New Frontier Players Advance to Vancouver Whitecaps Combine
We are proud to announce that twelve of our players have been selected to attend the Vancouver Whitecaps Combine this March in BC.
This achievement follows a highly competitive identification process involving top 2011 and 2012 male and female players from Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge, and neighboring communities. Those selected earned the opportunity to represent the Calgary Whitecaps Prospect Academy. Since November, players have been training three times per week while gaining valuable additional 11v11 match experience in an environment specifically designed to identify, challenge, and prepare players for progression within the Whitecaps pathway.
This year’s selections continue a strong upward trend for Calgary-based athletes. At the most recent Calgary Prospects Combine, five females were offered spots with the Vancouver Rise Academy, a clear indicator of the strength and quality emerging from our region.
Understanding the Whitecaps Pathway
The Whitecaps Prospect Academy serves as a key step within the broader Whitecaps development system. Players identified within regional Prospect Academies are evaluated for selection to the Vancouver Whitecaps Combine, where top prospects from Whitecaps centres come together in a best-on-best environment.
The Combine provides players with the opportunity to compete, be assessed, and potentially progress further within the Whitecaps/Rise system.
Calgary has consistently proven to be a powerful contributor within this pathway. Over the years, a significant number of players have progressed from Calgary into the full-time, funded academy environment in Vancouver on both the male and female sides, with many going on to achieve exceptional success.
Female Pathway & National Alignment
On the female side, the Whitecaps pathway aligns with Canada Soccer’s National EXCEL Program, a high-performance development model designed to prepare players for progression within professional and national team environments.
The Whitecaps Girls Elite Academy, now aligned with Vancouver Rise FC, plays an important role within this national pathway, supporting the development of players aspiring to compete at the highest levels of the game.
Calgary athletes have thrived within this system. Numerous players have advanced to NCAA Division 1 programs across the United States. Several have transitioned into the Vancouver Rise First Team environment. Others have gone on to accomplish outstanding milestones, including Calgary’s own Kaylie Hunter, NSL Rookie of the Year and Canadian Women’s National Team player, demonstrating what is possible through dedication and the right development pathway.
A Step Forward
Selection to the Vancouver Whitecaps Combine reflects the consistency, commitment, and performance standards demonstrated by our players.
New Frontier Soccer Club congratulates all of our selected players and their families on this achievement. We are proud of the growing impact Calgary athletes continue to make within the Whitecaps pathway and beyond, and we look forward to watching them compete and continue their development this spring.
