Journalist covering game shocked to discover he is eligible for Cascadia

UCFB journalism student Matt Smith found out something quite surprising while preparing to organise the external media covering the friendly match between Cornwall and Cascadia.

It came to light that the 20-year-old from West Bromwich was eligible to play for Cascadia through family in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Smith is a BA (Hons) Sports Business & Sports Broadcasting at UCFB Etihad Campus in Manchester and had been helping the Cascadia Football Federation (CAFF) reach out to media interested in their game at Northwood FC.

In a partnership agreement between the CAFF, Prost Soccer and UCFB, young potential sports professionals were given placements to gain expertise in helping a live event come to fruition in areas from broadcasting to finance.

Smith has represented a variety of local clubs as well as his former school and sixth form. His career initially began as a goalkeeper as he stands at a towering six feet and four inches.

Smith explained to Prost “I literally discovered I was eligible to play for Cascadia on Thursday after a discussion with my mother.

“I was telling her about the constituent parts of Cascadia and she produced the gem about my roots.”

The Cascadian side contains players at a much higher level than Smith has ever experienced. But that didn’t prevent Cascadia coach James Nichols from receiving the news with a grin:

“With the opportunity that has become available, it would great to add Matt to the squad for our game against Kernow for the experience.

“I’ve enjoyed reading the articles he’s written about the game but this was a totally unexpected turn. He’d add a physical presence to our side.”

Any experience that Smith would enjoy is likely to lean heavily on any guidance offered by veteran Cascadia captain Patrick Wilson who is currently undertaking the UEFA A coaching course.

Wilson also oversees the AFC Bournemouth’s under 13’s side and would act as a perfect mentor to his inexperienced teammate should he be called upon.

Cascadia has fielded players of the calibre of former MLS Cup winner James Riley and Saturday’s game will see Canadian international Gavin McCallum make his Cascadia debut.

In the true spirit of the game, Cascadia boss James Nichols has at least added his name to the squad for the match against Kernow at Northwood FC on Saturday but Smith will still have to carry out his main duties looking after the visiting press contingent which includes journalists from BBC Cornwall and The Football Pink.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased by following this link. Adults tickets are £10, OAP’s Students and 16-18-year-old tickets are £5, whilst under-16’s go free!

Those who cannot attend the fixture can watch the whole 90 minutes streamed on the Prost International YouTube Channel. Commentary will be provided by Christof Walker of “CWSportRadio”.

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