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NORTH VANCOUVER — A plumed player dropped in for a tryout during a soccer practice in North Vancouver last week, much to the delight of onlookers.

The North Shore Football Club was holding a practice with one of its boys teams at Sutherland secondary March 23 when a large eagle appeared on the field and began playing with a soccer ball.

The eagle’s antics brought the practice to a halt while the team and spectators watched in awe as it followed, jumped on and even kicked the ball with one of its claws.

“It was probably one of the most incredible things that I’ve ever seen. Just to be able to be that close, 20 feet from an eagle and to be able to watch it for two-and-a-half minutes was amazing,” said Stuart Ince, club president, who was able to capture the raptor in a video on his phone.

Despite the awe of the encounter, Ince admitted that the bird didn’t quite make the grade when it came to its ball handling skills.

“Just so you know, we actually failed it. It didn’t make the tryout. It was good in the air but it didn’t really have the ball skills we were looking for. It hung onto the ball too long.”

Although the encounter was a short one, Ince said the experience will stay with him and the members of his team. He said it served as a reminder of the natural beauty of the North Shore.

“We live in this beautiful part of the world and I think we take a lot of (that) for granted. You see eagles flying around in the air, but until it comes out and it’s that close, it really makes you appreciate what an amazing place that we live in.”