Players like Luke Berryman are precisely what the Wanderers U23 team was created for. 

The Dalhousie University attacking midfielder is playing his second summer on the roster of the development squad that is in the midst of a three-match series against German 2. Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel’s under-23 team.

For Berryman, a Haligonian, it’s an excellent chance for players from Atlantic Canada to showcase their talents as the International Summer Series tours the Maritimes. 

“We’re going out there each game to show that players from this region can compete at the next level,” Berryman said. “The team we are playing this year is even higher calibre than last year, but we’re not nervous; I think we are ready for the challenge and going to try and get a result out there.”  

Playing for Wanderers U23 has granted Berryman and a select group of local players several opportunities to continue their development in a professional environment during the summer, along with local club commitments. While also playing for Halifax City SC in the Nova Scotia Soccer League AAA division (he is tied for the team lead in goals), Berryman trains with Wanderers U23 and, on numerous occasions, participates in first-team sessions. 

The Wanderers are also committed to using the CPL-U SPORTS draft to select players exclusively from Atlantic Canada, either locally developed talent or players from AUS programs. In 2023, the club selected Berryman’s teammate, Aiden Rushenas, with the Dalhousie goalkeeper eventually earning a first-team contract. 

“The Wanderers have made AUS more appealing for high-level players to come out here,” Berryman said. “I think even over the two years I’ve been playing AUS, you see the competition improving. Players know when they are stepping on the field in each game that coaches and scouts are watching, it raises the level.” 

Berryman, who has seven goals through his first two university seasons, entered U23 training camp excited by the prospect of competing against some of the best players in his conference and being teammates with players that are his rivals during the university season. Though, in the fall, he says it’s back to being fierce opponents.  

“There’s no love, and it’s back to trying to win against them.” 

This summer, Wanderers U23 is led by Jed Davies, a first-team assistant coach for the club and the head of youth development. Davies came to Halifax with a proven track record in both the professional game and developing young talent. Berryman entered the summer season hoping to be a part of Davies’ squad. 

“Once I heard Jed was going to be a part of this, I felt he could help take my game to another level,” he said. “I know a few people that worked with him in the past, and they all said really good things, that his ball knowledge is almost unmatched. I did my own research on him and the books he has written, and now being a part of his practices, you learn a lot from him.” 

Berryman has been named a co-captain for Wanderers U23 by Davies, a testament to his qualities as a person both on and off the pitch. He is a grassroots coordinator for Halifax City and spends the rest of his free time helping at his local YMCA, creating soccer programs for kids that may not have the chance to play the sport otherwise. 

“I’ve been really blessed by the opportunities that I’ve received from this club, both with the U23s and playing with the first team,” Berryman said. “I’m from Halifax, and a big thing for me is to be giving back to my community and make the sport more accessible for everyone.” 

The International Summer Series between Wanderers U23 and Holstein Kiel U23 wraps up on Saturday, July 8, in Halifax at the Wanderers Grounds (3 p.m. kickoff). Tickets are still available