English winger Jamie Nicholson to join Capers

English winger Jamie Nicholson to join Capers

Morley says latest recruit has 'great pedigree'

By Corey LeBlanc

Jamie Nicholson has played soccer for as long as he can remember.

"I don't know exactly when I first kicked a ball, but I did join my first team when I was six years old," the native of North Petherton, Somerset, in the United Kingdom says.

He adds, "What attracted me to the game – just like most – was the pure enjoyment you get from it. I know it birthed the competitive spark in me, too."

Recognizing his deep passion for the game, even at a young age, Nicholson's mother found him a team to play on – the Bridgewater Wolves.

As a 10-year-old, the footballer joined the Southwest Soccer Academy program.

"It definitely helped enhance my development," Nicholson recalls, noting that is when he started to believe he could go places in the sport.

His game blossomed while playing against academy teams not only from England but also Spain.

"The players I was around were of a high standard, even at a young age, and I also earned the chance to play up one or two age groups on occasion," Nicholson says.

In secondary school, he took the pitch with a team called Tone Youth, along with squads from the Taunton district.

"I played with and against a lot of top players, and I definitely continued to make a lot of progress," he adds.

While playing in a five-aside summer tournament when he was 13, Nicholson caught the eye of the Exeter City Football Club. After making his mark, the prestigious program offered him a two-year scholarship contract as an U16 player.

"In these two seasons, I, unfortunately, suffered two injuries in both seasons that hampered my progress in getting a professional contract. But, even with these setbacks, I learned a lot and grew from the experience," he says.

After his time with Exeter, Nicholson joined Wellington AFC – a side in a competitive men's league.

"I wanted to get a full season under my belt – injury free – and, more importantly, enjoy myself and play at a good level," he says.

Nicholson adds, "It also gave me the opportunity to play with men, and it has definitely helped when it comes to improving the physical aspect of my game."

As the next step in his effort to play professionally, he says he decided to "go the student-athlete route."

"It checked off the boxes that I was looking for on the pitch, along with being able to study and earn my university degree," Nicholson adds.

Through his agency, he received offers from several schools in the United States. And, to his surprise, one came from Canada.

"Once I had done my research, and the more I spoke to [CBU head coach] Deano [Morley], it really helped me to understand the level of CBU. And, I realized that having an opportunity to join the Capers is an opportunity that I couldn't let go," Nicholson explains.

Morley says the Caper program is "extremely excited" about the signing, describing the recruiting process as a "big competition."

He adds, "It is nice to get this one over the finish line."

Noting his creativity on the pitch, Morley explains, "Jamie is a brilliant 1-v-1 player who can beat a lot of defenders."

He predicts that the highly-touted recruit is "going to excel" at the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) level.

"Jamie has a great pedigree," Morley says, noting his experience with Exeter.

When it comes to the strengths of his game, Nicholson offers, "I am someone who just makes things happen."

He adds, "I have a creative flair, and I am able to find ways to unlock opposition defenses."

Noting how he is suited for his position, Nicholson points out," I am very tricky 1-v-1."

He says his versatility allows him to play a variety of attacking and midfield positions.

"I would describe myself as a student of the game, and I enjoy trying to find ways of getting better and improving all the time," Nicholson adds.

As for making the transition to playing university soccer in Canada, he expects life to be different, "But, in a good way, of course."

"As someone moving to another country, it can be overwhelming, but I know CBU is the right place for me," Nicholson adds.

He is also excited about playing for a "top manager" like Morley.

On the academic side, Nicholson will be studying in CBU's Sport and Physical Activity Leadership program. As for career aspirations, his interests include coaching, management, and physiotherapy, but playing soccer professionally – at this point – remains his main priority.

Nicholson says he is "fired up" about contributing to the six-time AUS champions and their effort to capture a national championship on home turf in November.

"I can't wait – I know that I am ready to go."

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