Squamish had the chance to rub elbows with Vancouver Whitecaps stars past and present recently.

Representatives from the Whitecaps, Squamish Youth Soccer Association and other partners gathered at Brennan Park on Oct. 12 to officially open the community’s new mini-pitch.

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“The District of Squamish is working really hard to make this a healthy community,” Councillor Karen Elliott said. “It takes partnerships like this to make it happen.”

The project is part of a Major League Soccer initiative to build a mini-pitch in one community close to each of its franchises. These projects include local partners – in this case, the local youth soccer association, and the District of Squamish – as well as MLS WORKS, Canada Soccer, Southern New Hampshire University and Adidas. The playing surface is aimed at helping kids develop their soccer skills as well as have some fun through sports.

“It’s great that we can be a part of this initiative,” said former Whitecaps’ legend and current president Bob Lenarduzzi.

The Whitecaps brought other familiar faces including current goalkeeper David Ousted, mascot Spike and legendary forward Carl Valentine, who now serves as club ambassador for the team and acted as MC for Wednesday’s unveiling of the facility.

“It’s part of a commitment to build mini-pitches in 20 MLS markets,” Valentine told the crowd.

Lenarduzzi later recounted some Squamish soccer history – specifically, player Mike Sweeney, who went on to play for the old Whitecaps of the North American Soccer League and also competed for the national team that went to the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

Lenarduzzi said his hope is that these partnerships between the Whitecaps and local organizations would produce more professional players.

“I have no doubt in mind that there’s another Mike Sweeney out there,” he said.

SYSA president Tim Sjogren thanked the many business that helped support and supply the project, as well as three association directors in particular: Rob Weys, Ray Christensen and Ora Ramage, who helped oversee the actual construction.

Work on the site started in the summer, but there were a few delays from the weather, as crews had to wait for the ground to dry. At one point, they lost surface coating because of rain, but work was completed approximately a month ago.

Sjogren was also pleased to see that young players had already been out on the pitch, even before the official unveiling.

“It’s great to see that it’s already being used,” he said. “It’s going to add a lot to our program and the training that we have.”

Sjogren also credited the Whitecaps for their work in Squamish such as their academy program to develop young players in the community.

“This partnership is only going to be strengthened by this new mini-pitch,” he said.

Other speakers included Olympic runner and Canada Soccer board member Charmaine Crooks and Steve Thiel from Southern New Hampshire University, who awarded a local scholarship as part of the event.

Following the ceremony, several youngsters were able to take part in a scrimmage on the mini-pitch while being joined by Ousted and Spike.