Setting the Standard

As I watch the Fifa women's world cup - I have noticed one thing about the game.  Much more data is available to the average viewer.  I can take my iphone while watching the game and see what formation the two teams are playing, where on the field the fouls occurred and who and where the shots on goal came from.

With MRU approaching CIS status in the fall of 2012; it is time for us to catch up with the modern game.  MRU Women's soccer will use its final 2011-12 ACAC season as a pilot to run it's scientific training program.  The players will be statistically monitored using various software to determine who is actually doing what they are supposed to be doing!  The players will have access to heart rate monitors while training to monitor their recovery and endurance; the matches and possible training sessions will be collected on video and analyzed using computer software, whereby the match can be broken down into individual coaching points and emailed right to the student athlete's ipods or smart-phones....I remember sitting in my University video room and having the coach fast forward the VHS tape until we had a shot on goal...times have certainly changed!

And lastly, players will be tracked using GPS - to monitor the distance and the speed at which they ran during the sessions.

All this data will be used to track a players fitness and start to "set the standard" for new recruits coming into the program.   Statistics do not lie...nor does video.

Note: Should any local player be interested in receiving any of these service mentioned in their local club games; please contact the head coach for availability and details.  

Mount Royal Women's Help Support Local Female Club

As the FIFA Women's World Cup has started this past weekend, Members of the Mount Royal University Women's Cougars took time out of their day to attend a TriWest soccer event at the Subway Soccer this past Saturday.  The event was organized by Tri-West to help promote it's female program.  Thanks to the eight Cougars (both new and current) who attended this event as role models of the female game and participated in a friendly with the U12 girls.

The Tri-West soccer club (http://www.triwestsoccer.com) is a Calgary soccer club that is located in and around the Mount Royal University area.  They are looking to expand on the female programs; see the link for additional information on their club and programs.

We thank Tri-West for the opportunity and hope that with our support we can help grow the female game.   With Canada hosting the 2015 Women's World Cup - female soccer in this country is sure to grow in popularity and possibly one day play for the MRU Cougars!

2011 Cougar Golf Classic

Supporting student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence.

Building on the strong tradition synonymous with Cougar Athletics and our annual golf event, we are pleased to provide an opportunity for our supporters to take part in a day of golf at Pinebrook Golf and Country Club.

As we begin our transition from the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) to the Canada West Universities Athletic Association (CWUAA) a greater need for financial assistance for the student-athletes is ever present; proceeds from the Cougar Classic assist immensely with this challenge.

View the link for more details about how to register.  All welcome!

Cougars Pre-season Event Confirmed

The Women's team as confirmed it will participate in the annual Alberta Cup where matches are scheduled over the weekend of August 26-28th at MRU Stadium Field.

Matches to include a Friday night friendly under the stadium lights versus soon to be cross-town rivals - U of Calgary Dinos!

Saturday and Sunday matches will include opponents: U of Saskatchewan, U of Alberta, UBCO, and NAIT.

It's shaping up to be a very busy and competitive weekend.    MRU will have two weeks of pre-season training leading into these matches.  After these matches, the pre-season roster will be trimmed to start to focus on the upcoming league starts which starts Sunday September 11th @ SAIT.  Check out the team calendar link for all other coming games.

Calgary Scouting Showcase Event

Coach Fusco will be in attendance at the Calgary Showcase event this weekend.  Any interested players are encouraged to come and meet with me or view the site for additional information.