Recruitment of Canadian Footballing Talent at the University Level
Recruitment of Canadian Footballing Talent at the University Level
Introduction
I had the pleasure of speaking with John Antulov, the Head Coach of the Thompson Rivers University Men’s Soccer Team. I spoke to him because I knew he was vastly experienced and fairly easily accessible for myself, being a student. He is a heavily experienced coach and provided a lot of insightful thoughts on this matter.
Head Coach of the Tru Men’s Wolfpack, John Antulov. (2021). photograph, Kamloops. Retrieved from gowolfpack.ca.
Local Influencers on the Growth of the Game in Kamloops
John Antulov has been a part of the Wolfpack since 2007 and eventually fully left his corporate job in 2013 to fully commit to the program. John works with the Vancouver Whitecaps’ Development Camps for kids aged 8-17, as he has worked with some players for over a decade. Coach Antulov emphasized the major impact that the three Canadian teams within Major League Soccer (North America’s first Professional Level League), made for an increasing interest in the game. In 2007 Toronto F.C. became the inaugural Canadian Franchise in the league. Following Toronto, Vancouver played its debut season in 2011. Finally, in 2012 the third and latest Canadian Team to join the league came from Montréal.
Networking and Development
Fortunately, John has built a strong network of reliable connections throughout his participation with the Whitecaps. Not only locally, but across North America, Europe and other regions within the soccer market. He explained how many younger kids are being scouted constantly by himself and his staff to discover upcoming, promising talent. Coach Antulov made the emphasis very clear that he seeks out not only talented footballers, but players that he believes will fit his “gameplay style.” John also stated that he strives to keep players around to participate as a staff member and become long-serving members of the Wolfpack Community. John has been blessed to work with Tim Hutton and Hee Young Chung to name a few, as assistant coaches. Both of these support staff were former players, ones who their coach spoke highly about for their humanitarian skills.
Potential Future Paths for Student Athletes
The goal at the university level is to first and foremost give athletes the opportunity to finish their degrees, as this was their ultimate goal entering a postsecondary institution. However, they also provide guidance and assistance to varsity athletes to help network with potential companies that they may see a career with. Additionally, universities will happily seek out co-op programs or work experience opportunities for students, according to what their desired career fields are. Finally, the Wolfpack, in particular at TRU, are heavily experienced in connecting the players with teams, scouts and other development programs to aid their professional growth.
Conclusion
It was all in all a highly informative discussion to learn about the personal experiences from a highly savvy coach, John Antulov. As well as, the wide array of development programs and career pathways for university-level athletes. The options for university athletes seem to be in abundance, of course it is cut out for all students. However, the school has made it clear that they are a heavy supporter of pushing students to complete their degrees, as the ultimate top priority.
References:
Head Coach of the Tru Men’s Wolfpack, John Antulov. (2021). photograph, Kamloops. Retrieved from gowolfpack.ca.
Whitecaps Jersey. (2021, October 10). photograph.
Henders, K. W., & Antulov, J. (2021, October 5). Interview with TRU Wolfpack Men’s Head Coach. personal.
TRU VS TWU. (2021, October 1). photograph.