The CBU women’s soccer team will travel to England to train with Leicester City

A Cape Breton soccer team is taking its talents across the Atlantic.

The Capers women’s soccer team from Cape Breton University has been invited by Leicester City FC to train and play against its professional women’s team.

Capers will leave for England on August 23 and return on September 1.

CBU athletics director John Ryan said this is one of the first times a Canadian university sports team has had the opportunity to travel abroad and play against professionals.

Ryan said the university is excited to build a diverse student body by building relationships in other countries.

“I think any opportunity to travel internationally and build the university’s brand in different countries is a fantastic opportunity,” Ryan said.

He said Leicester City contacted Capers because of their success in the U Sports nationals. The team has won a medal in each of the last two seasons.

“Leicester City called and did some research about our program where they’ve won national medals the last two years, one silver and one bronze,” Ryan said. “They thought it would be a great opportunity to bring them in.”

Players will promote CBU on the trip

The Capers plan to travel to England for eight days, with Leicester City hosting them. The team will train in state-of-the-art facilities alongside Leicester City coaches and players.

They will play two matches.

Coaches and players will be making stops at schools across England to promote CBU athletics and all the university has to offer.

Ness Timmons, head coach of the CBU women’s soccer team, said he is excited that his players have the opportunity to learn from the pros and learn skills that may not be taught in Canadian soccer.

“I think just the experience of seeing some of the facilities and practicing with some of these coaches or players and then of course playing them will just be another level in itself,” Timmons said.

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