Rocha named Whitecaps President
Monday, March 14, 2005
VANCOUVER, BC -- The Vancouver Whitecaps FC Director of Soccer Operations, Bob Lenarduzzi, today announced the hiring of John Rocha as the new President of the Whitecaps.
"I am extremely pleased to welcome John to the Whitecaps organization," said Lenarduzzi. "John brings extensive leadership, experience and enthusiasm; he is a huge addition to the franchise."
John Rocha joins the Whitecaps organizations after 13 very successful years with the Vancouver Canucks. In his most recent role as the Vice President of Customer Sales & Service for Orca Bay Sports & Entertainment, John was behind the launch of many successful ticketing and marketing campaigns. The 2003.04 season sales campaign proved to be the most successful when the Canucks achieved an unprecedented 5,400 new season ticket equivalents resulting in a season ticket base capped at 17,000. This achievement coincided with a record streak of 86 consecutive sell-outs.
In his new role with the Whitecaps, John will be responsible for all business operations, sales and marketing, sponsorship and administration for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. John will also work with Bob Lenarduzzi in the areas of soccer operations and youth development.
"I am very excited about the opportunity to join the Whitecaps," said Rocha. "This is an excellent time for the organization and I am thrilled to be involved. Mr. Kerfoot's vision and passion for the organization makes me believe that the Caps have a very promising future."
Born in Prince Rupert and raised in Kitimat, B.C., soccer has played a major influence in Rocha's life. From team captain of his high school club that made it to the provincials, to a spectator of three World Cups and the recent Euro Cup, John has been a lifelong soccer enthusiast.
In addition to his accomplishments on the pitch and with the Canucks, Rocha has been involved with many successful community and volunteer initiatives. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program, Vancouver Theatre Sports League, and Muscular Dystrophy Canada, as well as being a member on the Advisory Board for Sport BC's KidSport Fund and RowforWater. In 2002 John was involved in the highly successful 2002 FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship. John is also actively involved on the Marketing Committees for the 2005 CFL Grey Cup and the 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship. Recently, John has spearheaded Vancouver's bid to be a host city for the
2007 FIFA World Youth Championships.
The Whitecaps regular season kicks off on Sunday, April 24th versus the Toronto Lynx at Swangard Stadium. Whitecaps season tickets are now on sale for less than $6 per game. For more information please call 604.669.WAVE (9283) or visit us on the web at whitecapsfc.com.
| 
