SPARTANS ALUM PAUL BALLARD SIGNS WITH CLEVELAND CITY STARS

TWU's Paul Ballard vs Vancouver Whitecaps

Men's Soccer (Announcement)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Pro-signing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPARTANS ALUM PAUL BALLARD SIGNS WITH CLEVELAND CITY STARS

LANGLEY, British Columbia - The Cleveland City Stars have announced that they have signed former Trinity Western University men's soccer all-Canadian defender Paul Ballard ('06) to play for the USL First Division club.

Ballard, who most recently played for South Africa's FCAK, brings international experience to the Cleveland City Stars from his time at FCAK in South Africa as well as his university career in Canada.

The Canadian defender captained the squad at Trinity Western University and was a four-time Canada West Conference All-Star.

He was also named All-Canadian in 2005 and 2006, and was honored with the Trinity Western University Athlete of the Year award both years.

Ballard went on to play for the Vancouver Whitecaps Reserve team before leaving overseas for FCAK in Johannesburg. FCAK (Football Club Azziz Kara) participates in the National First Division, Inland Stream, South Africa's second-highest league.

"Paul is a tough defender and another guy who can help secure our back line," said Cleveland City Stars Executive Director Aaron Tredway. "Paul will be a good fit for the club, both on and off the field, and we're excited to have him on board."

Ballard is a member of Athletes in Action (AIA), an organization whose mission is to build spiritual movements through sports. Founded in 1966, AIA is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ and hopes to widen the reach of sports ministry.

The Cleveland City Stars are currently doing pre-season training at the AIA Sports Complex in Xenia, Ohio.

"Coming in as a defender I think that I can add to the existing team and the future of this program," said Ballard. "I'm excited about the connection with AIA and being here at Athletes in Action is a dream come true for me. I've always believed that I've been blessed to play soccer for a reason and the right team would eventually come along. Here I am in Cleveland and I'm excited about taking the next step with the City Stars."

Ballard joined the City Stars in Xenia and will be on hand for the remainder of preseason training.

Cleveland City website is www.clevelandcitystars.com
TWU website is www.gospartans.ca

-TW-

Last Updated: 2009-04-02
Author: Scott Stewart
Email: ssstew@twu.ca