our listeners. * Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. This type of cancer usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated. AML is also called acute myelogenous leukemia and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.

It was so interesting speaking and sharing Juan's story with the listeners. Come listen to how Juan adjusted coming to Canada from Colombia with this family and how he continues to excel in this beautiful game. Juan has reached some amazing milestones so far in his young career with being selections to provincial screening in the province of Ontario and an invite to the residency intake program with the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer. Thank you, Juan for sharing your story. And we wish you nothing but success. Recruiting Profile: http://www.whitecapslondon.net/view.php?player_id=109

In this episode, we speak to Chernet. We dive into learning more about him. His playing habits and his long-term goals both on and off the pitch. Chernet is one of those players that has been with our club since the inception. He's an extremely committed and very focused driven athlete. He's serious about the game. Recruiting Details - http://www.whitecapslondon.net/view.php?player_id=75 Thank you for sharing your story with our listeners.

Absolutely one of the best episodes to-date in the series. Season 4 is shining with Maddie on the mic. Throughout the series. Maddie speaks on point about so many things from her soccer lifetime. She speaks with passion, excitement, and confidence. We discuss the good old days prior to the pandemic and bring it forward. She share some incredible wisdom that will benefit every youth soccer player from ages eight to……. Thank you, Maddie, for sharing your time and story with our listeners. You were absolutely awesome. Enjoy….

This was a Super fun episode. We connected with Jonathan and Julian. Julian plays for our future Caps team. It was wonderful to hear his view on soccer. We were able to speak to Jonathan about his favourite World Cup team and his love of the game. Come in and listen to this amazing father and son duo.

Looking for an inspirational story? You've found the right podcast. In November of 2010 Rya was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung cancer. At the time she was 2 and a half years old. Her mom noticed she had a really bad cough so she took her to a doctor where they originally said that I had Laryngitis. After a bit Rya cough was not going away so her mom with mother's intuition thought she needed another opinion so she took Rya to a second doctor where they told her that she need to go straight to emerge because they thought she had pneumonia. Then at emerge they discovered Rya had a mass in her lungs. She had to go to sick kids intensive care in Toronto, where she got the biopsy. Then back to London where she started Chemo which lasted for a year. Then about 5 months later Rya got her final surgery and was declared cancer free. Coach Matt Catalano says: Rya James recently joined the 2008 girls squad this year, and instantly fit in. Her hard work and dedication allows her to continuously show improvement each week. Rya is a multi-sport athlete who has a positive attitude and great work ethic. I am excited to work with her more and see her grow during this upcoming season!! Thank you Rya for sharing your story with us.

In this episode, we spend some time with Jennifer Dunn, the Executive Director of the London Abused Women's Centre. Jenn shares a little bit about her experience at the centre and what she does outside the centre.. You'll be intrigued with her hobby and what she does in her spare time outside the centre. We explore. The value of the centre and what it means to the community and how it plays a role within our club. Come inside and learn more about the London Abuse Women Centre and its campaign named Shine the Light “End Women Abuse Campaign.” About Jennifer Dunn The Executive Director of the London Abused Womens Centre. An employee for twelve years. About the Centre The London Abused Women's Centre is a feminist, abolitionist agency. They provide abused and exploited women and children over the age of 12 with hope and help. They help women and girls exploited in prostitution/sex trafficking/pornography, abused by their intimate partners, and/or subjected to sexual harassment or torture. The London Abused Women's Centre (LAWC) also provides support and counselling to family members of women and girls who have been prostituted/sex trafficked, including women and girls who are missing or disappeared. Contact https://www.lawc.on.ca/ 797 York Street - Unit 5 London, On N5W 6A8 Phone: 519-432-2204 Hours Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 5:00pm Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm Christine Howorun Human Trafficking Series In "Fighting Traffick," Cristina Howorun follows a group of women who are fighting to end one of the most profitable criminal industries worldwide, sex trafficking, in one of Canada's biggest hotspots of London, Ontario. Link: https://youtu.be/UIOSXu_DrYY 23rd Annual International Woman's Day Breakfast & Auction Friday, March 3, 2023 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tickets: https://trellis.org/23rd-annual-international-womens-day-breakfast-and-auction Speaker: Cristina Howorun Cristina Howorun is an award-winning investigative journalist and documentary producer with CityTV. She is currently a member of the Queen's Park press gallery and works primarily in investigative documentaries. Howorun has covered every federal and provincial election since 2008, she's been embedded with Canadian troops in the Mojave Desert, tracked down a suspected terrorist in Libya and exposed shocking levels of abuse and negligence in long term care homes. More recently, she has been working in the documentary space - producing and hosting documentaries on gun smuggling, sex trafficking, Christian cults and incarcerated mothers. Cristina has earned four Edward R. Murrow awards for investigative journalism, an RTDNA award for investigative journalism, the UNIFOR award for labour journalism and was the inaugural recipient of the Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women award, for her work in exposing sex trafficking practices along Canada's busiest highway, a film in which LAWC was prominently featured. To hear Cristina speak and help us celebrate women's and girls' social, economic, cultural, and political achievements please press button below. Shine the Light All Girls Soccer Tournament. Tournament Name - Shine the Light Girls Soccer Tournament – Hosted by Whitecaps London Tournament Dates: June 2, 3 and 4, 2023 Application deadline: May 15, 2023 https://www.whitecapslondon.com/shine2023

Whitecaps London welcomes Coach Mher. "This was an absolutely awesome podcast learning more about Coach Mher Nahabedian. This guy is the real deal." says Abbi Lezizidis. Coach Mher joins us from Montreal where he held various roles within the Montreal footy community. Mher is our newly minted Skills Centre Director and coach of our U17 Boys OPDL | U15 Boys OPDL teams. He provides great insight to the game and has a fantastic take way. A real genuine interview sharing his career to Whitecaps London. Come in and listen to his exciting journey. _____________________________________________ Contact info: mher @ whitecapslondon. ca Coach Mher's Resume below. COACHING LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & WORKSHOPS By the National Coaching Certification Program, Soccer Canada and the United Soccer Coaches (USC) COACHING PROFILE Mont-Royal Outremont Soccer Club, Canadian 3rd Division (PLSQ) Assistant-Coach to the professional team (PLSQ) and Head-Coach of the reserve team (PLSQ-R) Head-Coach of the men's U21-AAA Program (LSÉQ) Grassroots Academy Coach LaSalle College, Head-Coach, Men's College Soccer Program Head-Coach, RSÉQ – College Education Sector, Division 2 Monteuil Soccer Club, Laval Regional Soccer Association Club Technical Coach Head-Coach, U10 Girls Division 1 Collège de Montréal, Girls' Soccer and Futsal Programs Head-Coach, RSÉQ – Secondary Education Sector, Division 3 Community Soccer Certifications NCCP Multi-Sport Workshops • Theory A – Ethics in Sport (2014) • Theory B – Session Planning (2016) • Coaching Athletes with a disability Soccer Canada (Performance Profile) • CSA C Licence (2017) • Provincial Coaching Diploma (2018) • CSA B1 License (2019) • CSA B2 License (in the process) United Soccer Coaches (US Soccer) • Go Ahead Safely in Soccer • Sport Psychology : Individual Mental Skills • LGBT – Diversity & Inclusion • Developing the 7-C's • Pre-National Diploma Accomplishments AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS Mont-Royal Outremont Soccer Club Quebec Premier Soccer League (Canadian 3rd Division) 2021 • 2021 Quebec Premier Soccer League Champions • Qualification to the 2022 Canadian Championship (0-2 defeat vs Forge FC, May 11 2022) • 2022 Quebec Cup Quarter Finalist LaSalle College, Men's College Soccer Program Quebec Student Sports Federation (RSÉQ), College Soccer Division 2 2019 • Playoff Finalists • League 3rd place finish • Promotion to Division 1 in 2020 FC Montreal-Panellinios Montreal-Concordia Regional Soccer Association, U13 Boys High-Performance Team 2018 • Finalists at the Ottawa Showcase of Champions • League 3rd Place finish and Bronze Medalists Collège de Montréal, Girls Futsal Program Quebec Student Sports Federation (RSÉQ), Bantam and Midget Girls Regional D3 2013-2016 • 2014 Division 3 League Finalists and Silver Medalists • Promotion to Division 2 in 2015, Relegation to Division 3 in 2016 • 2016 Division 3 Champions FC Trois Lacs Lac-Saint-Louis Regional Soccer Association, U14 Boys Regional D1 2014-2015 • 2014 Laval International Tournament Silver Medalists • 2015 Île-Bizard Provincial Tournament Champions Monteuil Soccer Club Quebec Elite Soccer League (AAA), U15 Boys Provincial Team 2013 • 2013 Seacoast United U15 Boys Showcase Tournament Champions

Workshop Day is Aug 7, 2022 On this SPECIAL Podcast, Abbi Lezizidis speaks to Whitecaps London Coaches Mo Nabavieh and Andrew Reagan who will be lead coaches when Whitecaps London launches their Blind soccer programming. In this podcast Coaches Mo and Andrew share their insights about bringing Blind Soccer to London. They share thoughts about the course and the weekend away at Lake Joseph learning in the most picturesque classroom and learning setting. Matt Greenwood from Pickering F.C. and Charlie the head coach of France's World Cup Blind Soccer Team led the facilitation of the educational material. The course included Blind Athletes, Referees and Administrators from all over the world. Schools and Clubs were there learning together about Blind Soccer otherwise known around the world as Cécifoot. Soccer is for Everyone. The Beautiful Game is meant for everyone. _________________________________________________________________________ About the Course: This course was part funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation through the Ontario Parasport Collective. 1. Establish a blind soccer course that can be developed by Canada Soccer for future delivery. 2. Train a core group of match officials to officiate at upcoming competitions 3. Train a core group of coaches that can take this training back to their home communities and start a local program. An added bonus of this course was to bring together for the first time ever a group of blind soccer players and future coaches/administrators from across Ontario who will be able to learn and connect in a meaningful way. The course will welcome 15 coaches, 5 match officials and 10 blind/ visually impaired players to the beautiful Lake Joseph facility owned and operated by CNIB. The location will provide an immersive environment to learn and connect with each other as we spend time on the field and in the classroom. Each day will be a blend of classroom learning and on field work and while everyone will register in the field they are comfortable with (player, coach or referee) there will be chances to switch up and experience other roles. Other links: https://paralympic.ca/paralympic-sports/football-5-side twitter: @SoccabilityC WWW.Soccability.ca

Welcoming players from across the club who play in many other sports or are involved in any other activities while playing the beautiful game with us. At Whitecaps London we truly understand the value of our athletes' dreams, excitement and want to support the multi-sport athletes from around the club. We're here to celebrate the amazing athletes across the club who are multi-sport athletes. We're excited to share this fantastic podcast speaking to the various athletes through out the club. We want to THANK the families and all the players from the club who came forth to share their stories. They were fantastic. This was awesome to host, and we will be back to do the series again. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming Multi Sport Series Podcast, please reach out to your coach and they will connect with us. We hope you enjoyed the next 58 minutes. Taking Part in the Podcast. Ivy H Olivia R Jaelyn C Tayla M Caleb R Lauren S Danica R

Today in our special edition podcast we were talking to Mike Ayyash Academy Centre Director about combines. Yes, the return of the Vancouver Whitecaps National Youth Combine is back. President Abbi Lezizidis has a quick chat with Mike about what it means to us as a club and what it means to the Whitecaps Organization to back together in Vancouver and everything in between. Enjoy the next 20 minutes.

Come inside and learn more about one of our dynamic defenders from the U17 Boys OPDL. A very well-spoken athlete from the club. A great storyteller and speaker. Gabriel's coach Rob Pereira says "Gabriel is a very strong leader both vocally and by example through his hard work and positive attitude. Gabe has high end dribbling skills which is a bit unusual for a CB. He can make different types of passes and can score off of set pieces. Gabriel defends very well using his intelligence to put him in good positions to defend. He is good in the air and is strong in 1 vs 1 situations." Thank you, Gabriel, for sharing your story.

We loved this interview with Alyssa. "Passionate and Confident" are two words to describe her. A strong footballer for the U17 OPDL Girls team. A very exciting time in Alyssa's life. A recent scholarship offer and acceptance to Quincy University a D2 school in the USA and finding the right fit and program. Her Coach Nicky McDonald says "Alyssa is an all-around impact player. She offers a physical presence, extremely knowledgeable and is a true leader on and off the pitch. She is a gifted athlete, and it has been an absolute pleasure watching her grow."

As amazing story of perseverance. Adam began his life in the humble beginnings of "Council Estates" housing...otherwise known as coop housing in Tottenham England. He earned his stripes as a coach under the Tottenham outreach program and coached in the Tottenham Academy. We are very thankful he met his Canadian life partner in the UK which in the end brought him to the "OTHER" London. Thank you, Adam, for the amazing journey you shared with us today. Enjoy! Adam can be found on his Instagram: https://instagram.com/adam.stapleton?utm_medium=copy_link

Samantha oozes with love for the beautiful game. She is a passionate and an awesome person. She loves her teammates. Samantha shares her story about her involvement in a near tragic car accident. She discuss her rebound...her recent surgery to her hand to correct damage from the accident. She is resilient and inspiring young athlete. Her Coach David Rojas says the "Samantha is an amazing team player who is always giving her best to help the team. She plays an important role keeping the team together which made her team captain last season. Samantha is a strong centre back with a lot of power in her legs, always willing to listen to her coaches' advice which helps her improve her game. I am very lucky to have her on the team." Inspiring Interview.

Parents set aside the time to listen to this Podcast with Chris & Christine Waite the parents of St. Thomas, Ontario native Sadie Waite. They discuss the good old days when Sadie was just a wee one playing the game and the years between now and then. They share their knowledge/experience of the recruitment process and Sadie's entrance to the Rex program and how the pandemic threw some curves at her regarding the possibility being placed on the U17 Canadian National Team. "This was one of the most interesting podcasts and engaging podcasts to date says Abbi Lezizidis. Sadie's parents opened up the vault with their love for their daughter, love for game and making sure to point out everyone that helped Sadie along the way."

Coach McDonald is one of the most exciting up and coming coaches in the area. Her passion and love for the game shines through this podcast. Such a great leader and role model. She played college soccer and brings the tenacity and experience to her teams. You'll love this interview. About Coach Nicky McDonald: Head Coach of Whitecaps London - U18 Girls WRSL. Assistant Coach for our Whitecaps London - U17 OPDL Girls. Nicole McDonald – Soccer Experience Grew up playing soccer in London for the London Gryphons Academy Played Varsity Soccer for 4 years at Fanshawe College OCAA Rookie Player of the Year Plays Women's Premier Soccer in the summer Coached 2008/2009 girls for 3 years starting at Marconi, then LY Whitecaps. Coach with the Future Caps Soccer For Life Certificate

A dynamic seventeen year old who is very clear with his surroundings, who he is and what he wants. Very well spoken and engaging. George's Coach Rob Pereira has this to say…”George has become a dangerous #9. He has a positive attitude and always gives 100% in training and matches. George is good in 1vs1 situations and is also very strong playing as a back to goal striker combining with his teammates. George has shown he can put the ball in the net by being one of the top scorers in OPDL as an 2005 this past season.” Come inside an learn a little more abut George today.

Today we focus and learn more about Joao Duarte our Grassroot Manager - 2007G OPDL Coach. Born & Raised in Portugal he is now looking to become a Canadian Citizen. He loves the city and loves Canada. Joao has a very strong resume and has managed soccer programming in Boston, Charleston South Carolina. His first club in Canada was in London at our affiliate Byron Optimist Soccer Club. He then returned to Portugal at the beginning of the Pandemic and now returned to his adopted country soon to be his permanent home. Abbi Lezizidis...President of Whitecaps London says 'We are thrilled to someone with Joao's expertise and professionalism in the club. Born & raised in a Football first country can only help us continue to offer the best soccer programming London has to offer." Thank you Joao for sharing your story. Enjoy folks. More on Joao... 2016 – January to June – Director of Coaching Girls and Head Coach for Global Premier Soccer Carolina, Charleston, SC and GPS NASA (U12 Girls, U13 Girls and U14 Girls and U11 Boys Elite) and also JV Boys Soccer Head Coach for Stall High School. 2016 to 2020 – Head Coach, U13-U21 Technical Director for Global Premier Soccer Canada and Byron Soccer Club (2003 Girls, 2001 Girls, 2006 Boys, 2007Girls, 2009 Girls) 2018 – November – GPS Technical Visit to Munich and FC Bayern München Academy 2019 – April – Head Coach of the U18 Boys GPS National Team which competed and won the 2ndValencia CF Elite Tournament “Diamantis Andronis” hosted in Nafplion, Greece 2020 – Enrolled into Sports Coaching, specialization in Football in Rio Maior, Portugal 2020/2021 – Assistant Technical Director and Head Coach for the UFC Almeirim in Portugal (U19 Women's participating in the National Championship). Qualifications: UEFA C and Portuguese Level 1 – 2014 UEFA B and Portuguese Level 2 – 2017 Canada Learn to Train - 2017 Canada National B – 2020 Ontario Soccer Technical Director Diploma - 2021

Inspiring and engaging is what describes Ioanna inside this Podcast. A very talented footballer who had stroke on the field of play in July of 2021. A huge shout out to the quick actions of many at the field and the Pediatric Critical Care Doctors at London Health Sciences Centre. Due to their knowledge and actions of performing a unique surgical application Ioanna was on the road to recovery within weeks of this life changing moment. She inspired the soccer community from all over the country. "The Pink Shirt" fundraiser was a tremendous success. Total funds raised: $17,594.31. Thank you to everyone that supported the Pink T-Shirts, our club and Ioanna's road to recovery. A breakdown of donations: Online Donations - $2,420.00 Sobey's Canada - PCCU - $5,000.00 Sobey's Canada - Vanier Crisis Management Services - $5,000.00 Pink T-Shirt - $5, 174.31

A look back at the return to play in 2021 through the lens of two parents, a player and a coach from the club. We dive into the dark early days of 2021 beginning in lockdown in Ontario to the realization that competitive soccer was going to returned to full play with limited and manageable restrictions. Our roundtable speaks for so many and delivered a strong engaging podcast. Thank you Stephen, Holly, Emma and Coach James.

Come inside and meet Anthony Vassallo. Our newest club coach. Anthony is our U17B OPDL Head Coach along with being our new Assistant Technical Director in support to our current Technical Direct Pedro Dias. Anthony will also be leading a new role we have created at Whitecaps London in the title of HIGH PERFORMANCE Manager. Learn more about Anthony his role in the club inside this podcast. Welcome to Whitecaps London Anthony! _____________________________________________________ Press Release - August 13 - 2021 WHITECAPS LONDON WELCOMES NEW ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR & HIGH PERFORMANCE MANAGER ANTHONY VASSALLO Whitecaps London are pleased to announce that Anthony Vassallo will commence his role as Assistant Technical Director and High Performance Manager starting August 16. He will also take on the head coaching role with the U17 OPDL Boys team for the remainder of this season. ‘We are thrilled Anthony is joining the club,' says Mike Ayyash, Whitecaps FC Eastern Canada Head Coach. ‘Anthony has a great background as a high performance coach in BC and Ontario, and as a former Vancouver Whitecaps coach in our network who understands our club and coaching philosophy. He will bring a lot of experience and professionalism to the role.' Anthony is a native of London, ON, and will join us from Ottawa South United where he has served as a technical staff coach overseeing the PLSQ Women's Team, U17 OPDL Girls team as well as assisting in the club's University program. Before joining Ottawa South United, Anthony was the head coach of Vancouver Whitecaps Okanagan Academy Centre in Kelowna, BC, as well as the head coach in the BCSPL with Thompson Okanagan FCs U17 Boys. 'I am looking forward to returning to my hometown and excited to get started with Whitecaps London,' says Anthony. ‘I am eager to start working with all the players, coaches, and staff. It has been great to see how much this club has grown over the past few years, and I hope to help add to that continued success. I am thrilled to be joining one of the top youth clubs in Canada and hope to help grow it even further.' Prior to coaching, Anthony was a stand-out player who represented Malta internationally, and played professionally in Europe. Anthony holds his National B license, Technical Director diploma, and is currently taking his Youth license. His new role with the club will focus on enhancing our high performance program delivery and oversight, with a special focus on helping players transition to university programs. ‘We welcome Anthony to the Whitecaps London family,' says Whitecaps London Technical Director & Head Coach Pedro Dias. ‘Anthony's skills and experience will be a great addition to our club and our players. We look forward to working with Anthony and continue to build great programs and develop all our players.' Whitecaps London is also in the process of hiring a new full-time Grassroots Manager as we look to grow our technical staff. ‘We are growing as a club and we are excited to have Anthony join our technical team, as well as adding a new full-time Grassroots Manager in the near future,' says Club President Abbi Lezizidis. ‘We have gained a valuable resource in Anthony. We welcome all his experience in best practises and applying them here as we continue to grow into the next stages of development. Anthony brings with him a deep and vast knowledge of experience in the recruitment process for post-secondary and high-performance.'

One RUN PODCAST Come learn more about Theresa Carriere and the ONERUN Challenge. https://onerun.ca Theresa is a mother of four children has been married for thirty-one years and has twelve siblings. Theresa is cancer survivor and began the ONERUN – Eleven years ago. Today ONERUN has become a Premier fundraiser in the area that many look forward to year after year. The Pandemic did not slow down ONERUN. The Pandemic allowed ONERUN an opportunity to have people join in from every corner of the world. Congratulations to Theresa and the ONERUN team for continuing to inspire and assist so many families affected by cancer in London and area. This year's ONERUN campaign begins - May 17th until June 18th, 2021. Register here for ONERUN: https://onerun.ca/100km-journey/ Here is a little more about the ONERUN fundraising month-long event. Check out the ONERUN website for ways to get involved and raise funds for Wellsprings and Childcan. Also, learn more about the “RUNNERS OF HOPE” Theresa discusses on the pod here: https://onerun.ca/runners-of-hope/ ONERUN Announces Launch of 2021 Campaign (London, Ontario) – In their 11th year, ONERUN is determined to continue to provide support to families affected by cancer and will launch the 100 kilometer Virtual Journey registration on April 5, 2021. ONERUN will once again run an online campaign in 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The 100 km Virtual Journey invites the community to complete 100 kms of their own from May 17 – June 18, 2021 while raising funds for those affected by cancer. Participants can walk, run, bike, rollerblade or even skateboard to complete 100 kms. The event will conclude on June 19, 2021, when ten local survivors will each run 10 km routes of their own. All money raised will be directed to cancer support programs offered through ChildCan and Wellspring. Join ONERUN in building hope and strength in our community! For more information visit: www.onerun.ca or register at: https://raceroster.com/events/2021/34409/onerun.

IMORTANT NOTE: At the time of this recording Matt Ferreira was a former employee of Ontario Soccer holding various roles. Due to COVID he was placed on leave. Days after the recording of the podcast matt received great news that he was being hired back to be the Manager of Coach Education, Player Development & Club Licensing. A position left vacant due to the departure of Gabriel Assis heading to BC Soccer to become the Director of Operations. We wish them both tremendous successes. Come in a little to what scouts are looking for with regards to player identification at the provincial screening level. Hear what it takes and what the key elements are. A great listen for players/families looking to hit the next level. A little bit about Matt. Matthew Ferreira was born & raised in Toronto, Canada to Portuguese parents who registered him to start playing soccer at the age 6 before he started coaching at 17. Went on to complete a degree in Kinesiology and travel to countries like Brazil, England, Ireland, Portugal and the United States to learn about & work in the game. Currently holds a variety of coaching badges including the UEFA A License as well as Canada Soccer's National B, Children's & Youth Licenses. Joined Ontario Soccer in 2017 as a Regional Manager and has since worked as a Provincial Coach, Scout and Coach Educator until 2020. Thank you, Matt, for the fantastic Interview. We explore the areas of the club and the game. Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca

Come in and take a listen to Jalen. An incredible talent on and off the field. We discuss the pandemic. His rise to the Provincial program and discuss his love of the game. He shares an insight to an athlete's worst moment/nightmare - "The Injury" and how he over came the mental fatigue of returning from an injury to continue to move forward and own the game his way. This was an amazing interview with Jalen. Don't miss this one. Bravo Jalen… We explore the areas of the club and the game. Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca

This was such a fun & amazing PODCAST. Come listen to these extremely talented TWIN sisters. They are strong playmakers and determined athletes. They each have their unique styles that compliments this strong 2007 squad. They discuss their love for the game and how the pandemic impacted the first year of 11 v 11 and their first year of the OPDL. We explore the areas of the club and the game. Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca

Welcome to the Whitecaps London Podcast. Today we speak to Curtis S. from our U15 OPDL Boys program. He's a dynamic and quick two footed player. As a listener you will feel Curtis's passion for the beautiful game. He shares his thoughts on how the pandemic has played a role for his development. He also shares and offers some great advice for other youth in the game at this time. Thank you, Curtis, for taking the time with us and our listeners. _____ We explore the areas of the club and the game. Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca

We had such an amazing time with Aidan that we can't wait to do it again. He's a PRE-OPDL U12 Grassroots Athlete in our program. This was a fun and exciting podcast. Come in and listen to this very mature U12 athlete speak about his outlook of the game during the Pandemic and how he's adjusting to the virtual sessions. He also shares his story about the travel to London from his hometown on the daily along with the various clubs he had played with. Great job Aidan. Enjoy every one. We explore the areas of the club and the game. Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca

Come in and enjoy an exciting conversation with one our U17 OPDL athletes. We talk with Hannah about her Provincial Screening Invite, the trip to the youth combines in Vancouver. She shares her thoughts on the pandemic and how it has affected her commitment to the game and how she is coping with the struggles of virtual training. Well done Hannah. Thank you for you honest and open conversation. Position Centre Back. _______________ We explore the areas of the club and the game. Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca

We love it when we have an opportunity to speak candidly with a parent. Listen to their insight at the club through their lens and speak about their Children's Development and growth on and off the field. Today we speak with Ahmed Nossair. The father of Farida and Omar. Farida is a U10 player in the club and Omar plays for our U14 OPDL team. Ahmed speaks a little bit about his upbringing and shares the life of being a parent in the club. We also speak about the game, how multi-sports play a role and the support of the club for multi-sport athletes. This is an incredibly awesome podcast. Its real and very inspiring. Come in and enjoy... Speaking about his children and their activities, hobbies etc...And what our role is and could be... "A Parents Role is to Increase the Likeness to desire." Ahmed Nossair - Feb 17, 2021. We explore the areas of the club and the game. Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca

A conversation with Mike Ayyash our former Technical Director with Whitecaps London. We discuss lots of soccer, his upbringing, his career / life prior to becoming involved in various area of the game. we discuss his new role in Atlantic Canada and his new role. We explore the areas of the club and the game. Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca More about Mike: Years with Whitecaps FC: 3 Previous Clubs: Bedford Soccer Association, Soccer Nova Scotia Certifications: Canadian National A License Playing Experience: Dalhousie University, 1995 National Champions Coaching Experience: Bedford Soccer Association Technical Director, Soccer Nova Scotia provincial teams head coach, REX Nova Scotia lead coach Most Memorable Soccer Moment: 1995 CIAU Championship win, assistant coaching the VWFC U23 Development Squad on a Mexico tour in 2018 Other PODCASTS Mike has been featured: https://btsvancity.com/2021/01/22/the-third-sub-episode-69-looking-at-the-whitecaps-new-atlantic-canada-development-centre-and-more-ft-mike-ayyash/ https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/whitecaps-fc-launch-bmo-atlantic-canada-development-centre/n-5660224

Today we speak to both Tayla U15 and Keiran U17. They are brother and sister. The both play in our OPDL programs. Come in and enjoy a conversation with these two siblings originally from our Affiliate SARNIA FC and where we talk about the grind of the daily travel London. Their perspectives of the game and so much more. What a thrilled it was to speak with them. Enjoy. Tapping into ALL areas of the club and community. Athletes, Parents and our fantastic Coaches. We also are excited to feature other SOCCER related NEWS and Interviews with many in the Soccer Community. If you're a lover of the Greatest Game on Earth you have found the right place be. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca

Come in and take a listen to this awesome and real podcast with Stephanie from our U15 OPDL program. She shares her experiences (so far) in youth soccer development. She illustrates the lessons learned from her family farm and how her upbringing and work ethic from the farm transferred to the pitch. She describes her invite the Ontario Soccer's Provincial Screening and being chosen for the "GAME of Distinction" in British Columbia at the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy Youth Combine. Tapping into ALL areas of the club and community. Athletes, Parents and our fantastic Coaches. We also are excited to feature other SOCCER related NEWS and Interviews with many in the Soccer Community. If you're a lover of the Greatest Game on Earth you have found the right place be. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca

We really enjoyed recording this PODCAST with Ben. The interview is real. We explore Ben's trip to the Vancouver Whitecaps Youth Combine in British Columbia, also discuss his invite back to the High Prospects Camp in Vancouver and how the Pandemic has challenged the club and impacted his training. Such an incredible athlete leading the way with such poise and maturity well above his current age. Onward and Upward. Enjoy! Tapping into ALL areas of the club and community. Athletes, Parents and our fantastic Coaches. We also are excited to feature other SOCCER related NEWS and Interviews with many in the Soccer Community. If you're a lover of the Greatest Game on Earth you have found the right place be. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca

Come in and take a listen to BART CHOUFOUR. The Pre MLS Academy Head Coach and Prospects Head Coach | Coach Educator for VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC. Rejoining Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2007, Bart Choufour is currently director and head coach of Whitecaps FC Academy Centres, while also serving as Residency and Girls Elite REX staff coach. Choufour provides technical leadership to the Academy Centre head coaches in each location, on and off the field, including the development of curriculum and delivery of coaching education. Choufour joined Whitecaps FC with an impressive resume. His European experience includes knowledge of a number of youth development systems, in the Netherlands AFC Ajax, FC Groningen and PSV, in Germany Bayer Leverkusen of Germany's Bundesliga and in Belgium K.F.C. Germinal Beerschot of Belgium's Jupiler League. In addition, Choufour has taken various B.C. youth soccer teams (including Whitecaps FC Prospects teams) to top tournaments against youth teams from professional clubs like FC Barcelona of Spain's La Liga and Liverpool, Everton and Arsenal of England's FA Premier League. Locally Choufour was one of the initiators and first Director of the Vancouver 86ers Youth Development program back in 1997. During that time Choufour spent extensive time at Ajax Amsterdam, studying and learning their world renowned development system. Prior to rejoining Whitecaps FC he was the Boys Director at Total Soccer Systems in Richmond. He has served as a BCSA Provincial team coach and has previous Club Head Coach/TD experience with the Tsawwassen Soccer Club and Peace Arch Soccer Club. At the Tsawwassen Soccer Club he coached three different teams to three Coastal and two Provincial championships. Choufour is a graduate from the Academy for Physical Education in Amsterdam, where he earned his first coaching badges before he obtained a Canadian Soccer Association National A License. In addition to his coaching, he played at the top amateur/semi-professional level in the Netherlands after being in the youth set up at HFC Haarlem in his home town.

Whitecaps London is happy to announce Sarah King has been appointed Team Manager for both Our Whitecaps London 2005 and 2006 OPDL Boys Teams. Sarah is a very important member of our Club and is also our Media Manager and Performance Manager. Soccer Experience: - Oshawa Kicks OYSL - Women's Premier with St Thomas and North London Soccer Clubs - Fanshawe College Goalkeeper – 4.5 Years - 7 OCAA Medalist, 1 CCAA Medalist - OCAA West Region League Top Goalkeeper/OCAA League All-Star - Fanshawe Outdoor Rookie of the Year/Fanshawe Indoor MVP Coaching Experience: - OSA Goalkeeper Diploma - Soccer for Life Certification - Fanshawe College Goalkeeper Coach – 4.5 years, 3 OCAA Medalist - Future Caps Coach - London Youth Whitecaps Goalkeeper Coach – 3 years - London Elite Goalkeeper Coach - Whitecaps London 05 Boys 06 Boys/Goalkeeper Coach

We explore the areas of the club and the game. Today we speak to Pedro Dias. The new Technical Director of Whitecaps London. Dias' experiences both playing and coaching at an elite level, along with his understanding of both the Whitecaps FC club system and the Ontario market, gives youth in the region the best possible mentorship, and helps strengthen the pathway to Vancouver. The former pro played more than 17 years of professional soccer in his native Portugal, including time spent at Sporting Clube de Portugal and Clube Desportivo Nacional. As a coach, Dias holds both his Canadian A licence and UEFA B license and is very familiar to Ontario, having previously spent seven years as technical director & head coach of the Sporting FC Academy in Toronto, where he planned and executed training methodology in alignment with Sporting CP. Additionally, Dias was a provincial team coach with the Ontario Soccer Association, while also previously spending time coaching youth and implementing academy programs in Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States, and his native Portugal. Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Miguel_Dias

We explore the areas of the club and the game. Today we speak to Helen Stoumbos. Helen is a former Team Canada Women's Soccer player. She was on the national team for 8 years and represented Canada at the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup. She holds the distinction of scoring Canada's first ever World Cup goal. Hear about her experience on the national team and her thoughts on the growth of women's soccer. Helen's Induction to Canada Soccer Hall of Fame: https://youtu.be/5Cq7JR09Vu4 Helen's favourite food Place: Jemma's Tree House Restaurant, Speyside, Tobago. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jemmas-Tree-House-Restaurant-Speyside-Tobago/352296588174092 “Destination Happy.” Helen's Ted Ex Youth Talk: https://youtu.be/zFT1KtWPLOs (facebook.com) Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca

We explore the areas of the club and the game. Today we speak to Malik Owolabi – Belewu. Malik is a former Whitecaps London Player who recently signed a four-year PRO deal in SAPL (Italy) at the age of 18. You don't want to miss this Podcast. Thank you Malik for sharing your incredible journey from your humble beginnings to where you are currently. Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca

We explore the areas of the club and the game. Today we share an exciting conversation with a parent named Wendy M. who played D3 USA College and has an athlete with us. You can feel her love for the game. Thank you Wendy for sharing your awesome experiences. Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca

We explore the areas of the club and the game. Today we connect with Coach Rob Pereira who recently obtained his "A" License, Bravo!. Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca

We explore the areas of the club and the game. Today we connect an athlete named Asha. Great job Asha, you were amazing. Your details and love of the game shine through this podcast. Asha does a fantastic job explaining the game through the eyes of young player in the game. Stay tuned for more PODCASTS soon. If you want to be featured, have an idea for a Podcast or want to simply provide us Feedback connect with us at: info@whitecapslondon.ca