Fierce on the field Coldbrook teen selected for national soccer camp
Noah Schurman is no ordinary teenage soccer player.
The 15-year-old has already captured the attention of scouts representing national soccer programs.
He’s a member of a select group of Nova Scotians travelling to Halifax several days a week to train under the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy program – an opportunity that could eventually see Noah securing a spot with an elite soccer squad in British Columbia.
“We practice out of Halifax four times a week and we also workout with each other at the Canada Games Centre, which is right down the road from where we practice,” the Coldbrook resident explains.
“The hope is that some of us will be able to go up there and go to school there sometime.”
A standout midfielder and striker, Noah seldom goes a day without getting his foot on the ball.
A huge commitment
His weekly soccer schedule begins at 6 a.m. Monday mornings with an hour-and-a-half long training session at the BMO Centre in Halifax before the regular school day gets underway at Central Kings Rural High School at 9 a.m.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, the honours student skips out on last period at school to train at the BMO Centre from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, he goes to the Canada Games Centre in Halifax from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for strength and conditioning workouts. Wednesdays he gets a break from travel and trains closer to home at the indoor soccer dome in Kentville.
On the weekends, he suits up for the Valley United Club Team.
Noah’s impressive soccer resume already boasts an extensive list of experiences, including some that saw the local teen travelling out of province to play his favourite sport.
In the last four years, he’s been involved with Valley United, the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy training program, the Nova Scotia provincial team, two Montreal Impact Showcase events and the Kings West Soccer Club.
And the list of hard-earned soccer opportunities is expected to grow in 2017.
A promising future
Noah has been invited to participate in a U15 Canadian National Team ID Camp in Montreal in mid-February, and a Vancouver Whitecaps Showcase in April 2017.
“I thought that was a very big deal,” said Noah. “I thought it was a good opportunity to improve.”
The Grade 9 student is balancing course work at Central Kings with the demanding soccer schedule in hopes of eventually playing soccer at the university level.
To remain in the Whitecaps program, he must maintain an honours average.
“Since last fall, Noah has been very focused on soccer and this latest invitation (to Montreal) confirms that his hard work is paying off,” said Noah’s father, Matthew Schurman.
“He’s probably one of the most fierce competitors that I know. His drive and determination on the field really sets him apart.”
Schurman passed his love of soccer on to Noah at a young age, and even coached his son for several years. He jokes that the days he could keep up with Noah, however, are now long gone.
“He’s at a different level now.”
An inspirational letter
Valley United coach Cassian Ferlatte presented Noah with a hand-written letter to share some words of encouragement prior to the young athlete’s upcoming trip to the national camp.
“They invited Noah Schurman to this ID Camp; so all they want to see is Noah Schurman! Be yourself and play your game … that is all you need to do,” wrote Ferlatte.
Ferlatte praised Noah as a tactful and technical playmaker with a bright future ahead of him.
“His potential in this game is endless and if he keeps his thirst for improvement, he will accomplish all of his playing goals,” Ferlatte wrote.
Reading these words penned by his mentor – a soccer player who has seen success at professional tryouts and the university level - meant a lot to Noah.
“My coach has played really high up – he went to the Canada Games,” said Noah.
“I thought it was a great letter because he’s one of my biggest inspirations.”