This summer’s heat and humidity have done nothing to dampen the spirits of 14 Wing Greenwood’s women’s soccer team members.
The dynamic group of players has been running and jumping through a variety of exercises during weekly practices since late spring, building reaction time, camaraderie and esprit du corps as they prepare to defend their title at this year’s Atlantic regional championship in Shearwater August 19 to 23. While some of the exercises may seem unconventional to any bystanders that happen to catch the team in training, the competitive energy present on the practice field is sure to let in-game competition know this year’s Greenwood team is shaping themselves into a force to be reckoned with.
“Let’s go, les filles!” cheers Corporal Kristine Ouellet, before the team headed out to the field for a recent warm-up. “Let’s keep that cup in our trophy case!”
Having finished strong in 2023, taking third place at the Canadian Armed Forces national championship after their regional win, the Greenwood players are motivated to train even harder to hold on to their title as regional champions – a feat Ouellet says has never been accomplished two years in a row in Greenwood
“Let’s beat that record!” encourages fellow teammate Corporal Brandi Weibel, who, as a returning player, is so committed to winning this year’s regional championship, she is cutting short an out-of-province vacation to ensure she can participate.
Men looking to solidify regional entry
14 Wing’s men soccer team is also hoping to send a team to compete in this year’s regional tournament, and is still recruiting anyone interested in playing to join the roster, or even come give soccer a try.
“It doesn’t hurt to come out and, if you don’t know how to play, that’s OK: there’s practice for a reason,” says Private Brendan Wells, who joined 14 Wing’s team this year.
Falling in love with soccer around five years old, when he started playing the sport, Wells is excited to join a military team in his first posting. He also hopes the men’s team will compete in Shearwater this year, as he has heard only great things about CAF regional tournaments. For those looking for a good workout, Wells says, “if you like running around, soccer’s perfect – there’s no shortage of running, that’s for sure.”
More than simply cardio, the new player finds the sport has many benefits, including building connections and improving communication skills.
“I like the team cohesion,” says Wells. “I find, in the field, it’s a lot different from other sports, like tactically. You’ve got to have a different kind of chemistry, and know where everyone’s at and how everybody plays.”
