Club Overview

What is it about Calgary, Alberta? Why does it feel so different from any other place in the country? The Rocky Mountains are breathtaking. The sky is huge. The fields are vast and golden, and the sun shines brightly. The city skyline is impressive, modern and evolving. These elements may form the City’s body…but its soul lies within its people.

You feel it the minute you arrive as you are welcomed by city of diverse people filled with pride and steeped in traditions.

Selflessness has been a community theme tracing back to Fort Calgary and the area’s early armed services. From the Lord Strathcona’s Horse, the volunteer regiment made up of area ranchers who fought on horseback through the Boer and first world wars, to the thousands of men and women who served and continue to serve Canada, there has always been a permanent military presence in the city. The Kings Own Calgary Regiment and the Calgary Highlanders are still active today.

A different battle, fought collectively and against long odds, delivered the Olympic Winter Games to the world in 1988. Not only did Calgary earn the right to host, but the city delivered famous games and that legacy is still inspiring gold medalists today. The city loves its conquests and when Calgary wins, the people celebrate.

To put it simply, the City of Calgary is defined by the character of its people. They are inspired by challenge and do not understand the meaning of the word quit.

When the Bow River rose, the citizens rose higher. When fires ravaged Fort McMurray, southern Albertans didn’t run away, they ran to that community offering support.

Even when the economy experiences downturns, people don’t just up and leave Calgary…they stay, fight for new ventures, or create different opportunities. They battle, because they want to stay. Calgary is their home – and they will fight to protect it.

With professional soccer returning to the Alberta foothills, the Club’s identity needs to reflect Calgary’s collective spirit and willingness to confront any obstacle, and any challenge.

The club’s home venue has been selected, a venue known for champions; having produced Olympians, World Cup and PanAmerican Gold Medalists, all of whom have proudly worn the Maple Leaf. The venue is deeply rooted in family values and great sporting tradition. It’s iconic grass stadiums are associated with the world’s best horsepower and a famous military regiment. That venue is Spruce Meadows.

Calgary is a city made up of extraordinary people, with an extraordinary history… it is now time for us to shape the future of soccer.

Calgary, this team is for you.

Time to marshal the troops and mount a charge.

Cavalry FC has arrived at Spruce Meadows. Ride with us.

Calgary’s soccer history is more extensive than most people realize.

The “Callies” or Caledonians were the unofficial champions of Canada from 1907 to 1909, winning the People’s Shield each time and earning a spot in Canada’s Soccer Hall of Fame.

Like in many communities across Canada, the pro soccer landscape has been hampered by vision, finance and endurance. The Calgary Boomers of the NASL came and went, along with several tier 2 pro teams including the Strikers turned Kickers of the Canadian Soccer League, then the Mustangs and Storm of the A-League.

Suitable venues were non existent which didn’t help, the CSL was positive but not built on solid ground, and the American based leagues were transient. More recently, the Pro Development League’s Foothills U23 club has enjoyed incredible success at the semi-professional level, with the club finishing as runners up to Michigan in the 2016 Championship.

Despite the drifting snow of pro soccer in Calgary, the youth game endured, and still thrives today. Owen Hargreaves may be the most notable name to come out of Calgary, but there have been many others including Sam Adekube, and Kevin McKenna both of whom went on to represent Canada.

The Adult Game administered by CUSA is also active with hundreds of men’s women’s and co-ed teams joining the ranks.

The words “Spruce Meadows” alone conjure pastoral images of beautifully manicured grounds, and stately trees dotted amongst an collection of traditional grandstands. But the idea of a soccer stadium within that pre-existing aesthetic is truly unique, not only for Canada…but globally as well.

ATCO Field is situated adjacent to the iconic International Ring, and bordered by several established buildings including the impressive Gallery on the Green Congress hall. The stadium is easy to find, comfortable to be at, and because of its modular design, flexible for future growth. The playing surface is on natural grass and in pristine condition per the standard and traditions of excellence that Spruce Meadows is known for.

Inspiration can be drawn from King’s Own Calgary Regiment and Spruce Meadows official regiment, Lord Strathcona’s Horse; both known for their bravery and impeccable organization. But they are also units that historically advance, which suits an attack minded approach. Horses are born to run, which inspires a forward thinking, fast and powerful technical application.

But more importantly than individual tactics and formations, is the character of those representing the badge. Courage, bravery, assertiveness, perseverance, leadership and selflessness are all virtues that will be sought during recruitment. The type of person coming to the club will be as important as the type of player.

Calgarians have proven time and again that collectively they are force to be reckoned with, which is why the club will devote a lot of energy towards discovering and developing local Canadian players.

Establishing Cavalry FC’s off field philosophy is about blending the principles of its founders, focusing on tradition, community and family. These are the values closely associated with Spruce Meadows, but also of Calgary itself. Neighbours looking out for neighbours, and creating indelible memories for everyone associated with the club.