Among the 50-plus teams playing in the 16th annual Peach City Classic soccer tournament is the UBC Thunderbirds women’s team.
Coached by Andrea Neil, the T-birds began their training camp in Penticton Wednesday evening. Pinnacles FC keeper coach Tom Gill worked with the T-Birds goalies.
“It’s an honor for us to be asked to help with coaching,” said board member for Pinnacles FC, Manuel Borba.
Neil, who represented Canada in four FIFA World Cups and is the second player in Canadian history to record 100 caps, came to Penticton six years ago and that started a relationship with the soccer association.
“For us, it gives us a chance to sit and watch,” said Borba, of learning from the T-Birds.
The T-Birds went for swims at Okanagan Lake, had taping sessions followed by training sessions at Kings Park. They return to UBC on Sunday after their game.
The Peach City Classic begins Friday and features players in the age groups of under-11 to 18.
The action kicks off with an under-14 girls game at Kings Park 1 at 3:30 p.m. On Saturday, the under-16 girls start at 8:30 a.m., while Sundays action begins at 8:30 a.m. with four regular games before the finals.
The T-Birds have an inter-squad game Sunday at 10 a.m. at Kings Park 2.