About Us

Making the Right Choice: Why Choose Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club?

Choosing a soccer club for your child can feel like a daunting task. At Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club (VLASC), we strive to simplify this decision-making process for you.

Unlike traditional soccer clubs, VLASC specializes in arena (indoor) soccer. Our unique approach combines the best of both outdoor and indoor training methodologies. By focusing on repetition of foundational skill drills in both environments, we accelerate player development, preparing them for advanced levels of soccer competition.

No matter your player's current skill level or experience, VLASC has a program tailored to meet their needs. From beginners to seasoned players, our inclusive approach ensures that every participant finds a suitable program to support their growth and development.

Join us at VLASC and experience the difference in soccer training. Let us guide your child toward success on and off the field.

Our Programs

Founded in 2023, Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club (VLASC) stands as Vancouver, Washington’s newest community soccer club, committed to delivering exceptional experiences and opportunities to all our players.

Our club offers a range of programs tailored to suit various age groups and skill levels:

  1. Boys and girls aged 7-10

  2. Boys and girls aged 11-14

  3. Boys and girls aged 15-18

  4. Men’s semi-professional

  5. Women’s semi-professional (Starting Winter of 2027)

Each program is meticulously designed to cater to multiple levels of soccer skills, fostering a deep-rooted passion for the game among participants. Our dedicated coaches and staff provide comprehensive training sessions that focus on skill development, tactical understanding, and teamwork, ensuring that every player receives the guidance they need to thrive on the field.

Many of our players progress from these foundational programs to join VLASC competitive teams, where they continue to refine their skills and compete at higher levels. Whether your child is just starting their soccer journey or aiming for semi-professional success, VLASC is here to support their growth and development every step of the way. Join us and embark on an exciting soccer adventure with VLASC!

BAD TEAMS

NO ONE LEADS

GOOD TEAMS

COACHES LEAD

CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS

PLAYERS LEAD

Club Mission Statement

The mission of the Vancouver Lightning Soccer Club is to foster a positive impact on the Vancouver community through soccer, providing athletes of all ages with the opportunity to develop both on and off the field. The club is dedicated to helping young players reach their full potential, promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth.

Goals:

  1. Youth Development: To provide comprehensive training programs that focus on improving the technical, tactical, and mental aspects of soccer.

  2. Community Engagement: To positively influence the local community by creating an inclusive environment where players and families can come together through a shared passion for soccer.

  3. Growth and Expansion: To continue expanding the club’s reach by developing competitive youth teams, offering academy programs, and establishing year-round facilities at the upcoming Clark County Soccer Complex.

History:

Founded in 2023 by Peter Valdez, the Vancouver Lightning started with a Men's WISL team and quickly grew into a robust soccer club. Within six months, the club expanded to eight youth teams and now serves over 150 kids. As a non-profit organization, the Vancouver Lightning has partnered with local soccer enthusiasts to create a dedicated soccer complex that will be the future home for both its indoor and outdoor teams.

The club’s foundation is built on Peter's personal commitment to give back to the community, honoring the mentors and influences from his youth, and helping shape the next generation of soccer players in Vancouver.

OUR LOGO

The Vancouver Lightning logo combines dynamic and bold imagery to represent the core values and spirit of the club. Here's an insightful interpretation:

  1. Lightning Bolt: The central element of the logo, the lightning bolt, symbolizes speed, power, and precision—qualities essential in both soccer and the club’s pursuit of excellence. It conveys the energy and momentum the Vancouver Lightning brings to the field and to the community.

  2. Soccer Ball: The backdrop of the soccer ball emphasizes the club's focus on the sport, while its connection with the lightning bolt highlights the club's drive to excel and stand out in the soccer world. It represents the club’s dedication to soccer at all levels, from youth development to competitive play.

  3. Blue and Gold Color Scheme: The use of vibrant blue and gold reflects both trust, loyalty, and excellence. Blue symbolizes the strength, stability, and calm determination of the Vancouver Lightning, while gold speaks to the club's aspirations for success and growth.

  4. Modern, Bold Font: The strong, angular font used for "Vancouver Lightning" projects confidence and forward-thinking. It reinforces the club's mission to continually grow, improve, and make a lasting impact, much like a lightning strike's immediate and lasting impression.

Overall, the logo represents a club that is both grounded in its community and ambitious in its pursuit of success, bringing together speed, strength, and passion to drive forward.

PETER VALDEZ

FOUNDER - President & Executive Director

Peter Valdez is the Founder, President, and Executive

Director of the Vancouver Lightning Soccer Club.

Driven by a lifelong passion for soccer, particularly indoor,

Peter’s journey in the sport began with a heartfelt promise to a dying friend. His experience as a goalkeeper spans leagues such as SISL, MISL, and WISL, including two seasons with the Portland Blacktails. In 2023, he founded the Vancouver Lightning, starting with a Men's WISL team. In less than six months, the club expanded to eight youth teams, now serving over 150 kids through competitive teams and academy programs.

Peter’s vision extends beyond the field, aiming to make a positive impact on the entire Vancouver community through soccer. With the success of the Lightning as a non-profit club, Peter has partnered with other soccer enthusiasts to purchase 35 acres in Brush Prairie for the upcoming Clark County Soccer Complex. This new facility will serve as the year-round home for both the indoor and outdoor Vancouver Lightning teams. Peter’s mission is to give back to the community, using soccer as a platform to inspire and shape lives, much like the mentors who influenced his own.

ABRAHAM SELIM

CO-FOUNDER - Vice President & Director of Coaching

Coach Abraham Selim is the Director of Coaching and

co-founder of the Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer

Club. With over 25 years of leadership experience,

Abraham brings a unique blend of business acumen and coaching expertise to the club. As a proven leader, he has successfully managed multi-million dollar operations while creating a high-quality, team-oriented environment. His ability to identify and nurture young soccer talent, combined with his focus on improving players’ technical and tactical understanding, has been pivotal in preparing athletes for professional careers. Abraham’s vision for the club includes helping players reach their full potential while fostering a passion for the game and personal growth. His commitment to excellence and experience in scaling operations make him an integral part of the club’s success.