-submitted by Shel Brodsgaard.
The VIPL Riptide sponsored by Marine Harvest are pleased to announce the success of our spring soccer academy. The program was initiated this week with 140 players ages 2006-1999 from Port Alberni, Parksville/Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox and Campbell River. The program is affiliated with Mark Isfeld School and the players train three times weekly. There are several students from the school serving as mentor coaches for the younger participants in the program as well as a large amount of older students who are participating in both the spring academy and Vancouver Island Premier League Riptide Teams.
“It has been an extremely rewarding and challenging start to the program. There is a tremendous amount of new talent in the 2003-2006 age groups and a wealth experience in the returning players born 2002-1999. Each year we see new players come in further developed with their skills, passion and understanding for the game. It truly is an honor to see the game grow and evolve in our community “ states program founder and Riptide Soccer Development Coordinator Shel Brodsgaard.
The spring soccer academy will also see the players attend a Whitecaps game on May 7th versus the Portland Timbers. The players will then be attending a one day 7- Aside event in Victoria on May 14th. We will also host a local 7-Aside event on the weekend of May 28th and May 29th against our friends from Victoria. Each of the full academy participants will also be eligible to attend a weekend on Denman Island in the first part of June to share an overnight experience with their soccer friend. The provincial bound Riptide Teams are also using the spring academy to further develop and enhance their respective preparation for the BCSA A-Provincials July 7- 10, 2016 in Burnaby. Each of the 2000 boys, 2001 girls and 2000 girls teams are receiving regular training as a team in the academy as well as further development and support with regard to physical literacy, sports psychology, tactical development and match analysis. These are BIG steps for our teams who will be competing with the top four teams in their respective age group at the provincials.