WINNIPEG MB., August 8, 2018 – Valour FC today announces the formation of the Valour FC Elite Girls program for players 14 to 17 years of age.

Led by Head Coach Jim Zinko and Manager Trevor Kidd, the Valour FC Elite Girls’ team (formerly the Manitoba Blizzard) will continue the tradition of educating players and parents in the realities of the recruiting process, stressing the importance of good grades at all times, and helping families create their own unique opportunities through competition at some of the highest level showcases in North America.

The program strives to educate players and parents in the recruiting process, and travel to showcases in the U.S and Canada to compete in front of college coaches.

“We are proud to have the Valour FC Elite Girls program in place,” said Wade Miller, President & CEO of Valour FC. “We are committed to supporting and growing the sport within the province, and getting involved with existing programs.”

“Giving these girls a chance to compete at the highest level and continue on to play at a university level and beyond is the goal,” said Rob Gale, Head Coach & General Manager of Valour FC. “I was pleased to meet with the Manitoba Soccer Association, Jim (Zinko) and Trevor (Kidd) and agree on a program that fits with the elite player pathway and our direction as a club.”

“Since 2010, we have seen 73 players from our program earn over 4 million dollars in scholarships in Canada and the U.S.,” said Zinko. “That’s an average of 12 per year, with some deciding to attend our great programs at the University of Winnipeg and University of Manitoba.”

Training begins in the fall, while the Valour FC Elite Girls competition season runs from late November into April.