The Lethbridge Soccer Association (LSA) is announcing the conclusion of its formal partnership with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, effective November 1, 2026. This marks the end of a decade-long collaboration dedicated to developing young athletes and growing the game of soccer in southern Alberta.
Since 2016, LSA and Vancouver Whitecaps FC have worked together to create meaningful development opportunities for local players, coaches and families. Over the past 10 years, the partnership has helped strengthen soccer programming in Lethbridge while providing young athletes with opportunities to develop their skills and passion for the game.
“This is a really exciting time for the Lethbridge Soccer Association," says Sam Heap, Technical Director for the LSA. "Over the past decade, we’ve built a strong foundation and we’re now at a stage where we’re ready to take that next step. Our focus is on strengthening what we’ve built, developing our own players and coaches, and creating even more opportunities for our soccer community. There’s a lot for everyone involved in soccer in Lethbridge to be excited about, and we’re grateful to Vancouver Whitecaps FC for their role in helping us reach this point.”
As this chapter comes to a close, LSA would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Vancouver Whitecaps FC for their commitment, collaboration and support throughout the partnership. The association also recognizes the dedication of its staff, coaches, volunteers, players, and families who have contributed to the success of this relationship over the past decade.
While the formal partnership is coming to an end, LSA remains committed to providing quality soccer programming and creating opportunities for athletes of all ages and skill levels to learn, develop and succeed. The ending of this partnership will not affect our player pathways as we will continue to work closely with the Whitecaps to provide ongoing development opportunities for our athletes.
“We are extremely grateful to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for 10 years of support, direction, and commitment to the Lethbridge Soccer Association," says Steve Dudas, Lethbridge Soccer Association's Executive Director. "Their partnership has contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of soccer in our community, supplying us with the tools and skills necessary for us to confidently move forward as our own, unique entity. We thank the Whitecaps for their partnership, guidance, and investment in our association over the last 10 years.”
As we move into our next phase, bringing Sam Heap in-house to lead our technical department reflects our commitment to long-term development, a consistent technical vision, and stronger alignment with the needs of our players and coaches. We believe this structure will help us build on the strong foundation established over the past decade and continue moving our association forward.
Moving forward, the LSA will continue building the foundation established over the past decade, exploring new opportunities to strengthen player development and support the continued growth of soccer throughout Lethbridge and southern Alberta.
The Lethbridge Soccer Association thanks Vancouver Whitecaps FC for 10 years of collaboration and wishes the organization continued success.