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Canadian 'Keeper Labbé Staying Sharp Through FC Edmonton Academy

November 18, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


Canadian women's goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé has been staying game fit during a break in her playing schedule by participating with FC Edmonton Academy before heading back on the road with the national team.

Labbé, a native of Stony Plain, Alta., has been a member of the Canadian national program for over a decade. She featured a member of the women's national side that earned a quarterfinal appearance in this year's FIFA Women's World Cup as well as a fourth-place finish in the 2015 Pan American Games. Labbé has played professionally in Sweden since graduating from the University of Connecticut in 2008, where she spent four seasons as a member of the Huskies women's soccer program (NCAA Div. 1).

During her time in Edmonton, Labbé works with Eddies goalkeeper coach Darren Woloshen as well as staff coach John Vinci.

"[Darren and I] have crossed paths a lot over the years and now with him here is awesome," Labbé remarked. "For me to get a quality goalkeeper coach while I am home in Edmonton is tough and to have an indoor training facility with full size goals...and to work with Darren is awesome. He has really helped me to develop a lot and to create a quality environment when I'm here."

The strength, speed and skill of FC Edmonton's Academy has allowed Labbé to remain sharp prior to her return to international competition with the women's program. The Canadian side will soon embark on the Road to Rio as they aim to qualify for the upcoming Olympic games.

"This is the longest I have practiced with the Academy at one time," Labbé added. "It's been great for me to train with the guys. The intensity that they bring, it's a little quicker and a little faster and they are stronger so for me it's more representative of the women's play at the national level. It's good for me to come here and get a workout and see the faster ball pace."

FC Edmonton Academy began in January 2012 and now in its fifth year, continues to be a fully funded program by FC Edmonton owners Tom and Dave Fath. One of the goals of the Academy is to provide an opportunity for the elite player to focus solely on their individual growth within the playing philosophy of FC Edmonton.

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