Rick Celebrini

Rick Celebrini (born October 16, 1967) is a Canadian former soccer player who is the physiotherapist and head of sports medicine and science for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and director of sports medicine and performance for the Golden State Warriors. Celebrini played for the Canadian U-20 national team at the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship. He played professionally for the Vancouver 86ers. Celebrini is also a founder and the Director of Sport Medicine and Science for the Fortius Institute. Player In 1985, Celebrini began his collegiate soccer career at Capilano University. In 1986, Capilano finished third in the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association Soccer Championship. In 1987, Celebrini transferred to the University of British Columbia, but was out of soccer for nearly two years after breaking his left foot. During his five seasons with the Thunderbirds (1988-1992), Celebrini and his team mates won four consecutive Canadian Interuniversity Sport men's soccer championship. In 1992, he graduated with a degree in physiotherapy. In 1987 and 1989, Celebrini played for the Edmonton Brick Men of the Canadian Soccer League during the collegiate off seasons and played with the Vancouver 86ers in 1992. On April 22, 1993 signed Vancouver 86ers of the American Professional Soccer League. He remained with Vancouver through the 1996 season, but was hampered by injuries during most of those years. In 1987, Celebrini earned four caps with the Canadian U-20 national team which competed at the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship. He also played for the Canadian team at the 1993 Summer Universiade.