Caper men’s soccer announces ‘significant signing' - Daniel Clarke

Caper men's soccer announces 'significant signing'

Daniel Clarke describes CBU as 'great fit'

By Corey LeBlanc

Daniel Clarke has "always wanted to be a goalkeeper."

Even when he played football in the backyard with his father and brothers, the native of Milton Keynes, England "loved stopping shots."

"I couldn't get enough," he says.

Clarke continued to develop his skills with the prestigious Northampton Town Football Club – from the age of nine to 12 – until his family moved to Canada in 2014.

On that journey across the Atlantic Ocean, the teenager brought his blossoming passion for the sport with him.

Now a member of the highly-regarded Woodbridge Strikers Soccer Club in Vaughan, Ontario, he recently made a decision about where he will play next fall.

Clarke will don Caper orange for the Cape Breton University men's program – a perennial contender not only in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) but also on the national stage in U Sports.

"It is a great fit – both athletically and academically," the 17-year-old says in a phone conversation from his home in Woodland, Ontario.

Caper head coach Deano Morley calls the addition of Clarke a "significant signing."

"Daniel is one of the top young keepers in Canada," he says.

Morley adds "we are glad to have him join our Caper family."

He notes that the top-notch recruit was "much sought after" by other university programs.

"Daniel had a lot of options on the table," Morley says.

Caper keeper coach Vernon O'Quinn agrees, noting Clarke was "highly recruited," garnering offers from the likes of Syracuse University.

"He was on the radar of a lot of top schools," he says.

With the departure of stalwarts Ben Jackson and Viktor Lyczywek, the Capers were in the market for a quality keeper.

O'Quinn notes Clarke was their top choice from a pool of 30 prospects.

"Daniel stood out in the first 40 seconds," O'Quinn remembers of first seeing video of the now Caper student-athlete in action.

Noting his courage, heart and passion, he says Clarke also offers "things you can't teach."

"He has such great hands," O'Quinn says, praising his "courage to go out and grab the ball."

He adds Clarke "is strong off his line and commands the [penalty] area."

Morley explains that – in U Sports' competition – it is "imperative to be brave and defend the box."

"Daniel does that really well," he says, noting Clarke's "unbelievable potential."

Morley adds his ability on "balls in the air and crosses," along with 1-v-1 and making saves, as second-to-none.

When it comes to stepping in for Jackson and Lyczywek, the Caper bench boss agrees Clarke has "big shoes to fill."

"Daniel was recruited to do that – we expect him to play right away," Morley says.

Clarke says he is "ready for the challenge."

When asked about his game, the new Caper recruit says he is "very big and loud," a keeper that loves to "command" his area.

"I am brave – not afraid to attack," Clarke adds, noting he is "strong and confident" at his position.

He also talks about his "good feet," which he says he doesn't mind using to get the ball to his teammates and help initiate a counter-attack.

When it comes to adjusting to the AUS – a conference known for its physical play – Clarke notes he will be ready.

He agrees there are stylistic differences in the way the sport is played between England and Canada.

"But, ultimately, the goal is always to score – and not to concede," Clarke says.

'Feel at home'

As for his decision to make the turf on the Sydney campus his home field next season, he explains he went through a lengthy research process when he discovered the Caper program was "very successful."

"I absolutely loved it," Clarke notes of the CBU roster, one that is sprinkled with student-athletes from his native England.

"That made me feel at home," he says.

Clarke also praises the CBU coaching staff, noting he believes Morley "knows how to manage a winning side."

He adds O'Quinn "believes he can help me develop."

"There is always room for improvement," Clarke says of his game.

He adds having a "very strong relationship [with your coaches] is a must."

Morley notes O'Quinn has already been working with Clarke and "assessing his skill set."

"They are also looking at potential areas of growth," Morley says, adding making that "early connection is crucial to development."

O'Quinn says Clarke is "very keen" and "wants to continue to learn."

"Daniel is not taking anything for granted," he adds.

'Extremely focused'

O'Quinn says his newest recruit is "extremely focused" – not only on the pitch but also in the classroom.

He notes Clarke has already started to prepare for his studies in the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program in the Shannon School of Business.

O'Quinn adds Allen Britten – a CBU chemistry professor and former Dean of Science; not to mention a die-hard fan and supporter of Caper Athletics – along with men's soccer program academic success coach Brian Tierney have already been working with Clarke on his "academic pathway."

Although he is targeting a professional soccer career, that doesn't mean he is putting all his eggs in one basket. Clarke knows the "importance of having a plan 'B,'" which includes completing his university degree.

He wants to be an entrepreneur; maybe open a goalkeeper academy.

"I want to stay in and around football," he adds.

But, for now, Clarke says he is "super excited" about joining the Caper program, one that describes as a "very, very tight-knit family."

Noting he has "never been out of Ontario," since his family moved to Canada, he adds he is "looking forward" to coming to Cape Breton.

"I can't wait - it is going to be an adventure," Clarke says.

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