Foothills FC brings professional soccer back to Calgary
Inaugural game sees hometown team beat Puget Sound Gunners
It's been over 10 years since Calgary had a professional soccer squad but Foothills FC broke the drought Sunday.
- Calgary soccer referee now able to officiate FIFA World Cup, Olympics
- Calgary soccer players concerned about concussions
The team beat the Puget Sound Gunners 2-1 in the inaugural game in Premier Development League play at Shouldice Park.
"This is not just a quick idea, it's been five, 10 years in motion. I think a lot of work has gone on behind it, behind the scenes and I believe we're ready," said Foothills FC player Jonathan Wheeldon.
Part of that long process involved building a strong organization with a variety of junior teams in addition to its flagship under-23 team. Wheeldon points out that with a professional team, it will give kids a chance to play beyond their teenage years and help to grow the sport in Calgary.
The all-age soccer program will feed into the pro squad, helping create both fans and players.
Popular to play
Soccer actually has the highest participation rate of any sport in Canada, but it has failed to captivate local fans the same way as hockey or Canadian football.
"I think the obvious reason probably is climate and stadium and you know, what do you do first? Do you build a stadium first or do you build the team? These guys are building the team," said Bruce Cameron, sitting in the stands for Sunday's game.
Edmonton has been home to a professional team playing in the North American Soccer League for four years, a tier above Foothills' league.
