VANCOUVER, WA—Vancouver Victory FC are launching a new reserve system with the help of local soccer retail store NW Soccer Locker. The new squads will be called “FC Soccer Locker” and will feature players in the Victory system who are seeking more playing time to develop their game. “We have around 50 guys wanting to play, and our first team roster in the Evergreen Premier League is already packed with talent,” says Victory owner Barrett Goddard. “So as a part of our long term goal to change the face of adult soccer in Southwest Washington, we are launching reserves.”
FC Soccer Locker teams will be sponsored by NW Soccer Locker and owner Jason Ellis. NW Soccer Locker is a soccer specialty retail store in Vancouver, Washington, with full lines of gear, a heat press, and logo and number customization. NW Soccer Locker was established in 2013 with the intention of serving Clark County with a dedicated soccer specialty store north of the Columbia River. NW Soccer Locker takes an active role in the community and with local soccer clubs helping to supply them with all their gear, uniforms, balls and equipment needs for all ages and levels of competition. The reserves will wear a crest with NW Soccer Locker colors in the shape of the Victory First Team crest.
Victory Director of Club Development Sunny Dulai has already begun a tryout process for players via word of mouth. Dulai will run the program, which will also include Victory players from last season who are not getting first team time this year. “Due to such a large interest and turnout for our First Team practices, and the quality of players, we decided we needed to add another opportunity for players to get competitive training and games,” Sunny explains. The Victory will occasionally field as many as two reserve squads on certain days to play double headers.
Victory Head Coach Aaron Lewis is excited about the chance to develop more players. He’s also glad to have Dulai involved. “Sunny is the perfect guy to help with this important role because of his unique expertise, key contacts, and heart to give players opportunities to develop. He continues a long legacy of using soccer to give back to the Vancouver area,” Lewis says.
Barrett Goddard has already invested substantially in getting the Victory First Team launched last season. So why do more so soon after? “As a staff,we debated the merits of forming a reserve system. But there is an overwhelming need for quality training opportunities for the large amount the soccer talent we have in this demographic in the area,” Goddard explains.
“Having Jason Ellis with NW Soccer Locker on board to partner up financially to support the reserve teams made it an easier decision to move forward.”
FC Soccer Locker will play matches throughout the summer, including against reserves from fellow Evergreen Premier League clubs South Sound FC, and non-league side Everett United. Details of the reserves schedule will be announced soon.
“We are amazed at how quickly the Victory reputation has grown,” says Goddard. “We respect our local players, deal with them fairly and honestly. It’s about soccer for us—and word is getting out. Vancouver Victory FC is a place for skilled players.”
NW Soccer Locker. http://nwsoccerlocker.com/
