CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. —

UPEI and Holland College are co-hosting an inter-provincial varsity soccer league with games beginning Saturday in Cornwall.

The post-secondary institutions announced the partnership Friday after receiving approval from the Chief Public Health Office. The return-to-play proposal included several technical rule changes to lower the amount of contact between players.

Earlier this year, U Sports and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association suspended the varsity competition schedules for fall sports due to the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) pandemic.

“It means a lot to be able to play the sport I love again and be around the team,” said Daniel Martell, a second-year defender and Holland College business administration student from Eldon. “With the way this year has been, it’s nice to get back to something that feels normal. I’m looking forward to a successful season with my fellow ‘Canes.”

A varsity alumni team, comprised of former Panthers and Hurricanes, and the P.E.I. F.C. under-17s will also play in the four-team league. Each team will play the other squads in their league twice before the medal games.

“Being a Panther is all about being a family and sticking together no matter what,” said Lauren Clark, a fourth-year forward and UPEI arts student from Charlottetown. “While there will not be a regular AUS season this fall, we are thankful and excited to be able to play the game that we love against high-performance teams here on P.E.I.”

During Phase 1 of league play, all games will be played in Cornwall at the Terry Fox Sports Complex with games shifting to UPEI for Phase 2 following the Canadian Premier League season.

No spectators will be allowed at the games in Cornwall, while having fans in the stands at UPEI is still to be determined.

Schedule

A look at the opening weekend of games for the UPEI/Holland College varsity soccer league. All games are at the Terry Fox Sports Complex in Cornwall.

Saturday

Men

11 a.m. – Holland College vs. alumni team.

2 p.m. – UPEI vs. P.E.I. F.C. Under-17

Sunday

Women

Noon – Holland College vs. alumni team.

3 p.m. – UPEI vs. P.E.I. F.C. Under-17.

Visit www.gopanthersgo.ca or www.hollandcollege.com/athletics to view the full schedule.

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