Chances are, you probably had no idea that some of the best Canadian University and College athletes would be travelling to Kazan, Russia next summer to take part in the 27th FISU (International University Sport Federation) Summer Universiade.
The Summer Universiade is an international multi-sport event that occurs every two years, and gives student-athletes the opportunity to compete against each other while representing their country. FISU Universiades are second, only to the Olympic Games, in terms of the number of participating athletes and countries involved. At the most recent Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, China, Canada won eight medals – a number they are looking to improve for 2013.
The Canadian University Women’s Soccer Team also hopes to be a contributor to the medal tally. Coming off a best-ever fifth place result in 2009, Canadian Women’s National University Soccer Team is looking to make history. First, however, they need to choose their squad.
Head Coach, Liz Jepsen (University of Alberta) and assistant coaches Mark Rogers (UBC) and Kevin Souter (Ryerson) are heading this challenge and will be bringing a group of 36 athletes to Ottawa for the team’s selection camp. As the West Ottawa Soccer Club had planned to host their Indoor Girls Showcase Tournament around the same time as the FISU selection camp, joining the events together was an opportunity that could not be overlooked.
On Dec. 1-2, the West Ottawa Soccer Club will be hosting the Canadian Classic: a girls indoor showcase tournament and FISU Selection Camp. The brand-new Thunderbird Sports Domes will play host to teams competing for the Canadian Classic championship trophy and to FISU players working to earn their spot on Team Canada.
Although FISU players and tournament teams will not be playing on the same field, they will have the opportunity to watch and observe each other.
“This is an excellent opportunity for these soon-to-be university and college students to interact with and watch Canada’s elite university players and coaches,” says Canadian Classic tournament coordinator Gord MacDonald. “This is a very unique situation. We hope to be able to continue this positive relationship with the FISU team in years to come.”
Grade 11 and 12 tournament participants will also be showcasing their talent to university- and college-level soccer coaches from across Canada and some from the US with hopes of being recruited.
“Ottawa has a proven record of developing some great players,” added Kristina Kiss, West Ottawa Soccer Club’s Technical Director and former Canadian National Team Player. “Many university and college coaches recognize this and are very keen to see what Canadian Classic participants have to offer.”
In addition, WOSC will host an “Elite Evening” on Dec. 1, where Canadian Women’s Soccer Team Olympic Bronze Medalist, Christina Julien, Ottawa Fury W-League Coaches Dom Oliveri and Kwesi Loney, and Liz Jepsen, Canadian University National Team Head Coach, will discuss the transition from club soccer to university soccer and some of their personal soccer experiences.
For more information, visit www.wosc.com