EDMONTON

Private Tyler Van Uden is no stranger to the soccer field, he’s on the Canadian Forces’ national team.

The 23-year-old brought his skills to CFB Edmonton Monday all the way from Shilo, Manitoba, to take on hundreds of other soldiers from across western Canada during the Exercise Strong Contender competition.

The five-day tourney is a brigade-driven event that brings together over 1,000 soldiers — in the name of promoting physical fitness and to boost morale.

Teams are made up of soldiers from specific units, competing in sports like ice hockey, ball hockey, indoor soccer, volleyball, cross fit, and even curling.

The tourney culminates with gold medal games and an award ceremony that will take place on Saturday.

Van Uden is a member of the One Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in Shilo, and serves as goalkeeper for his squad.

He is pretty confident that his team will fair well in the tourney.

“It’s for work, but it really brings the guys together in the brigade,” he said. “It’s a good time as well, you’re able to see friends and guys from the national team — and just play soccer.”

But Major Ian Miedema says as much as the guys and gals like to meet up with friends outside of the arena, that’s where the pleasantries end.

Miedema says the soldiers train hard for the tourney all year, and competition between the units is “strong.”

As for what’s at stake for these competitors, Miedema says there’s something much more coveted than the medal that’s hung around the necks of the winners.

“Pride, absolutely. They play for the medal at the end of the day, but honestly it’s bragging rights at the bar when they can sit down and say that they were the best,” he said.

“They take it extremely seriously.”

The tournament runs until Friday.

allison.salz@sunmedia.ca

@SUNAllisonSalz