whitecapssoccer.com introduces "Surfside Chats". Each week we’ll go one-on-one with some of your favorite Whitecaps and Breakers stars including Men, Women and Youth players, as well as coaches, management and more! We’ll bring you the inside news and views.
This week it’s "Surfside with Bob Lenarduzzi" - January 12, 2003
Bob Lenarduzzi is Director of Soccer operations with the Whitecaps and Breakers and heading into the first year under the new ownership of Greg Kerfoot. Whitecapssoccer.com talks with Bob on preparation for the upcoming season.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – It’s been two months now since new ownership has been in place. How has the process been?
[Lenarduzzi] – Hectic and exhilarating. Most of the work has gone on behind the scenes as Greg familiarizes himself with all aspects of the club. One of the most encouraging aspects of Greg’s ownership is that he is prepared to take time build the club right, and as a result decisions are made with this in mind, as opposed to achieving a quick fix.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – Greg Kerfoot obviously has had a lot of success in business, and done a lot in the community. How involved will he be in the operations of the club?
[Lenarduzzi] –Thankfully Greg has decided to run the business side of the club for at least the first year. I’m sure that he will apply the same principles that have made Crystal Decisions one of the top Software companies in the World, and one of the top companies to work for in British Columbia and Canada.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – What kind of team are we looking at this year with the Whitecaps, any major signings planned?
[Lenarduzzi] – I’ve been in discussions with a number of the individuals from last years team that got us to the semi-finals, and am encouraged that the core should be back. I’m also hopeful that we will bolster the squad based on discussions I’ve had with players interested in playing for the Whitecaps.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – What about on the Breakers side. Has the new name been decided, and how is the team shaping up?
[Lenarduzzi] –We received many great suggestions when we asked for the publics assistance in identifying a new name. We will be announcing the name in the next few weeks. Coach Dave Dew is busy confirming the return of last years squad that also reached the semi-finals. Expect some significant signings from last years U19 squad.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – With the change in ownership, are you on schedule with ticket promotions and sponsorships?
[Lenarduzzi] –We are behind, but only because it has taken time to establish a structure in our front office. Staff will soon be in place to perform all of the necessary functions to build the basis to enhance the financial viability of the Whitecaps.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – Manchester United and Celtic are playing in Seattle in the New Year, is the club planning anything special for the game?
[Lenarduzzi] –We are planning something special, but unfortunately you’ll have to wait until our Thursday news conference to find out.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – Youth soccer is obviously huge in Vancouver and BC. Do you have any special things planned to get more kids and families out to games?
[Lenarduzzi] –We are in the midst of finalizing an offer that will provide youth soccer clubs and the community with a unique fundraising opportunity. At the same time this is directly related to more kids and families attending our games. We also have plans to create a festive atmosphere that should provide enjoyment for young and old.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – Lets shift gears for the next few questions. 2004 will be the 30th anniversary of the Whitecaps birth. What’s your greatest Whitecaps memory?
[Lenarduzzi] –Most people assume it was our 1979 Championship victory over Tampa Bay, but the quarter final home game against the L.A. Aztecs that same year is my best memory. I can vividly remember walking out from the old Empire Stadium tunnel that night and thinking it was the best atmosphere I’d ever experienced. We went on to win the first game and then the mini game in front of a sold out 32,000 plus crowd that were still there hours after the final whistle.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – How would you compare the standard of the A-League today to the past teams you’ve coached and played for in Vancouver?
[Lenarduzzi] – The NASL (North American Soccer League) was a different class, you had some of the best players in the world playing in that league, many not far from their prime, and many up and coming foreigners. That problem with the NASL, is that it was dominated by foreign players, and as a result many BC players didn't get an opportunity, and the better ones were recruited by other NASL teams. The A-League is a very good standard, a notch above the CSL and APSL, and the level of play gets better with each season. The positive for Vancouver, is that in view of the financial limitations amongst most A League clubs, the equivalent B.C. born player that was recruited away in the NASL days, is now likely to play here with the Whitecaps, giving us the best young talent.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – The new owner has made a long term commitment to the team. What things are big on the wish list as we go forward?
[Lenarduzzi] – Youth Development is a priority, but can only be achieved over time which Greg’s long term commitment allows us the ability to do. I would also like to see us establish a home base that could accommodate the Whitecaps, Breakers and youth development training.
