MATTEA SAYS HUGE THANK YOU TO ACADEMY AS SHE SIGNS FOR MOUNTIES
MATTEA MacKINNON has paid tribute to the role Cape Breton FC and the new CAPERS Academy have played in her life as she becomes the SIXTH U17AAA Girls player to earn a Varsity soccer slot.
The left-sided defender has committed to the Mount Allison Mounties and will play AUS soccer while studying Bio-Chemistry.
Mattea joins team-mates Ava MacDonald (CBU Capers), Alyse Tierney (Acadia Axewomen), Sadie Delorey (UNB Reds) and Melia Roberts and Neely Pheifer (UKC Blue Devils) in continuing her soccer career into University life.
And she said: "CBFC and then the Academy were integral parts of my development as a player. I would like to thank all of my team-mates over the years who have helped push me to work harder and be the best team-mate I can be, both on and off the field.
"I just couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without the help of CAPERS coaches from Reggie Binns, through to Damien Barry, Mitchell Hanna and Iain King.
"Each one has supported and encouraged me, kept it positive and pushed me out of my comfort zone to help me achieve my goals. CBFC and the Academy have played a huge part in preparing me for this opportunity right from the Mini Program all the way up to the Academy AAA. Thank you to them for everything!"
On their Instagram account the Mounties said: "Mount Allison University is delighted to announce the signing of Mattea MacKinnon from Cape Breton, NS for the 2026 season.
"The Mounties are excited to welcome Mattea from Capers U17AAA Academy to the backline, where she will add pace and composure at the left back position.
"We’re looking forward to seeing Mattea wear the Garnet & Gold in the 2026 season."
Regional Director of Soccer Development Iain King said: "Mattea is not only a valued player within the Academy but also a TELUS SheCANCoach graduate who currently gives back to her community in our Minis and Skill Centre programs.
"We are so proud of the player and person she has become. It has been a very rewarding winter for the Technical Staff to see so many players not only continuing their soccer careers at the Varsity level but also learning life lessons as coaches within the Academy.
"The U17AAA Girls have been a very special group for us thanks to the superb work of Mitch, Damien, all the Assistant Coaches they have empowered and their powerhouse Team Manager Janet Pheifer. Their culture has meant I feel that every player has emerged for the program a better player and person and that is always our goal.
"They are the standard that the next teams coming through have to aspire to and we are working on that every day."
Mattea is now getting through exams week before dedicating herself to a final block of training in preparation for the New Brunswick adventure beginning in the Fall.
She smiled: "My goal was to play Varsity soccer at the next level and it feels like a dream come true now that I have made my commitment.
"I chose to attend Mount Allison University to study Bio-Chemistry. Not only is it the top ranked undergraduate university in the country, it also allows me to continue playing soccer at a higher level.
"The Mounties coaching staff were very welcoming. I look forward to making a positive contribution and impact to the Mount A program. It is also a gorgeous campus in a smaller community which reminds me of being home. I want to make the most of my future while attending Mount Allison."
