‘Circumstances are a bit different’: Cavalry FC returns to training
Posted Jun 12, 2020 2:11 pm.
Last Updated Jun 12, 2020 2:21 pm.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Nik Ledgerwood’s career has taken him around the world, professionally and as a member of the Canadian national team.
But being a pro athlete during the COVID-19 pandemic is something he never imagined he’d experience.
“It’s definitely been strange,” the Cavalry FC captain admitted this week. “Not only being able not to play soccer but not have soccer on TV. All of a sudden, all the restrictions with family and friends. It’s definitely been a learning experience for, I think, a lot of people.
“I have a young family, and it was really important for us to stay healthy and safe.”
AUDIO: 660’s Sandra Prusina catches up with Cavalry FC captain Nik Ledgerwood
As restrictions ease, he and his Cavalry teammates are back at Spruce Meadows for the first time since last November when the inaugural Canadian Premier League came to a close.
RELATED: Canadian Premier League postpones start of 2020 season due to COVID-19
Training sessions are limited to small groups, with plenty of distancing measures in effect.
“It’s nice to see all the guys,” the southern Alberta product said. “Obviously, the circumstances are a bit different. It’s not a full team training. We’re more individualized in our positions and what we do. It actually gives us time to work on some different training. It’s more position-based individual type stuff.”
Last season, the club quickly captured the interest of Calgary, a soccer-starved city that hadn’t seen professional action in over a decade.
Cavalry won the CPL Spring and Fall seasons while going on an impressive Canadian Championship run that brought two Major League Soccer clubs to ATCO Field.
The team wrapped play in 2019 just short of claiming the inaugural title.
And even though many months have passed, the squad is more motivated than ever.
“We have something to prove,” Ledgerwood said. “No matter the format of this season, we’re going to go out there and prove something.”
The league confirmed it’s looking to hold a 2020 campaign but specific format details have not yet been released.
