WOLFVILLE, N.S. – Soccer Axeman Michael Osorio will be experiencing a chance of a lifetime by joining his countrymen of the Philippines' National U20 Men's Soccer Team today.

The second-year midfielder who has made Coquitlam, B.C. his home since he was 11 years old, has returned to the Philippines this week for a try-out with the U20 Men's National Team beginning today.

Osorio, who attained his Canadian citizenship in 2019, keeps connected with his roots in the Philippines.

"I consider both Manila and Coquitlam to be my home. I have stayed in contact with my friends and family from the Philippines and I've made lifelong bonds with the friends I've made since moving to Canada," noted Osorio.

When asked how this opportunity came about, he noted that an old coach from his National Youth Team reached out to him.

"He reached out to me about this opportunity to play for the U20 team. Some of my childhood friends, who are on the team, invited me to play alongside them," said Osorio.

Axemen soccer head coach Findlay MacRae was thrilled to know Osorio has this great opportunity.

"I am delighted that Michael has the opportunity to play for the Philippines and I wish him the very best. Michael is a box-to-box midfielder that can run all day and has excellent technical skills and vision. This will be a great experience for him, and we will also benefit from this when he rejoins us," said MacRae.

Osorio is headed into his second year in Acadia's Kinesiology program and hopes to become a physiotherapist.

"I started playing soccer in Grade 1 and it continues to be one of my passions to this day. I never really expected to be invited or to play on a national team. I came to Acadia because of its great soccer program, coaching staff, and academics," concluded Osorio.

The Axemen kick off the exhibition season on Monday, Aug 29 at home vs Dalhousie at 2:15 pm.