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NASL FC Edmonton

FC Edmonton Heads to Saskatchewan

March 2, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


It is not every day that Saskatoon has the opportunity to host a professional soccer team, but on March 3rd and 4th, the SaskTel Sports Centre will be the site for both on-field and off-field events which will be open to the provincial soccer community and to the public.

In preparation for a series of pre-season friendlies against Patrick Thistle, Airdrie FC, Queens Park FC, and England's Newcastle United U-21 squad next month in Scotland, FC Edmonton will be travelling to the city for a set of indoor training sessions.

"This is an excellent opportunity for the Saskatchewan soccer community to see professional soccer firsthand. The game is continuing to evolve across the country with professional teams playing a key role in the progress," said Saskatchewan Soccer Association's Director of Soccer Operations, Dave Nutt.

The professional North American Soccer League (NASL) team will be taking to the pitch from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on March 3rd for a two-hour training session, which is open to the public to come out and watch. The team will then cap off the trip to "Toontown" with an FC Edmonton Intrasquad game from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on March 4th before returning home.

"It is a tribute to the quality of the SaskTel Sports Centre, that it is able to attract this level of training. We are thankful to FC Edmonton for their visit and look forward to the wonderful opportunity," added Nutt about the city's premier indoor facility, one of three full-size soccer facilities in the province.

In addition to the on-field component of the visit, FC Edmonton's Assistant Coach and Academy Technical Director, Jeff Paulus will be hosting a Coaches Roundtable and presentation of Game Model development. This presentation will focus on the development of training sessions, plans and long-term development of the game, players and coaches. The session will again be open to the soccer community and general public. The Pleasureway Pub in the SaskTel Sports Centre will be the venue for this event.

"We are very thankful to Jeff Paulus and FC Edmonton for their willingness to participate in this initiative. It will be an excellent learning opportunity for Saskatchewan coaches interested in growing their knowledge and understanding through a workshop, which is designed to begin the process of the development of a "game model". It will be a great opportunity for coaches to interact and discuss the game in a less formal setting with colleagues of the game," Nutt lamented.

While many NASL teams are engaging in full exhibition matches and scrimmages throughout the league, the Eddies are limited by Edmonton's soccer facilities, which do not include a full-sized indoor pitch. The team's opening weeks of training camp are held at Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre and it's 65-square-foot field house. SaskTel Sports Centre is the nearest indoor facility containing a full-sized playing surface.

"I've said it a million times since I have been here that I was actually blown away that in the province of Alberta that we don't have full size indoor training surface," FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller stated. "It is what it is, I'm not a politician, but I would think that the game is crying out for that somewhere and hopefully one day we will see that."

The two-day trip will allow Miller and Paulus a chance to implement various aspects of team play on a much more ideal sized pitch. The trip will also provide opportunities for players to familiarize themselves with each other-a bonus considering there are eight new faces on the Eddies roster for 2016.

"It's great in one way because it'll be a team bonding and building exercise," Miller added. "We'll have a laugh on the bus, there will be a couple sing songs with new players and staff members and from that point of view it will be good."

FC Edmonton opens up the 2016 NASL season, April 2 against Rayo OKC. The team returns to Clarke Field for their Canadian Tire Home Opener, April 10 versus Minnesota United FC. For tickets or information about FC Edmonton, please click HERE or visit www.fcedmonton.com.

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