Caper recruit shares passion for soccer with parents

By Corey LeBlanc

(Sydney, NS) - In an effort to repeat some special family history, Kieran Maddock will be heading to the east coast later this year. The 18-year-old student-athlete recently signed on with the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers men's soccer program.

"I am really excited," the native of Camlachie, Ontario – a Canadian border town just outside Sarnia – says of having the opportunity to don Caper orange in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) competition.

Joining the Capers will start the next chapter in a soccer career that began as a three-year-old playing for his father, Gavin.

"I grew up with the sport – I have always been surrounded by the game," he says.

His father and mother, Alyssa, took the pitch at a high level, passing that passion along to their son.

"It is the only sport that I have ever played, and I have always loved every minute of it," Maddock adds.

The central defensive midfielder notes that he watches and plays soccer whenever possible.

After beginning his development with the hometown Sarnia Imperials Football Club, he spent two years – as a 13 and 14-year-old – making myriad 90-minute trips south of the border, one way, to play and practice with Vardar Academy in Rochester, Michigan. Their teams are part of the United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA).

"Every time I take the field, I am so focused," he explains, when asked about what appealed to him about his beloved sport.  

Maddock describes how "everything disappears" every time he is on the pitch.

"I have grown so much – not only as a player, but also a person," he offers of how much soccer has influenced his life.

When the COVID-19 global pandemic put its grip on North America, Maddock had to continue his development closer to home; lacing up his cleats for the Whitecaps London Soccer Club, where he is in his fourth season.

"Strong technical ability," he offers of his skill set, which he couples with being "composed on the ball."

His vision is a key to his prowess in making "smart and simple" plays.

"I think that I read the game very well," Maddock adds.

CBU head coach Deano Morley says his newest recruit is a "forward-thinking and offensive-minded midfielder."

Describing him as "tough, tenacious and brave," he adds that Maddock will bring a "different flavour" to the Caper line-up – one that he is constantly looking for while on the recruiting trail.

"A player with his skill set is becoming more and more difficult to find," Morley says.

He notes how Maddock uses his "tremendous vision" to penetrate and make high-end forward passes.

As for the decision-making process – when it comes to deciding where he would tackle varsity athletics and academics – Maddock explains the "winning reputation" associated with the CBU men's program caught his attention.

"They have been so successful, and I want to be part of continuing that tradition," Maddock offers.

He is looking forward to playing for a "great coach," in Morley, and his staff; not to mention with an all-star level roster.

Describing the AUS as "very competitive," Maddock realizes he will have "to really give 100 per cent to play and be successful at that high level."

Noting that he has "incredible potential," Morley explains that Maddock understands it will be a "big step" in his freshman season, and that putting in the time and effort will pay off in ensuing campaigns.

"We expect Kieran to be a brilliant football player at this level," he says.

Both academically and athletically, the newest Caper student-athlete says, "CBU is the right fit for me as a person and a player."

Speaking of the classroom, the soon-to-be freshman will study in the university's Sport and Physical Activity Leadership program. Although his focus remains working towards a spot in the professional ranks, Maddock notes he also has interest in physiotherapy, coaching and sport management as possible career choices.

"Kieran is excellent academically," Morley says, describing him as a "student first."

Getting back to that idea of repeating family history, he has a steely-eyed focus on winning a national varsity men's soccer crown; just like his father did as a member of the Western University Mustangs in his collegiate career.

Leading up to his first Caper training camp in late August, the younger Maddock explains that he will be working on improving in every facet of the game, including his speed and physicality.

"I am going to be ready."

Morley says the program is "extremely excited" to welcome a recruit of Maddock's quality.

"Kieran is a perfect fit for the culture that we have built, and are always working hard to maintain," he adds.

-30-