Calgary twins become youngest players to sign with new women's pro soccer league

Taegan and Keelyn Stewart worked their way through soccer academies, international competition and anyone who stood in their way on the pitch. 

But the Calgarians' latest achievement may be their most impressive one yet. 

On Monday, the twins became the youngest players in the Northern Super League (NSL) at just 17 years old, signing with their hometown team, the Calgary Wild FC 

"I think it's a very exciting time, to be able to have this league to be created, said Keelyn.

"It's a big step forward for younger girls."

The NSL, a professional women's soccer league, begins its first season this year.

Taegan and Keelyn are enrolled at Bishop Carroll High School in Calgary's southwest and train with the Calgary Foothills Soccer Club.

In the past, the duo would travel all over Europe and North America, looking for competition and training facilities that fit their level of play. 

With the NSL launching in the spring, the sisters are able to play in a familiar environment.

"We're really excited to play at home in front of our family, friends and coaches here at Foothills," Taegan said.

"We're ready to show Canada what we got."

The twins spent their last season in Germany, training with SC Freiburg's Under-17 and U-20 teams. Taegan said they were set to play in Germany before being contacted by Alix Bruch, sporting director of the Wild FC.

Their twin telepathy has helped them reach the world stage, picking up a silver medal for Canada internationally during their U-15 tournament in 2022. 

The sisters also played for the Wales U-19 team, being eligible due to their mother's Welsh roots. 

Both sisters attribute their soccer journey so far to taking risks on and off the pitch.

Keelyn said their success has not come close to easy, playing boys soccer early in their careers while travelling around the world looking to improve. 

"You can't stand out if you blend in," said Taegan.

The two Calgary natives have travelled all over Europe. Their most memorable trip was to Barcelona in 2018, said Keelyn. The two went to train with FC Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia.

The twins join two Calgary-born members of the Wild FC, Grace Stordy and Sarah Keilty-Dilling.

Calgary Wild FC has been growing the team's roster over the past four months with the first signing in October.

The team's roster has filled out to 13 players, with more expected signings to come as the training camp is set to commence Feb. 3. 

The NSL is ready to launch its inaugural season with six teams across Canada. Besides Calgary, there are clubs in Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.