Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release - www.whitecapsfc.com

Monday, January 23, 2012

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that Jesse Symons has been named new head coach of the club’s women’s team and Girls Elite program. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jesse back to the club,” said Bob Lenarduzzi, president, Whitecaps FC. “We are thoroughly committed to the long-term development of Canadian talent through our girls and women’s programs, and Jesse fits that philosophy. He has an excellent record of youth development, he’s passionate, and he has a well-defined vision for the program.”

Symons, 30, returns to Whitecaps FC after previously serving as head coach of the Whitecaps FC Prospects program from 2006 to 2010. Under Symons’ guidance, the U-18 Prospects team - now known as Girls Elite - won two Pacific Coast Soccer League (PCSL) Women’s Premier Division championships, including an undefeated 16W-0L-0D record during his final season in charge. Also in 2010, Symons helped as an assistant coach during the women’s first team undefeated regular season and their run to the W-League final.

Among the players to have been coached by Symons in the Whitecaps FC Prospects program are striker Chelsea Buckland and defender Shannon Woeller, who are currently playing for Canada’s women’s national team at the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying tournament at BC Place.

“I’m excited about this opportunity to come back to Whitecaps FC and build on the club’s great tradition with their women’s programs,” said Symons. “The most important thing is to continue to build that connection from our youth teams to the first team, and to give players the tools to progress to the highest level.”

The North Vancouver, BC, native most recently coached the Mountain United FC U-15 and U-16 girls’ squads during the inaugural mini-season of the EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League. With Symons leadership, Mountain United won the U-16 girls league championship, posting an undefeated record. Additionally, his U-16 girls squad also won the inaugural adidas Champions Cup at the U-18 level.

“Jesse has done a fantastic job in leading our U-15 and U-16 girls programs,” said Frank Ciaccia, technical director, Mountain United FC. “He came to us with a tremendous reputation and he imparted a vast amount of soccer knowledge along to us here at Mountain United FC. Whitecaps FC are not only getting a great coach, they’re getting an even better person, and that should make for a winning combination. We are delighted for Jesse and his family.”

Prior to joining Mountain United FC, Symons held the position of technical director for North Shore District Girls Metro. Other accomplishments include leading the Team BC girls squad to a gold medal at the 2009 Canada Games in Prince Edward Island, as well as coaching BC Soccer Provincial Teams at the U-13 girls level and U-12 and U-13 boys levels. Since 2005, Symons has also been the head instructor of the Sentinel Soccer Academy. His credentials include a Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) National ’B’ license, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Teaching Certificate from the Professional Development Program at Simon Fraser University.

Jesse Symons – Whitecaps FC women’s head coach

– Five successful seasons as Whitecaps FC Girls Prospects head coach (2006-2010), including two PCSL titles (2009 & 2010)
– Whitecaps FC women’s assistant coach (2010)
– Coached Mountain United FC to 2011 EA SPORTS BCSPL U-16 girls league title
– Coached Team BC to gold at 2009 Canada Games