Wednesday, January 17, 2006

OTTAWA, ON -- Canada’s women’s national team will start training this Jan. 21 for the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup in China this September. The country’s best players are taking part in a new Canadian residency camp by which the players will train together as a team throughout the year in Vancouver, BC. Canada qualified for the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup in November when it reached the 2006 Gold Cup final in Carson, CA.

“This residency camp will provide us the best opportunity ever to attend a World Cup Final with an optimum level of preparations,” says coach Even Pellerud. “For the first time, the team can, in principle, be run like a club team. This program allows us to set up daily, weekly and monthly schedules and technical programs that include fitness, tactics, skills, and psychology. The program will also reinforce team spirit and unity that is essential to a strong showing.”

“Although it is disappointing that our fans won’t be able to enjoy every one of the players they have become accustomed to cheering for, we feel that the support and commitment from ourselves, the Ottawa Fury and Laval Comets will give Canada the best shot at a strong performance in the Women’s World Cup,” said Whitecaps Director of Soccer Operations Bob Lenarduzzi. “Ultimately, the increase in attention the Women’s World Cup will bring will only help grow women’s soccer in Canada and the Whitecaps.”

Fifteen players will be in the residency camp from the Whitecaps, who won their second W-League championship in three years last fall.

The Ottawa Fury will have five players attending the Canadian women’s national team residency camp. Fury players Diana Matheson (55 caps), Rhian Wilkinson (32 caps), Taryn Swiatek (21 caps), Robyn Gayle (10 caps), and Amy Vermeulen (3 caps) form part of a squad of 24.

Rhian Wilkinson and Robyn Gayle are also among the six nominees for the 2006 CSA Female Player of the Year Award.

“This is a strategic moment in time for our National team. A strong performance in the upcoming World Cup can have a tremendous impact on the future growth and development of women’s soccer in Canada,” commented Fury CEO and Owner, John Pugh. "It is also a bittersweet moment as these players have been instrumental in the tremendous success of our W-League team and we are incredibly proud of their achievements. The residency camp will clearly afford the squad the best possible preparation for China.”

The Fury have put together a tremendous record over the past four seasons. They have qualified for the W-League Championship Finals in each of the last 4 years losing in the semi-finals in 2003 and 2004 and in the final to New Jersey and Vancouver in 2005 and 2006. The club was the W-League regular season champion in 2005 and has amassed a remarkable 47-5-2 regular season record under head coach Frank Lofranco.

“We wish Diana, Rhian, Taryn, Robyn and Amy well and look forward to their future return to the Fury,” added Head Coach Frank Lofranco. “We have been more active than ever in building a squad to challenge for the championship. Many of our 2006 players are returning and we are very excited about the international players who will join us in 2007.”

Residency Camp Roster >>