The Vancouver Whitecaps got back to training Tuesday, albeit via voluntary individual workouts at the club’s practice facility.
Still it was a welcome return for 16 players, who each had a quarter of a field to work in during their hour-long outdoor sessions. Another nine are slated to go Wednesday at the team’s training centre at the University of British Columbia.
The players had been on their own since March 12 when MLS suspended play two weeks into the 2020 season due to the global pandemic.
“”It was special … especially on the mental side,” said Whitecaps head coach Marc Dos Santos. “Just to have the players being together and slowly seeing each other, even if it’s on another side of the field.” “I think it’s a very important step,” he added. “It’s Step 1, cleats going on the grass, touching the ball, seeing their teammates around, seeing coaches back around. It’s a beginning.”
Toronto FC started individual workouts Monday.
The Montreal Impact are looking to join them after having their first request rejected by Montreal Public Health.
While players take baby steps, the league is inspecting its options for resuming play. One scenario reportedly would see all 26 teams travel to the Orlando area this summer to train and play matches without fans at the sprawling ESPN Wide World of Sports property.
TFC has trained and played pre-season matches at the complex in the past.
MLS teams have had to get their individual workout protocol accepted by local authorities and the league.
“This is new not only for the Whitecaps or MLS, it’s new in the world,” said Dos Santos.
Schuster stressed that the team’s move to individual workouts should not be seen by the general public as a sign to ease up on physical distancing or ignore other COVID-19 guidelines.
The Whitecaps’ workout protocol prohibits access to other club facilities. Gyms and training rooms may still only be accessed by players receiving post-operative and rehabilitation treatment, as directed by the club’s chief medical officer. Players have to complete a screening assessment survey prior to arrival at the training site and undergo temperature checks upon arrival.
They have to wear personal protective equipment from the parking lot to the field, and on the way back to their cars. Staff has to be at least 10 feet from players at all times.
