Mount Allison University women's team arrives on the Island this weekend to play a series of matches against Bermuda teams.

Last year saw the Canadian university men's team visit Bermuda for a number of friendly matches, while also honouring their founder – Bermuda's own Clarence Terceira.

This year's week-long tour will see the Mounties, from Sackville, New Brunswick, honouring two former Allisonians – Robert V. Barritt, a prominent businessman, artist, and politician, and former UBP politician Ralph Marshall.

Both Bermudians have maintained a strong association with Mount Allison for more than –50 years.

They played huge roles at the University, not only as students but also as influential alumni who often return to campus to attend reunions, establish graduating student awards and to support the campus and its various activities, from both Sackville and Bermuda.

The visiting team will stay with Bermudian families and Mount Allison alumni while they are on the Island. They will also be visiting schools, training, and playing matches organised by the Bermuda Football Association.

The men's and the women's soccer coach, Barry Cooper, is excited to be returning to Bermuda.

"The Bermudians have been so kind to us," said Cooper. "They continue to provide us with such great learning opportunities.

"We really appreciate the chances to reunite with former Allisonians and rekindle our Bermuda-Sackville relationships.

"We thank the alumni, our hosts, and all of the gracious Bermudians who have made our trips such a positive experience."

Richard Thompson, one of the Bermuda alumni and a former Mountie, is again excited to be hosting another Mounties team.

"We have had a wonderful long-standing relationship between Bermuda and Sackville," said Thompson.

"Our students chose the University for its quality and excellence over 50 years ago, and they do so for the same reasons today.

"For players to be able to experience a top-quality soccer program and to be associated with the University and Bermuda through this great initiative is a bonus."

Some of the Bermudian Mounties who have contributed to the success of Mount Allison's football programme over the years include Larry Madeiros, Rick Thompson, Ken Siggins, George Shaw, Michael Scott, Rob Steynor, Lynn Hall, Darren Johnston, Allan Young, and Vince Chaves.

There are currently eight Bermudians studying at Mount Allison, which has an enrollment of just over 2,300 students.