Trent University’s Athletics & Recreation department is excited to announce the appointment of Grant Purdy as the new head coach of the men’s varsity soccer program.

Mr. Purdy has built and coached numerous teams over the course of his 25 year educational career and brings with him a passion for working with individuals to bring out their best in a team environment. Born in United Kingdom, his love of sports and especially soccer comes naturally (better known to him as football). A four-year varsity athlete at York University, his experiences give him an understanding of the demands of being a varsity student-athlete.

“I recognize the importance of education through sport and keeping the balance between the two and the difficulties and demands that varsity athletics and academics place on the athlete in a university setting,” said Mr. Purdy. “Working with the players is my fuel, watching them develop individually and together as a team drives me to be better as a coach. Whether in the classroom or playing the field, I instill a sense of purpose and belief in individuals.”

Mr. Purdy has excelled as a coach across multiple sports at the high school level, with championships at the OFSAA and CISAA level. His successes have also extended to coaching at the club level, winning back-to-back Ontario Cups with the Aurora 98 Stingers (first in the club’s 46-year history), OYSL league championship with North Mississauga 1998 Panthers, and most recently winning the Ontario (OPDL) Cup with the 2001 Whitby Boys team.

“The Trent Excalibur are very excited to have Mr. Purdy join the Green & White,” said Deborah Bright-Brundle, director of Athletics & Recreation. “He will lead the charge on a new era of men’s soccer, building off the tremendous work of the staff before him.”

Mr. Purdy holds a National B license, working towards his A license in soccer, with NCCP certifications over a variety of sports. He holds a Master’s Degree in Sports Science in Education, with an emphasis on coaching and sports psychology.