‘The best place for me’

'The best place for me'

Goalkeeper Daniel Clarke key to success for soccer Capers

By Corey LeBlanc

 
As first published in the September 27 edition of the Strait Area Reporter

SYDNEY – It is not surprising that Daniel Clarke spent a lot of time on the pitch while growing up in England. What may be unexpected is he spent as much time in another sport venue.

"I was always at the rink," the native of Milton Keynes, England, said.

That's where he and his family watched his father, Gary, who played professional hockey in Great Britain.

Although he became a fan of the sport, Clarke did not pursue being on the blades – like his younger brothers, Jack and Alex – but opted for playing his nation's favorite pastime.

"I always wanted to play football," the 20-year-old said, using the more common international moniker for the sport more commonly known as soccer in Canada. 

He fondly recalls backyard sessions with his siblings as a "young child."

"I think that I always knew that I wanted to take things to the next level," Clarke – now a junior goalkeeper with the Cape Breton University Capers men's soccer program – remembered.

He started in a "professional environment at a very young age," with the highly-regarded Northampton Town Football Club Academy.

He added of learning in such an atmosphere, "It helped me push on," when it came to his pursuit of playing 'the beautiful game' at a high level.

Although his family moved to Canada when he was nine years old, so his father could pursue a career opportunity with his company's head office, the spirit for football for the first-born Clarke son wasn't dampened.

"We were excited. It was going to be a nice, new experience for us," he said of the family's attitude, noting that they had done little travel outside England.

In 2014, the Clarkes settled in the Ontario hamlet of Rockwood, which is located just outside Guelph.

"It was a great new challenge for our family," he recalled.

The boys athletically never missed a beat; Daniel continued to grow and excel on the pitch, while Jack and Alex ramped up their dreams in the hotbed for their beloved sport.

"It really began to accelerate," he noted of his passion for football.

Although he played [and enjoyed] "every single position" on the field, Clarke always had a special place in his heart for goalkeeping; something he had done since he was nine years old.

"There is an adrenaline rush – it is almost hard to describe," he said, in explaining his hunger to be the last line of defense for his team.

Clarke added, "I fell in love with keeping the ball out of the net."

When asked about his strengths as a goalkeeper, he noted, "I have quite a big frame."

With that size and physical presence, which helps immensely in his effort to "dominate the 18-yard box," Clarke added, "I think I help put my defenders at ease."

Describing himself as a "natural shot stopper," he noted how beneficial it was to learn about positioning during his academy days, along with "studying film for hours."

"I am not the flashiest – I just do what it takes to be in the right place at the right time," Clarke said.

Nevertheless, he noted, he is confident in his ability to make the "dramatic, highlight reel save," when his team needs it. 

Clarke also touched on his ability as a communicator – usually a key attribute for any successful keeper – especially with the back line of his defense. 

"I try to help them out as much as I can," he said of doing things such as alerting them of a run by an opposing striker.

As for his playing days in Canada, after taking the pitch with the Ontario Player Development League for a couple of seasons, until he was 16, Clarke transitioned to League 1 Ontario.

"I was younger than most of the other players," he noted of his time in the semi-professional circuit.

During the most recent summer, Clarke laced up his cleats for the Woodbridge Strikers, where he earned player of the week and month awards.

"I had a fairly successful season," he said.

One that he hopes will serve as a springboard to success with the Capers in 2023. 

When it comes to how his soccer journey ended up on the east coast, Clarke recalled early conversations with CBU head coach Deano Morley, who outlined a three-year plan, of sorts, that ended with the Sydney-based school hosting nationals in 2023.

"I thought it would be an unbelievable place to be, in terms of playing football," he said.

Clarke also learned how "well respected" his soon-to-be head coach was in soccer circles.

"That gave me some assurance as well," he noted.

As did his talks with Caper associate head coach Scott Clarke and head keeper coach Vernon O'Quinn; ones that outlined the vision for his development as a student-athlete with the program.

"I could see that everyone was fully invested," he said of the commitment to excellence and competing for a national championship.

As for his decision to don Caper orange, Clarke said, "I have no regrets – this is 100 per cent the best place for me."

After posting a 5-1-1 record as a freshman, the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) student had a breakout campaign as a sophomore – one in which he recorded six shutouts, which led USPORTS, and garnered an AUS first-team all-star nod. He has been a key contributor to a pair of conference champions, along with a national bronze medal unit.

Early this season, Clarke has been the backbone of an impressive 4-0-0 for the Capers in AUS action, while allowing only three goals as the anchor of a strong defensive side. He has played every minute between the pipes. 

"Let me be clear, as I have said before, we have the best goalkeeper in Canada – period," Morley said of Clarke after a recent 3-1 victory over the rival STFX X-Men. 

As they focus on securing the program's seventh consecutive conference banner, which would set an AUS record, and battle for national gold on their home turf in mid-November, the Caper team leader expressed his confidence in what he called a "very strong squad," one with more depth than in previous seasons. 

"Deano did a fantastic job," Clarke offered of his head coach's 2023 recruiting class.

He also pointed to the start of this season's training camp, one that served as a homecoming for him, his head coach and some other teammates; one week spent training in England.

"It brought us even closer together," Clarke offered of the effect the journey across the Atlantic had on an already tight-knit group.

Describing the closeness of the Capers as "quite remarkable," he said, "We have a fantastic group of lads." 

He added of that bond, "They are my second family and friends for life."

Speaking of family, Clarke noted that none of his success in football would have happened without the unwavering love and support of his parents, Gary and Kelly, who he called "the most supportive mother."

"I owe everything to them," he said.

Clarke remembered how much they have done, including taking the time to make sure that he never missed a practice or match.

"They sacrificed so much," he added.

Although he is not looking beyond this season, when it comes to his future – both on and off the pitch, he said playing professionally is definitely on his radar.

"I think it is everyone's dream," Clarke said.

He added, "I know that there is so much work I have to do, but I think that I am heading in the right direction."

Clarke said he will leave no stone unturned, when it comes to pro opportunities; whether it is in the Canadian Premier League (CPL), or another circuit in Europe or the United States. 

Once he is finished on the field as a player, he noted his desire to continue to be "in and around football."

"I don't have a set plan, but I have always loved the idea of being an entrepreneur," Clarke said, something that would put his CBU business degree to use.

He envisions opening a goalkeeping academy, so young players – like he did – can benefit from that high-end learning experience. 

"I was lucky," Clarke said, noting that high level of training is not readily available in much of Canada.

When it comes to 'sacrifice,' he agreed that it will be crucial to the Capers reaching their goals this season.

"We know it is about taking one game at a time, and we are not looking too far ahead," Clarke offered.

He said that he has "no doubt" the Capers can not only set the record for consecutive AUS titles (seven), but also make some noise as host team for nationals in mid-November.

"I am really excited," Clarke added. 

As for the prospect of winning CBU's second men's national championship, he offered that it is something that the university and broader community deserve, considering their unwavering support of the Caper men's soccer program.

"We really want to do it for everyone." 

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