Mount Royal University Women's Soccer is excited to announce that Neil Turnbull, former Canadian National Team Coach amongst other positions (see bio below), will be assisting with the Cougars preseason this year. Turnbull will run a three day camp with the squad in preparation for the annual Alberta Cup in late August with their first opponent being UBCO. The camp will involve both on-field and off-field tactical analysis. To finish the camp the squad will host Red Deer College with Turnbull applying the lessons from the camp.
The women's program has also secured a friendly vs the University of Saskatchewan on September 1st at MRU and this will be the final preseason match for players to display their skills with the desire to make the starting XI before the league starts on September 7 @ UFV.
Walk-on and open trials for the women's program will be held August 20th at 5pm, MRU field #2. Players are encouraged to contact the coach prior to camp to show interest.
Some highlights of Neil's coaching background are as follows:
- Recognized NCCP Master Coach
- Chartered Member Professional Coaches Association (professional coach with over 25 years experience)
- Recognized as a leading expert in Player and Coach development in North America
- Developed numerous publications on the development of youth players
- NCCP technical and theory course instructor
- NCCP Level 5 certification
- Canadian Soccer “A” License award (highest level of certification in Canada
- Diploma from the National Coaching Institute
- Presented Canadian Olympic Coaching award
- Coach of Canadian National Women’s Team (1986-1991 and 1995-1999)
- Confederation Champions 1995
- Confederation runner-up 1991
- Four Time National Championship Finals – Canadian Universities (2 time national champions)
- Former NCAA Division I Head University Coach
- Former Technical Director Alberta Soccer Association
