Young female soccer players in Thunder Bay are receiving specialized training from two elite athletes from the United States this weekend. Bonnie Young, a seasoned professional player and coach at the collegiate level, and Cassidy Leake, a member of the U.S. Women’s CP National Soccer Team, are in Thunder Bay from September 25 to 27 as part of the U.S. State Department’s Sports Envoy program. The initiative aims to connect with local communities by conducting soccer clinics and delivering motivational talks.
During their stay, Leake emphasized the importance of nurturing girls’ passion for soccer. She expressed admiration for the development of women’s soccer in Thunder Bay, noting the exceptional talent and dedication of the players they have encountered. Both Young and Leake, who coach Olympic development teams in the U.S., commended the Thunder Bay players for their skill level and readiness for university-level soccer.
The U.S. athletes engaged in various activities during their visit, including skills clinics and discussions with local teams such as the Thunder Bay Chill and Superior Rush. They are scheduled to lead similar sessions with the Lakehead University Club Team on Saturday. Leake stressed the significance of providing a supportive environment for female players, particularly during the crucial high school years when some may consider leaving the sport.
Young echoed Leake’s sentiments, praising the depth of talent among young female players in Thunder Bay. She highlighted the promising future of youth soccer in the city based on the high level of play she observed. Despite the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, Young emphasized the unifying power of sports, especially soccer, in fostering camaraderie across borders. She emphasized the upcoming joint hosting of the World Cup by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada as a unifying force that celebrates the sport and encourages continued participation in soccer.