Probert to don CAPER orange next season

By IAIN KING

From the highs of life in an elite English football Academy to the desolation of a cruel long-term injury, Elliott Probert has had to learn the true meaning of sporting resilience.

The gifted 19-year-old midfielder, who is a key part of Head Coach Deano Morley's CBU CAPERS Men's program relaunch this fall, was identified as a special talent in his homeland from a young age.

Elliott was educated as a player at storied clubs Sheffield Wednesday and Manchester City before signing a pro scholarship contract at the age of 16 at Barnsley who operate in League One of England's pyramid.

"Making it there was a big target for me, I worked hard to get the trial and won a two-year scholarship contract which is every kid's first dream," Elliott reflects.

"I was flying but then I tore my hamstring and that took a year out of my career. It was nine months the first time, then I re-injured it in the second year and that wrecked half of that season.

"I ended up getting released and that was very difficult, but I have learned a lot from it. You expect to be training every day, and then you're watching your mates outside. It was horrible being stuck in that gym doing rehab."

Elliott needed time to take stock, he settled on non-league football with Sheffield FC and now with the reserves at National League North side Worksop Town.

It's a challenging level for a teenager, playing against battle-hardened men with their eyes on promotion into the full-time professional ranks.

How Elliott has tackled this gives you an insight into the type of character Coach Morley has recruited for the 2017 and 2023 USPORTS National champions.

"This is my first season in men's football, playing non-league, and at first I was at Step Five at Sheffield FC but I wasn't getting the constant minutes I wanted," Elliott reveals.

"I had been told by loads of people; it's more about your minutes rather than playing at the highest level and I listened. My reasoning was that if I'm starting on the bench, I'm wasting away.

"So I dropped to Step Seven and I have been able to perform and gain my confidence back to the highest it's been in a long time."

Football is often about sliding doors moments, getting back to his best and rejuvenated, Elliott encountered CAPERS boss Morley for the first time.

Right team, right coach, right time.

"Elliott grabbed my attention. We've had the privilege of working with some outstanding players over the years, you know quickly when someone has that level of potential," says the CAPERS coach.

"I see everything you would want in a top professional midfielder. He has the engine, the work rate, the desire to compete, but what really stands out is his calmness and awareness on the ball.

"He's brave, wants the ball in tight areas, he's comfortable under pressure, and he has the ability to break lines and unlock games. That's a quality that is very difficult to find.

"Our ability as a team to control the game, retain possession, and move the opponent will be enhanced because of his football intelligence."

Morley's belief in Probert's potential to be a huge hit in Canada as a student-athlete fuelled Elliott's desire to sign up for the biggest adventure of his life.

"Deano has only seen me on my highlight reel footage and some game film, but I can just feel the belief he has in me," says Elliott.

"That is so good for my confidence, and it has been a big factor in drawing me to Cape Breton."

So what type of midfielder are the CAPERS fans going to see when Elliott arrives on campus in August?

The new CBU signing was glued to the Champions League Final watching Paris Saint Germain's Portuguese craftsman Vitinha weave his magic against Arsenal.

"He has everything and could shine in any position in midfield, 6, 8 or 10, and I love that about him," enthuses Elliott.

"My own strongest abilities are on the ball, my technique, positioning and being able to receive in pockets and close spaces and getting out of tight situations.

"I feel I will bring the ability to break lines, a variety of passes, to be able to punch through, play over the top and dictate the play. That's what I'm good at."

This is going to be a new-look CAPERS squad, and it has been constructed with the intention of Probert having a crucial role at the heart of it.

We have signed a serious footballer who will put his heart and soul into his studies for a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies, with a focus in Sport and Physical Activity Leadership off the field – and improving his game on it.

"I've studied the CAPERS environment, and I feel it's as close as you'll get to pro academy in England," he reasons.

"From where I will live in residence everything I need is in such proximity. So, if I've got spare time, I can go train on my own in the gym or do 1-2-1 with the coaches. I love that.

"I can't wait for the adventure, to study, to explore Canada when I can and most importantly? To bring success and trophies to the CAPERS."

An Academy level football talent himself before he made the journey to North America to star for the CAPERS as a player, Morley knows the peaks and troughs the journey can bring you in the Beautiful Game.

He loves the fact that Elliott has felt the bumps and bruises of life in non-league English football now.

"He has come through a strong development pathway and experienced the realities of men's football, which is important. That resilience will serve him well," Deano insists.

"I love his understanding of what this opportunity represents. He is excited, but also grounded, he understands what it means to represent our island, our culture, and our history.

"We expect our players to commit to their development on and off the field, and I have no doubt Elliott will do that. He has the mindset to lead through his actions, in his studies, in the community, and in his football.

"He will fit seamlessly into our environment and the group we are building. He's a serious footballer and we're excited to get to work with him."