Tommies Star Gets Attention of Wanderers
Following the completion of the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association and Atlantic University Sport soccer seasons, the Halifax Wanderers Football Club hosted an identification camp on the weekend of November 26th, with approximately 36 student athletes under the age of 23 from the Maritimes, including St. Thomas University Tommies’ striker, Brett Springer. The purpose of the camp is part of the Wanderers’ development plan for the region, with hopes of garnering a series of U-23 games in the summer of 2022.
Springer is coming off an historical season for the Tommies, as he scored a league high 15 goals in 11 games, on his way to ACAA Player of the Year honours. Joining Springer from the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association was University of King’s College keeper, Rylan Logan, marking the only two to be invited from the ACAA. Springer becomes the second Tommie in three seasons to get an opportunity at the next level, with Kyle Yearwood getting an opportunity with FC Louisville of the United Soccer League, which, unfortunately, never materialized due to Covid-19.
“The ACAA has really good coaches and teams, so this is great for every player in the league as well as those young players looking at school options for next year,” said Tommies’ head coach, John-Ryan Morrison. “They know now that if they are indeed good enough, by playing in our league, these great opportunities may come their way as well, just like it did for Brett, and Kyle before him.”
Over the course of the two-day identification camp Springer said they ran three scrimmage games, two on Saturday and one on Sunday.
“I feel like it went well. Competition level was definitely high, but I feel like I fit in and was able to compete with the best players across the Atlantic,” said Springer.
Three-time ACAA Player of the Year, Matt Fegan, who is now the Sporting Director for the Wanderers, organized the camp and wanted to run it at the end of the university seasons to “give our coaching staff the best chance to see these players together at a time when they’re relatively fit.” Fegan is one of two former ACAA players to join the ranks of the Wanderers Club, with former Player of the Year Ibrahima Sanoh (Holland College) who suited up for the Wanderers during the 2020 season.
“It just proves that if you build a soccer program that sets high standards in terms of soccer and academic excellence, you’re able to recruit top players,” added Morrison. “Top players help us win banners and banners allow top players to be seen by pro scouts at CCAA Nationals. There were scouts from three different CPSL teams at CCAA Nationals plus the Wanderers were obviously watching as well with Brett earning this well-deserved opportunity shortly upon our return from Calgary.”
The Wanderers plan on holding more identification camps, and plan on releasing dates, locations, and opposition for the games in the summer of 2022, as well as players and coaching staff in the coming months.