Winnipeg's first professional soccer team announced the formation of a new girls' soccer program on Wednesday.  

Valour FC, Winnipeg's new soccer team in the Canadian Premier League, has announced the formation of a new girls' soccer program for players aged 14 to 17.

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"What we do is we help families, not just the girls themselves, learn about the university recruiting process in Canada and the United States and compete at college showcases," said head coach Jim Zinko.

The Valour FC Elite Girls team, formerly the Manitoba Blizzard, will continue educating players while providing high-level competition for girls looking to take their skills to the next level.

"I think it makes opportunities available for girls who wish to raise their game," Zinko said.

Zinko says that the best part of coaching is meeting his former players years after they have left and hearing about their life and what they are doing now.

Since 2010, the Manitoba Blizzard organization has seen 73 players earn more than 4 million dollars in scholarship money in both Canada and the U.S. Zinko is excited to continue that tradition under the guidance of the Winnipeg Football Club, which gives them the support they have not had before. The Winnipeg Football Club owns and operates the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Valour FC.