VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer (MLS), and the Saskatchewan Soccer Association (SSA) announced today a new two-year expanded player development partnership that supports an aligned pathway to benefit the game in Saskatchewan, and provides a direct link to full-time academy opportunities in Vancouver with Whitecaps FC.
As part of the expanded alliance, both organizations are excited to announce the appointment of Adam Miller as a joint SSA / Whitecaps FC head coach, to oversee SSA technical programs including the Canada Soccer Girls Rex program and the Whitecaps FC Boys MLS Academy in Saskatchewan. In addition, Miller will support coach licensing courses as well as mentorship opportunities and female coaching initiatives. With support and resources from the SSA and Whitecaps FC, he will also assist local member organizations by providing coaching education and resources to support the development of their players and coaches.
Originally from Swindon in England, Miller has spent the past six years in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. In addition to coaching in the Whitecaps FC BMO Nova Scotia Academy Centre, he acted as assistant coach in Halifax for both the Saint Mary's University men's an-d women's varsity teams, as well as holding academy director and director of coaching positions for United DFC SC, Harbour East District Soccer, and Dartmouth United.
Miller holds a Canada Soccer National B Coaching License and has worked as a co-facilitator for Canada Soccer national licensing programs. Off the field, he graduated from Saint Mary's University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology.
Miller begins his role in Saskatchewan in early December. Current Whitecaps FC BMO Saskatchewan Academy Centre head coach Pedro Dias will be moving to another opportunity with Whitecaps FC in December.
"We're very excited to build on the success of our partnership with the Saskatchewan Soccer Association," said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC chief executive officer & sporting director. "We share common goals to develop and provide opportunities for Canadian players, and we hope that the success of Thomas Hasal motivates more young talent from Saskatchewan to follow his path from first kick to our first team."
The 'Caps MLS roster currently features homegrown goalkeeper Thomas Hasal from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, who shined this year with Whitecaps FC in the MLS is Back tournament. Hasal played in 10 matches for the 'Caps this year before his season ended due to injury. He has also represented Canada at the U-18, U-20, and U-23 national team levels. Another Saskatoon youth soccer product, Brett Levis, made 24 MLS appearances and 40 USL appearances with Whitecaps FC from 2015 to 2019. Both players spent time within the Saskatchewan Soccer Association development system.
"We are very proud that our provincial system aligns directly with the Canada Soccer pathway through our partnership with Vancouver Whitecaps FC," noted Rahim Mohamed, SSA director of soccer. "This partnership provides Saskatchewan players, coaches, and member organizations opportunity for support, guidance, and an aligned pathway for aspiring players. In addition to the player/coach opportunities in Saskatchewan, we are planning to utilize this partnership to provide even more opportunities for coach development in Vancouver - when it is safe to do so - and plan to share organizational best practices."
