The Varsity Blues men’s soccer team were privileged to have Toronto F.C. senior academy head coach Jason Bent run practice on Wednesday, August 18 at Varsity Centre.

University of Toronto head coach Anthony Capotosto has been working as an assistant coach with Bent and the senior team at the Toronto F.C.

“It’s a priviledge for us to have someone like Jason come and work with our players,” said Capotosto. “We have the luxury of a strong relationship with Toronto F.C. that is unprecedented in the OUA and our players will take full advantage of it.”

Bent also works closely with the Toronto F.C. first team coaching staff and is one of the hanful of players to have played for Canada at every level (under-17, under-20, under-23 and senior men’s).

His last professional club was Plymouth Argyle in England where he played three seasons (2001-2004). Prior to that Bent became one of the first Canadians to be signed by a Major League Soccer (MLS) club when the Colorado Rapids inked him to a two year contract in June of 1998.

“I thought they did very well,” Bent said after he put the team through a rigorous training session. “They spent an hour on technique and really grasped the concept. When we went into the tactical game, they did very well and I was impressed. Everyone was very receptive, gave me their full attention and I enjoyed the session.”

The Varsity Blues open their season on the road Labour Day weekend against the Nipissing Lakers on Sept. 3 and Laurentian Voyageurs on Sept. 4. U of T returns to Varsity Centre for their home opener on Saturday, September 11 versus Queen’s. Game time is scheduled for 3:15 p.m.

The Blues are also the proud hosts of the 2010 CIS national men’s soccer championship, Novemeber 11-14, at Varsity Centre.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite U of T athletes and teams, please visit www.varsityblues.ca. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Facebook for the latest and greatest in Varsity Blues intercollegiate athletics.