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The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup kicked off this weekend in Poland, with Nova Scotia talent representing Canada on the global stage.
Among them is 18-year-old centre back Bridget Mutipula. Her soccer journey began at age eight with Halifax Dunbrack SC before she joined Whitecaps FC Girls Elite. Now, she is excited for the opportunity to represent the country.
“It feels amazing. I’ve been working hard and like this is something that I’ve been looking forward to for a really long time now,” she said.
The Halifax native is also a recent Vancouver Rise Academy graduate and is permitted to appear in up to four matches in the Northern Super League this year.
A photo of Cindy Tye, right, giving instructions to the Dalhousie Tigers team in 2021. (Dalhousie athletics)
Mutipula is coached by fellow Nova Scotian Cindy Tye. The two shared a connection prior to joining the national program, and Tye has watched Mutipula’s growth firsthand.
“For a kid like her to take hold of the opportunity that she has, that the sport has given her, from our province … just super proud of her,” she said.
Team Canada opened tournament play on Saturday with a 1–1 draw against England. Their next match is against Brazil on Tuesday.
Growing up in Truro, Tye recalled few opportunities for young girls in soccer. She played provincially around age 14 and later played for Acadia University before transitioning into coaching. After leading the Dalhousie Tigers, she was named head coach of the national U-20 team in 2021.
Tye said the U-20 level is pivotal for athletes as they transition to the next stage of their careers.
“I told [Mutipula] the other day, like, just that we’re proud of her and just keep it between the white lines and keep doing what she’s doing and she’ll do great things.”
The coach and a player both represent Nova Scotia in the national team. (Canada Soccer)
For Mutipula, reaching this stage fulfills a long-held dream encouraged by her friends. Following the World Cup, she will continue her collegiate career and study criminology at Florida State University.
“I go to FSU and like, we’re still in season. So obviously going back to that, but just hoping to like get recognition from like the big clubs,” said Mutipula.
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