CAPERS ELEMENTARY LEAGUE IS A BIG HIT AGAIN

THE second CBU CAPERS Elementary Schools League has been hailed as a huge success.

For six weeks after the schools started back teams flocked to Ness Timmons Field on the University Campus for a host of fun games that were refereed by members of the current Men’s CAPERS squad.

CBU midfielder Mateo Goldsztein and Soccer Cape Breton Assistant Technical Director Kuvy Moodley organised every matchday and the competition once again had a huge impact on young soccer players in the community.

This was summed up to us by Coxheath coach Bruce Colford who said: “I was in the receiving line at a funeral in the community and I was introduced to a woman.

“She said” ‘Oh you're Mr. Colford. My son, Oliver, played on your Coxheath school soccer team. He is in grade 3 and came home to say, ‘Mom, guess what?’ Logan and Silas, two grade 5s are on my soccer team, they are awesome and their dads are both coaches of our team.

“She said Oliver, new to the game, scored two goals in one game because the grade 5s were passing the ball with the grade 3s.

“Imagine the thrill of young grade 3s and other players hearing their name for scoring a goal or winning a game announced on the PA at school amongst their classmates.

“Also, he and other grade 3s now have the comfort and confidence to play on the school grounds at recess with the grade 5s because of this program.

“My own son Logan, who is a member of the Cape Breton FC U13AA Prospects squad, loved playing competitively with his friends and classmates against friends from other schools.”

Logan began his development at CBFC in the SCB Skill Centre before attending other projects like the Regional Training Centre (RTC) and the 2024 Prospects Camp.

Soccer is now a huge part of his life and the CAPERS Elementary League has played a key role in that.

Dad Bruce recalled: “One of the highlights in the first year was when his favourite CAPERS player, our #21 and captain Ze Cunha, was referee of one of his games.

“Logan took his playing to a higher level that day because of Ze being an inspiration to him.

“This is just a small example of how the soccer programs with both CBU and CBFC have a huge impact on our young kids and their families in our community.”

Soccer Cape Breton would like to salute Steve Ranni, the Vice-Principal of Jubilee Elementary, for the pivotal role he has played in establishing the CAPERS Elementary League.

CAPERS Men’s Program two-time USPORTS National title-winning Head Coach Deano Morley is thrilled with the success of the league and the role his student-athletes have played in that.

Deano stressed: “Growing Soccer in the community is significantly important and this program delivers.

“Children having the opportunity to run around, be active, learn team skills with their friends and experience the game of soccer at a first-class facility is brilliant.

“This program exposes children to the game of soccer in a quality environment led by qualified and experienced student athletes who provide the perfect role models for these children.

“This collaboration between Soccer Cape Breton the School board and CBU is an excellent example how partnership can help change the lives of children forever.

“I dare say because of this program hundreds of children will look to get and stay involved in the game - ultimately building healthier, happier communities.”