TAYLOR MADE FOR SOCCER

Portage Midfielder Taylor Bridger named to All Conference Team

Most 19-year-olds don't hop on a plane and fly to a different country to play soccer for a small, northeastern Alberta college. Most 19-year-olds don't then lead their team in goals, assists and points and help lead their squad to its best record ever. Most 19-year-olds don't maintain a busy training and game schedule while also posting good marks in their diploma program. Then again, Taylor Bridger isn't most 19-year-olds.

The English midfielder, from Surrey just south of London, had a stellar first season with the Portage College Voyageurs Men's Soccer Team, leading the team with six goals and 17 points. So stellar, in fact, that he was voted onto the ACAC All-Conference Team, one of four midfielders named to the 2025 North Division squad. The award, the first ever for a male Portage College soccer player, is voted on by coaches using a ranking system. Bridger was recognized during an awards banquet at the ACAC Soccer Championships in Lethbridge on October 23.

Head Coach Macky Singh, who recruited Bridger to the team for his scoring prowess, notes that the Kinesiology and Sports Studies Diploma student brought so much more to the team than goals and assists. He also helped lead the team to its best-ever record, at 4-7-1, good enough for fifth place in the seven-team North Division.

"Six goals, five assists, it's great numbers, but also Taylor's impact on the field, making the right plays and making a difference," says Singh. "This lifted up our other players, knowing that they're playing with quality players around them. (He) definitely has brought up the standard which helps for recruiting of future players…as we increase the level and the standard of the program."

Bridger, who has played the beautiful game all his life, took a chance this past summer when he decided to forego opportunities in the United States to play for the Voyageurs in small-town Lac La Biche. Not that he views it that way.

"For me, I felt like the offers I got in the States were more like a big city kind of thing. It's not my cup of tea," says the Manchester United fan, whose friends had enjoyed their experiences playing in the USA. "This was the perfect environment. I mean the offer was perfect for me, much better than if I was to go elsewhere. I just felt it suited me as a person better being here." 

Adjusting to life in Canada – and more specifically in rural, northeastern Alberta – hasn't been too much of a challenge for the reserved off-the-field but dynamo on the field Bridger. The biggest adjustment was actually the training schedule.

"Once we got settled in, I'd say the load compared to back home. There you aren't training every single day…Having school work from 9 'til 3 and then training in the afternoon/evening, it's a lot but once you get used to it, it benefits you better," he explains.

His first year in ACAC soccer has proven to be a learning experience. Although he is one of the most dynamic and skilled players on the field, deftly handling the ball at high speeds and belting shots into the back of the net, Bridger feels that he has improved his play both offensively and defensively thanks to the coaching staff and the level of play from opposing teams.

"It was what I expected," he says. "It's a rebuild. I mean it's helped me develop as a player and mentally on the pitch. I mean, some of the other teams you play, obviously it's a good experience compared to back home. It's a different playing style so it's how you adapt differently. It's helped me develop on and off the pitch, I'd say."

Bridger wasn't the only Voyageur to be recognized. Goalkeeper Lilly Mangan, from just south of Liverpool, was also named to the All-Conference team, on the women's side. Singh says the recognition is well deserved and is a boost not only for the athletes but also the program.

"This wasn't expected at all, and you know, for both to come from England and win the awards they got is massive. Massive for them, especially choosing to come here and then gaining recognition…by coaches of the other teams in terms of winning awards. It's definitely a positive. They were really excited about it."