Local soccer club aids physical training

Members of Pacific Football Club gather for a group photo with reservists from 39 Brigade Group following a training session at Albert Head Cadet Training Centre on July 30. Photo by Drew Shaw, 39 Canadian Brigade Group

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

Members from the Pacific Football Club stopped by Albert Head Training Centre to brighten the spirits of quarantined reservists.

Approximately 90 army reservists from 39 Canadian Brigade Group have made Albert Head their temporary home as they undertake their Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) Course.

Two players and two staff members from the professional soccer team added something different to the soldier’s regular physical training routine.

Retired central defender turned coach, Ryan McCurdy was assisted by Pacific FC development prospect Jordan de Graaf to lead 60 reservists through two separate, one-hour workout sessions. Reservists then broke into six teams for a series of six-a-side soccer games.

“The smiles on the faces of the participants became a clear indication of the success of the activity,” said Lt Drew Shaw, 39 Signal Regiment, who helped organize the event. “Some reservists had never played soccer or participated in any organized sports, while others were obviously experienced footballers.”

Because the reservists have been self-isolating together, only the Pacific FC visitors and course instructors, who don’t live at the training centre, wore protective masks and physically distanced.

“It was hard work out there and the coach [Ryan] really made us sweat,” said Pte Aidan Kozubal. “Along the way, a couple of my course mates really surprised me with their [soccer] skills.”

The Albert Head training session came approximately a week ahead of the team’s departure for the East Coast and restart of play. Pacific FC will participate in the 2020 Canadian Premier League Championship tournament in Prince Edward Island, which starts Aug. 13.

The unique physical training for the reservists at Albert Head hasn’t been limited to just soccer. The previous weekend trainees participated in one hour waterfront yoga sessions led by Langford-based yoga instructor and registered nurse Shelley McCulloch. A rugby-focussed PT session is also planned with course instructor MCpl Morgan McIntyre who is a member of Rugby Canada’s Pacific Pride development program.

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