SUMMERSIDE -- It hasn't taken long for Mitchell Murphy to make a name for himself on the football field.
Murphy, in only his third year playing the sport and first at quarterback, has been invited to try out for Team Canada Football at the University of Toronto in late November. The camp is for players aged 18 and up.
"It's going to be a wonderful experience and a chance for me to learn and test my skills against the best in Canada," said Murphy.
A member of the P.E.I. Privateers, Murphy was scouted during the Maritime Football League's all-star game in Halifax on Aug. 20.
"I had a pretty good game, threw two touchdowns and then I separated my shoulder in the third quarter and missed the rest of the game," said Murphy. "Then about two weeks later I got a call from Mike Davey, the director of football operations for Canada, wanting to know if I wanted to go out for tryouts for Team Canada.
"He explained it was a great opportunity to get my foot in the door for a lot of colleges and university in the (United) States and Canada."
Murphy quickly accepted.
"I'm expecting a good workout," he said. "We'll be going three-a-days -- morning, noon and night practices, film sessions, playbooks and I'm expecting to see what the competition is like."
Should Murphy crack the roster, Team Canada will begin a world-wide tour in Las Vegas on Dec. 2. There will also be stops in Ireland, Scotland, Belgium, Japan, Australia, Puerto Rico and Canada.
"I'd like to make the team, obviously, but it's going to be real tough," admitted Murphy, who describes himself as basically a glorified running back.
"Our quarterbacks' coach and head coach Joe Puiia has helped me tremendously through this year," said Murphy. "He worked with me all summer, day and night, and whenever I wanted another workout he'd be there. He's helping me now three times a week getting ready for this."
But along with preparing for training camp, Murphy also has a fundraising goal to reach for the trip. Should he not make the team, those sponsorships will be returned.
"We have to raise $2,000 each to go," said Murphy, who added packages are available anywhere from $50 to $1,000.
Anyone interested in inquiring more information regarding sponsorship opportunities, can call Murphy at 314-2612 or check out teamcanadafootball.ca.
[email protected]
Extra Points
A look at
Mitchell Murphy:
Age: 23.
Parents: Hughie and Pam Murphy.
Hometown: Augustine Cove.
School: A 2003 graduate of Kinkora Regional High School.
Employment: Off Broadway and 42nd St. Lounge. Both businesses have been "very helpful and supportive" of Murphy's football career.
