Cavalry FC
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Key Information
| Active teams of Cavalry FC |
|---|
Cavalry Football Club is a Canadian professional soccer club based in the Calgary metropolitan region of Alberta. The club competes at the top of the Canadian soccer league system in the Canadian Premier League, and plays their home matches at ATCO Field on the grounds of Spruce Meadows in Foothills County.
The team is managed by Tommy Wheeldon Jr. and owned by Spruce Meadows Sports & Entertainment.[5]
History
[edit]On May 5, 2018, Calgary was one of four cities accepted by the Canadian Soccer Association for professional club membership.[6]
Cavalry FC was announced on May 17, 2018, as the second team to officially join the Canadian Premier League.[7] Spruce Meadows Sports & Entertainment Group CEO Linda Southern-Heathcott and COO Ian Allison were joined by league commissioner David Clanachan and league president Paul Beirne to unveil the team.[8]
The club's name, crest and colours were all revealed at the event at Spruce Meadows, while Tommy Wheeldon Jr. was announced as head coach and general manager.[9][10] Plans to renovate existing facilities at Spruce Meadows, resulting in a soccer-specific stadium with a capacity of at least 5,000 seats, were also revealed.[11][12]
On June 26, 2019, Cavalry FC qualified for the 2019 Canadian Premier League finals by winning the inaugural CPL Spring season.[13] The following month the Cavs became the first CPL club to defeat a Major League Soccer club in the Canadian Championship by upsetting Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2019 over two-legs.[14] In 2019, Cavalry FC goalkeeper Marco Carducci became the first CPL player called up to the Canada men's national soccer team.[15] In the 2019 CPL final, Cavalry lost 2–0 to Forge FC of Hamilton, Ontario in a two-legged tie.
On November 9, 2024, Cavalry won its first ever Canadian Premier League championship by defeating four-time winners Forge FC 2–1 at ATCO Field. The team earned a 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup berth in the process.[16] In February 2025, Cavalry became the first Canadian Premier League team to win a match in CONCACAF Champions Cup, defeating Pumas 2–1 during the first leg of the first round matchup.[17]
Colours and crest
[edit]The team's crest was designed by Jon Rogers. The crest features a chevron in homage to the Lord Strathcona's Horse armoured regiment, Alberta Foothills and Rocky Mountains, and a football to represent the past and future of Calgary as a sporting city.[12]
The club's colours are green, red and black (branded by the club as "army green," "Calgary red," and "black on black"). These colours symbolize the green of Calgary's nature and Spruce Meadows, and the red and black of other Calgary sports teams and the flag of Lord Strathcona's Horse.[18] The official mascot is a red horse named Sarge.
Kit history
[edit]Home, away, and third kits.
- Home
2019
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2020
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2021
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2022
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2023
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2024
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2025
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2026
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- Away
|
2019
|
2020–21
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2022
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2023
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2024
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2025
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2026
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- Third
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2024
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Kit suppliers and sponsors
[edit]| Period | Kit manufacturer | Chest sponsor | Sleeve sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2022 | Macron | WestJet | None |
| 2023–2024 | CIBC | ||
| 2025 | None | ||
| 2026 | Hummel | Moneris |
Stadium
[edit]

Cavalry FC play at ATCO Field, a 6,000-seat stadium[19] located at Spruce Meadows, at the 'Meadows on the Green' equestrian ring.[20][21] The stadium is modular to allow for future growth and uses natural grass. In September 2019, Spruce Meadows presented a new area plan to Foothills County, that includes a 12,000 seat soccer-specific stadium on the grounds that would replace ATCO Field over the next 30 years.[22][23] The record attendance for a game at ATCO Field is 7,052, during the 2024 Canadian Premier League final.[24]
Because ATCO Field is not suited to hosting matches in Canadian winter, Cavalry have played their February home games in the CONCACAF Champions Cup at Starlight Stadium, a 6,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in Langford, British Columbia and home to fellow CPL club Pacific FC.[25][26]
Club culture
[edit]Supporters
[edit]The Foot Soldiers are a supporters' group originally formed in 2015 to support USL League Two club Calgary Foothills and the Calgary Foothills UWS team. The group began supporting Cavalry in the lead-up to the first match, with the group's numbers swelling. Fans sitting in sections 108 and 109 have created a group called the Mighty 109 / 108 who sit on the other side of the entrance arch. The Frontline Ultras stand in section 200 and have supported the team since 2019.[27]
Rivalries
[edit]Al Classico

The Al Classico existed with FC Edmonton as a geographical rivalry between the two Alberta-based clubs in the Canadian Premier League. The rivalry is part of a larger sporting rivalry between teams based in Calgary and Edmonton; the two largest cities in the province.[28] The Wildrose Cup was awarded annually to the team that wins the most points from the series in league play (excluding 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), which Cavalry won each year until FC Edmonton ceased operations in 2022.[29]
Cavalry FC–Forge FC rivalry
The Cavalry FC–Forge FC rivalry developed during the 2019 spring season as the two top clubs in the league.[30] The rivalry bled into the 2019 Canadian Championship in which Cavalry defeated Forge 3–2 over two legs on aggregate. The first leg, which resulted in a 1–1 draw, ended with heated altercations between both sides on the pitch, leading to a disciplinary review by the Canadian Soccer Association.[31]
Honours
[edit]| Type | Competition | Titles | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | Canadian Premier League | 1 | 2024 |
| Regular season | 2 | 2019, 2023 |
Players and staff
[edit]Roster
[edit]- As of July 3, 2026[32]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Staff
[edit]- As of May 21, 2024[33]
| Executive | |
|---|---|
| Owner, chairman, and CEO | |
| President and COO | |
| General manager | |
| Assistant general manager | |
| Coaching staff | |
| Head coach | |
| Technical director and assistant coach | |
| Assistant coach | |
| Goalkeeper coach | |
Head coaches
[edit]- As of November 10, 2024
| Coach | Nation | Tenure | Record | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | D | L | Win % | ||||
| Tommy Wheeldon Jr. | May 17, 2018 – present | 178 | 91 | 44 | 43 | 51.12 | ||
Club captains
[edit]| Years | Name | Nation |
|---|---|---|
| 2019–2021[34] | Nikolas Ledgerwood | |
| 2022[35] | Mason Trafford | |
| 2023–2025[36] | Marco Carducci | |
| 2026–present[37] | Sergio Camargo |
Record
[edit]Year-by-year
[edit]| Season | League | Playoffs | CC | Continental | Average attendance |
Top goalscorer(s) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Div | League | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | PPG | Pos. | Name | Goals | ||||||
| 2019 | 1 | CPL | 28 | 19 | 5 | 4 | 51 | 19 | +32 | 62 | 2.21 | 1st | RU | SF | Ineligible | 3,292 | 13 | ||
| 2020 | CPL | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 14 | 11 | +3 | 16 | 1.60 | – | DNQ | DNQ | DNQ | N/A | 3 | |||
| 2021 | CPL | 28 | 14 | 8 | 6 | 34 | 30 | +4 | 50 | 1.79 | 2nd | SF | QF | 2,544 | 8 | ||||
| 2022 | CPL | 28 | 14 | 5 | 9 | 39 | 33 | +6 | 47 | 1.68 | 3rd | SF | QF | 3,492 | 8 | ||||
| 2023 | CPL | 28 | 16 | 7 | 5 | 46 | 27 | +19 | 55 | 1.96 | 1st | RU | PR | 4,090 | 11 | ||||
| 2024 | CPL | 28 | 12 | 12 | 4 | 39 | 27 | +12 | 48 | 1.39 | 2nd | W | QF | Champions Cup | R1 | 4,223 | 15 | ||
| 2025 | CPL | 28 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 47 | 36 | +11 | 42 | 1.50 | 3rd | RU | TBD | Champions Cup | R1 | TBD | TBD | TBD | |
1. Average attendance include statistics from league matches only.
2. Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in league season, league playoffs, Canadian Championship, CONCACAF League, and other competitive continental matches.
International competition
[edit]- Scores and results list Cavalry FC's goal tally first.
| Year | Competition | Round | Opponent | Home | Away | Aggregate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | CONCACAF Champions Cup | Round one | 0–3 | 1–3 | 1–6 | |
| 2025 | Round one | 2–1 | 0–2 | 2–3 |
Reserve team
[edit]Cavalry operates a reserve team, Cavalry FC U21, in the semi-professional Alberta Premier League.[38]
References
[edit]- ^ "Cavalry Football Club Joins Canadian Premier League". Canadian Premier League. May 17, 2018. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ Saelhof, Todd (August 28, 2019). "Cavs 'keeper Carducci gets call up to Canadian national team". Montreal Gazette. Archived from the original on August 29, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
- ^ "CPL, Canadian soccer reacts to Cavs' historic win". Canadian Premier League. Archived from the original on August 29, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
- ^ Adams, J.J. (July 24, 2019). "Whitecaps Game Day: Everything on the line in Canadian Championship showdown with Cavalry". The Province.
- ^ "Cavalry FC, Calgary's new professional soccer team, to debut in 2019". Yahoo. May 18, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
- ^ "Four clubs get pro membership from Soccer Canada; expected to join CPL". TSN. May 5, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
- ^ "Spruce Meadows unveils name of Calgary's pro soccer team". Sportsnet. May 17, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
- ^ "Canadian Premier League reveals Calgary team "Cavalry FC"". Waking The Red. Archived from the original on May 19, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
- ^ Rieger, Sarah. "Cavalry FC, Calgary's new professional soccer team, to debut in 2019". CBC. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
- ^ "Cavalry FC announced as second Canadian Premier League club". Sporting News. May 17, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
- ^ "Calgary welcomes Canadian Premier League team - 660 NEWS". 660 NEWS. May 17, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
- ^ a b Austin, Daniel. "'Cavalry FC' the Canadian Premier League team in Calgary". The Calgary Sun. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
- ^ Saelhof, Todd. "Cavalry FC scores first-ever CPL honour by winning spring season title". Calgary Sun. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
- ^ Adams, J.J. "Cavalry FC 2, Whitecaps 1: Vancouver's Canadian Championship is over; the MLS season, too". The Province. Retrieved August 5, 2019.
- ^ Saelhof, Todd (May 26, 2023). "Cavalry goalkeeper Marco Carducci hits Game 100 of home-team career". Calgary Sun. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ Hall, Vicki (November 9, 2024). "Calgary's Cavalry FC dethrones Hamilton's Forge FC for 1st-ever Canadian Premier League title". CBC Sports. The Canadian Press. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ "Three takeaways from Cavalry's 'monumental' triumph over Mexican giant Pumas". Calgary Herald. February 6, 2025.
- ^ "Emblem Inspiration". canpl.ca. Archived from the original on April 27, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
- ^ Kanygin, Jordan (September 18, 2018). "New 12,000-seat soccer stadium part of Spruce Meadows future plan". CTV News Calgary. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
- ^ White, Ryan (December 27, 2018). "Construction underway on new soccer stadium at Spruce Meadows ahead of CPL launch". CTV News. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
- ^ Austin, Daniel (May 18, 2018). "'Cavalry FC' the Canadian Premier League team in Calgary". Calgary Herald. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
- ^ "New 12,000-seat soccer stadium part of Spruce Meadows future plan". Calgary. September 18, 2019. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- ^ McGarvey, Dan (September 19, 2019). "12,000-seat Cavalry FC soccer stadium and field house part of future vision of Spruce Meadows". CBC News. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
- ^ Todd Saelhof (November 9, 2024). "'Taste the champagne': Cavalry FC takes down nemesis Forge in CPL finale". Calgary Herald.
- ^ "Club Statement Regarding 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Round One Venue". Cavalry FC. December 15, 2023. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
- ^ "Cavalry FC to Play 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round One Home Match at Starlight Stadium in Langford, BC". Cavalry FC. December 13, 2024. Archived from the original on December 14, 2024. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
- ^ Armen Bedakian (July 11, 2018). "Supporter's Voice | Sean Clarke, Foot Soldiers SG". Cavalry FC. Archived from the original on April 27, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
- ^ Van Diest, Derek (June 7, 2018). "Edmonton the next stop for Canadian Premier League". Edmonton Sun. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
- ^ John Jacques (September 12, 2019). "Cavalry FC Wins First Silverware With Wildrose Cup". Northern Tribune. Retrieved September 12, 2019.
- ^ "Cavalry FC vs. Forge FC developing into CPL's best rivalry". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 20, 2019.
- ^ Spencer, Donna (June 12, 2019). "Cavalry FC advance to face Whitecaps in 3rd round of Canadian Championship". CBC News.
- ^ "Cavalry FC roster". Cavalry FC. March 23, 2025.
- ^ "Coaching Staff". Retrieved May 1, 2022.
- ^ "Cavalry FC Announces the Retirement of Team Captain Nik Ledgerwood". Cavalry FC. January 31, 2022. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
- ^ Vickers, Aaron (April 8, 2022). "Mason Trafford named Cavalry FC captain for 2022 CPL season | Offside". dailyhive.com. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
- ^ "Cavalry FC announces Club Captains for 2023 Season". Cavalry FC. April 13, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
- ^ Pramod, Ankur (April 4, 2026). "The weight of an armband and the evolution of Cavalry FC's Sergio Camargo". Total Soccer News. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
- ^ Saelhof, Todd (May 12, 2023). "Cavalry, soccer scene boosted by arrival of under-21 squad". Calgary Sun.
Further reading
[edit]- Strasser, Scott (May 13, 2024). Here Come the Cavalry!. Altona, MB: FriesenPress. ISBN 978-1038306548.
External links
[edit]Cavalry FC
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and inception
Cavalry FC was officially announced on May 17, 2018, as one of the founding members of the Canadian Premier League (CPL), set to debut in the league's inaugural season in spring 2019.[8] The club is owned and operated by Spruce Meadows Sports & Entertainment, a division of Spruce Meadows Ltd., with Linda Southern-Heathcott serving as owner, chairman, and CEO.[9] This ownership structure draws on the resources and prestige of Spruce Meadows, Calgary's world-renowned equestrian complex founded by the Southern family, to establish a professional soccer presence in the region.[10] Alongside the announcement, Tommy Wheeldon Jr., previously head coach of the Calgary Foothills FC in the Premier Development League, was appointed as Cavalry FC's head coach and general manager.[11] In preparation for the 2019 season, the club conducted pre-season activities, including an exhibition match against FC Edmonton prospects on September 29, 2018, which ended in a 2-2 draw at Spruce Meadows.[12] The first player signings followed in November 2018, with midfielder Nik Ledgerwood and forward Sergio Camargo among the initial additions to the roster.[13] The club's branding was unveiled at launch, drawing inspiration from Calgary's military heritage, particularly the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) armoured regiment, which influenced the name, colours, and crest featuring chevron elements.[14] These foundational efforts positioned Cavalry FC for its entry into competitive play in the 2019 CPL season.Early competitive seasons (2019–2023)
Cavalry FC launched into professional competition with the inaugural 2019 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season, where the club dominated the Spring campaign by securing eight victories in ten matches, culminating in a 2–0 triumph over York9 FC to claim the division title and a spot in the league finals.[15] The team also topped the Fall season standings, finishing the overall regular season in first place with a record of 19 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses, earning 62 points and the CPL Shield as the top regular-season performer.[16] However, in the two-legged finals against Fall season runners-up Forge FC, Cavalry fell short with a 2–0 aggregate defeat, marking Forge as the first CPL champions. Beyond the CPL, Cavalry made headlines in the 2019 Canadian Championship by becoming the first CPL side to defeat a Major League Soccer opponent, overcoming Vancouver Whitecaps FC with a 0–0 draw in the first leg followed by a 2–1 victory in the second leg, thanks to goals from José Hernandez and Jordan Brown, to advance on aggregate and reach the semifinals.[17] There, they were eliminated by CF Montréal with a 6–0 aggregate loss.[18] The 2020 season was profoundly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the CPL to postpone its start from April until August and condense the schedule into a single-table format played entirely in a biosecure bubble at the National Cyber Centre Stadium in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, without fans or traditional home games.[19] Each team played ten matches in this abbreviated campaign, where Cavalry finished second with 22 points from six wins and four draws, qualifying for the playoffs before losing 2–0 to Forge FC in the semifinals.[20] Cavalry maintained strong contention in subsequent years, placing second in the 2021 regular season with 50 points from 14 wins, 8 draws, and 6 losses, only to exit the playoffs in the semifinals via a 1–0 defeat to eventual champions Pacific FC.[21] In 2022, the club ended third with 47 points from 14 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses, advancing to the semifinals but falling 3–2 on aggregate to Forge FC; that year, they also progressed to the Canadian Championship quarterfinals by defeating FC Edmonton 2–1 before a 1–1 draw (losing 5–3 on penalties) against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. By 2023, Cavalry reclaimed the top spot with 55 points from 16 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses, powering through the playoffs to the finals—where they lost 2–1 to Forge FC—but securing their second CPL Shield.[22][23]Recent developments (2024–2025)
In the 2024 Canadian Premier League season, Cavalry FC secured third place in the regular season standings with a record of 11 wins, 9 draws, and 8 losses, totaling 42 points and demonstrating consistent performance throughout the campaign.[24] This positioned them favorably for the playoffs, where they advanced to the final after navigating the postseason bracket successfully. On November 9, 2024, Cavalry FC clinched their first CPL championship with a 2–1 victory over rivals Forge FC at ATCO Field in Calgary, with goals from Tobias Warschewski and Sergio Camargo sealing the triumph in front of a record crowd of 7,052 spectators.[25][26] This historic win marked a breakthrough for the club, elevating their status within North American soccer. The 2024 title qualified Cavalry FC for their inaugural appearance in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup, providing an international platform to test their mettle against regional powerhouses. In February 2025, they achieved a landmark 2–1 victory over Liga MX side Pumas UNAM in the tournament's opening matchup, becoming the first CPL team to secure a win in the competition.[27] They were eliminated in the round of 16 after a 0–2 loss in the second leg, falling 2–3 on aggregate.[28] This debut highlighted the club's growing capabilities on a broader stage, even as they faced formidable opposition. A significant milestone in youth development came in September 2025, when Cavalry FC launched its full-time academy program, operating year-round to nurture talent and serve as a direct pipeline to the senior team and Cavalry FC II.[29] The initiative, fully funded and immersive, represents a commitment to long-term sustainability and local player pathways in Calgary's soccer ecosystem. In the 2025 CPL season, Cavalry FC finished third in the regular season with a record of 11 wins, 9 draws, and 8 losses, totaling 42 points. They advanced to the league final by defeating Forge FC 1–0 in the semifinals on November 2, 2025. In the final on November 9, 2025, at TD Place Stadium, Cavalry lost 1–2 to Atlético Ottawa after extra time, with Martín Aray scoring for Cavalry and David Rodríguez netting twice for Ottawa in snowy conditions, failing to defend their title.[24][30][5] This path underscored their playoff prowess amid intensified competition.Identity
Colours and crest
Cavalry FC's primary colours are Army Green, Calgary Red, and Black on Black, with white serving as a complementary accent in various branding applications. The Army Green draws from the lush landscapes of the Canadian prairies and the foothills surrounding Calgary, while also evoking the dark military green of the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) regiment flag, tying into the club's military heritage. Black on Black represents the bold, resilient spirit synonymous with Calgary's sports culture, as seen in local teams like the Stampeders and Flames. Calgary Red, incorporated prominently, honors the regimental colors of Lord Strathcona's Horse, symbolizing tradition and valor.[31][8][32] The club's crest, introduced in 2018, centers on a chevron motif at its core, serving as both a military homage to Lord Strathcona's Horse and a nod to the Alberta Foothills as the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Key elements include a stylized horse emblem, representing the regiment's namesake and evoking themes of tradition and pageantry, alongside a football that symbolizes the past and future of soccer in Calgary, signifying the club's current identity and aspirations within the city's growing soccer scene. The design draws direct inspiration from the Lord Strathcona's Horse flag, blending military precision with regional pride, and is rendered primarily in the club's red, green, and black palette.[31][33] Since its debut, the crest has remained largely consistent, with initial variations explored during early branding phases to refine its integration with merchandise and digital assets. Secondary logos, often simplified versions of the chevron and horse elements in monochrome or alternate colors like green, have been adopted for apparel backs, promotional items, and secondary kit placements to enhance versatility without altering the primary emblem.[31][34] In official contexts, the crest appears on team badges, matchday flags, and stadium signage at Spruce Meadows, reinforcing Cavalry FC's visual identity and its connection to Calgary's equestrian and military traditions. It is seamlessly integrated into kit designs, where the chevron pattern echoes across jerseys to unify the club's aesthetic.[31][35]Kit suppliers and sponsors
Cavalry FC's kits have been manufactured by Macron since the club's inception in 2019, as part of a league-wide partnership with the Canadian Premier League (CPL) that provided custom-designed playing and training apparel for all teams. This agreement, announced in September 2018, emphasized bespoke designs incorporating each club's identity and was set to continue through the 2025 season. In November 2025, the CPL revealed a shift to hummel as the official kit and apparel supplier starting in 2026, marking the end of Macron's tenure after seven years of collaboration.[36][37] The club's home kits have traditionally featured a predominant red base, reflecting Calgary's heritage, with accents in white, black, and green to evoke Alberta's landscapes. For instance, the 2025 primary kit, dubbed the Alberta Wild Rose Kit, includes a seven-stripe sash in white and green across the chest to commemorate seven years of club achievements, along with a sublimated wild rose pattern and a gold legacy patch honoring the 2024 CPL championship win. Away kits have varied, often in forest green or white; the 2024 away design incorporated northern lights-inspired patterns in green with black and red trims, while earlier versions like the 2023 black away kit shifted from traditional greens. Third kits have introduced creative elements, such as the 2024 Blizzard Camo edition in white with subtle camouflage motifs and green trims, symbolizing Alberta's winter conditions and serving as an alternate for high-profile matches. These designs integrate the club's crest on the left chest, ensuring visual consistency across variations.[38][34][39] Sponsorships have played a key role in the club's financial structure, with WestJet serving as the primary front-of-shirt sponsor since 2019 through a multi-year partnership renewed in 2024, highlighting the Calgary-based airline's local ties. Sleeve sponsorships were introduced league-wide in 2023 with CIBC as the partner, appearing on Cavalry's kits until the end of the 2024 season, after which no sleeve sponsor was featured in 2025. Other significant partners include Spruce Meadows, the club's owner and venue provider, which has supported operations since founding without direct kit placement, and ATCO, a platinum-level sponsor since at least 2019 that names the home stadium ATCO Field and extends to energy-related branding. Additional collaborators, such as Avenue Living and local firms like Trico Homes, contribute through gold and red partnership tiers, focusing on community and operational support rather than prominent kit visibility.[40][41][42][2]Facilities
Stadium
ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows serves as the primary home venue for Cavalry FC, located in Foothills County just south of Calgary, Alberta. The stadium is integrated into the renowned Spruce Meadows equestrian complex, which opened in 1975 and was specifically renovated in early 2019 to convert an existing jumping ring into a dedicated soccer facility ahead of the Canadian Premier League's inaugural season. With a base capacity of approximately 4,000 seats that can expand to 6,000 for high-demand matches through modular additions, the venue provides an intimate setting for spectators.[10][43][44] The pitch at ATCO Field features natural grass and measures 105 meters in length by 68 meters in width, adhering to FIFA standards while allowing for continued equestrian use of the surrounding Meadows on the Green ring when not hosting soccer events. This dual-purpose design highlights the seamless blend of soccer operations with Spruce Meadows' equestrian heritage. The field underwent significant upgrades in 2021, including laser leveling, improved drainage, and complete re-sodding to enhance playability.[45][46] ATCO Field has hosted all of Cavalry FC's home matches in the Canadian Premier League since 2019, fostering a vibrant matchday atmosphere among Calgary supporters. The 2019 home opener against York9 FC drew an attendance of 3,486, marking a significant milestone that energized the inaugural season and set the tone for growing fan engagement. Record crowds, such as the 5,831 spectators for the 2019 playoff semifinal against Forge FC, have underscored the stadium's role in creating electric environments during key fixtures.[47]Training grounds and academy facilities
Cavalry FC conducts its primary training on the dedicated soccer fields within the Spruce Meadows complex, located adjacent to ATCO Field, the club's home stadium. This expansive multi-purpose facility, spanning over 500 acres, offers multiple turf and grass pitches suitable for team practices, tactical sessions, and fitness work throughout the regular season. The integration of these grounds with the stadium allows for seamless transitions between training and match preparation.[10] During winter months, when outdoor conditions in Calgary become harsh, the club shifts to indoor facilities for continued development. The Regional Field House in Aldersyde, Alberta, serves as a key venue for fall and winter indoor activities, including training camps, skills clinics, and evaluations from October to April. This 152,000-square-foot complex features three boarded turf fields and supports year-round programming, ensuring uninterrupted preparation despite seasonal challenges.[48] In 2025, Cavalry FC utilized Starlight Stadium in Langford, British Columbia, as an alternate venue for its CONCACAF Champions Cup Round One home match against Pumas UNAM on February 6, necessitated by unfavorable winter weather in Calgary. This temporary relocation highlights the club's adaptability in utilizing external facilities for international competitions while maintaining access to high-quality pitches.[49] Following the 2024 CPL championship victory, Cavalry FC enhanced its academy infrastructure by launching a full-time, year-round program in September 2025, better integrating youth development with existing training resources at Spruce Meadows and the Regional Field House. This initiative, led by Technical Director Jay Wheeldon, focuses on players under 18 and serves as a direct pipeline to the senior team and Cavalry FC II in League1 Alberta, leveraging the upgraded facility access for comprehensive skill-building.[29] The club's facilities also support advanced broadcasting setups through partnerships with TSN and OneSoccer, which broadcast five regular-season matches in 2025, including key home games at ATCO Field. These collaborations enhance media logistics at the training and match venues, providing professional production capabilities for national audiences.[50]Culture
Supporters
The supporters of Cavalry FC form a passionate and organized fanbase that has played a key role in the club's growth since its inception in the Canadian Premier League. The primary organized supporter group is the Foot Soldiers, established in 2015 to support local soccer and adopting Cavalry FC as their main focus upon the club's founding in 2019.[51] This group, known for its inclusive approach welcoming both new and experienced fans, occupies sections 200 and 201 at ATCO Field, where members create an energetic atmosphere through continuous chanting, drumming, flag-waving, and the display of large tifos—choreographed banners depicting military motifs aligned with the club's cavalry theme.[52][53] Common chants include adaptations of military-inspired songs, such as "We are the foot soldiers, we support the Cavalry / March on, March on Cavalry," which emphasize loyalty and battle-like resolve during matches.[54] Other notable groups include the Mighty 109/108 Battalion, based in sections 108 and 109, and the Front Line Ultras in section 200, both contributing to the ultras-style support with coordinated displays and vocal backing since 2019.[55][56] Matchday rituals often involve pre-game gatherings for tailgating and post-match social events, fostering a sense of community among fans who view their support as an extension of the club's disciplined, military heritage. These groups have helped cultivate traditions like themed tifos honoring key victories and player milestones, enhancing the visual and auditory intensity of home games. Attendance trends reflect the growing enthusiasm of the supporter base, with average home league attendance rising from 3,463 in 2019 to 4,223 in 2024, and further increasing in 2025 as several regular-season matches drew crowds exceeding 4,500, approaching the venue's 5,000 capacity.[57] This growth, which saw a 17% year-over-year increase for Cavalry in 2023 compared to 2022, underscores the fans' commitment and the club's rising popularity in Calgary.[58] Supporters also engage in community initiatives that align with the club's military-inspired identity, including participation in charity drives and fan events such as the annual Cavalry FC Charity Classic Golf Tournament, which has raised over $150,000 for local causes in partnership with the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation.[59] These efforts often incorporate themes of resilience and service, mirroring the "foot soldiers" ethos, and include youth engagement programs and fundraisers tied to veterans' support. The vocal and visual energy from these groups significantly contributes to Cavalry's home advantage at ATCO Field, where the intimate setting amplifies crowd noise, intimidating opponents and boosting team performance, as noted by players who credit the "pushing" support for key wins.[60]Rivalries
Cavalry FC's most prominent early rivalry was the Al Classico, also known as the Battle of Alberta, against provincial rivals FC Edmonton from 2019 to 2022.[61] This inter-city clash, fueled by geographic proximity and fan passion, featured intense matches with Cavalry dominating the series, going unbeaten in all 17 encounters (14 wins, 3 draws) while securing multiple victories, including a 3-0-1 record in 2019 that clinched the inaugural Wild Rose Cup trophy, funded by supporter groups.[61][62] Notable derbies included the 2019 season opener, a 1-0 Cavalry win, and a 3-1 triumph in October that sealed the Fall season title, heightening the stakes in Alberta's soccer landscape.[61][63] The rivalry ended abruptly following FC Edmonton's termination by the Canadian Premier League board in November 2022 due to ownership issues, leaving Cavalry as Alberta's sole CPL representative.[64] The Cavalry–Forge FC rivalry emerged as the league's marquee matchup, originating from the 2019 CPL Final where Forge defeated Cavalry 2-0 on aggregate to claim the inaugural title.[65] Tensions escalated through multiple high-stakes encounters, including Cavalry's 1-0 victory over Forge in their sole Canadian Championship meeting that year, advancing to the semifinals.[65] The competition intensified with repeated playoff clashes, such as Forge's 2023 final win and Cavalry's 2024 rematch triumph, a 2-1 victory at ATCO Field that delivered the club's first North Star Cup.[66][25] These meetings, marked by tactical battles and late drama, have defined post-season narratives, with Forge leading the all-time head-to-head series 15–12–10 (Forge wins–Cavalry wins–draws) as of November 2025. Following FC Edmonton's dissolution, Forge FC solidified as Cavalry's primary adversary by 2023, supplanting the Al Classico as the focal point of fan energy.[67] This shift amplified regional Alberta tensions, as Cavalry's supporters channeled provincial pride into broader inter-league rivalries, evident in the heated 2025 semifinal against Forge en route to the CPL Final.[68] The dynamic underscores Cavalry's evolution from local battler to national contender.Achievements
Domestic honours
Cavalry FC has achieved several notable honours in Canadian domestic competitions, primarily within the Canadian Premier League (CPL) and the Canadian Championship. The club has competed in the CPL since its inaugural 2019 season, establishing itself as a consistent contender for titles and regular season supremacy. In the CPL, Cavalry FC won the Spring Season championship in 2019, completing the first half of the league's split-season format with a perfect 5–0–0 record and securing the first title in league history. This success contributed to their overall regular season leadership that year, earning them the inaugural CPL Shield as the top team across both Spring and Fall seasons. The club repeated as CPL Shield winners in 2023, clinching the regular season title with a 1–0 victory over York United FC on September 23, finishing with 15 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses for 49 points. These regular season triumphs highlight Cavalry's sustained excellence in league play, with the club earning two of the three CPL Shields awarded as of the end of the 2025 season (Forge FC won the 2025 Shield).[69] The club's crowning domestic achievement came in 2024, when they captured the CPL championship and the North Star Cup for the first time. Finishing third in the regular season with 12 wins, 6 draws, and 10 losses for 42 points, Cavalry advanced through the playoffs by defeating Forge FC 1–0 in the semi-final on October 27 at Tim Hortons Field, thanks to a goal from Tobias Warschewski. They then hosted and won the final 2–1 against Forge FC on November 9 at ATCO Field, with Warschewski and Sergio Camargo scoring in the first half to secure the victory despite a late consolation goal from Forge. This playoff success marked a breakthrough, as Cavalry had previously finished as runners-up in the 2019 and 2023 finals. The 2024 CPL title qualified Cavalry for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup.[70] In 2025, Cavalry FC finished third in the regular season standings with 42 points (12 wins, 6 draws, 10 losses). They advanced to the playoffs and reached the final for the third consecutive year but lost 2–1 in extra time to Atlético Ottawa on November 9, 2025, at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa, finishing as runners-up for the third time overall. The match was played in heavy snowfall, with Ollie Aird scoring for Cavalry in the 33rd minute, and David Rodríguez netting both goals for Ottawa in the 40th and 107th minutes.[5][69] In the Canadian Championship, Cavalry FC's best performance was reaching the semi-finals in 2019, where they became the first non-MLS team to eliminate an MLS side by defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 4–2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. They fell 3–1 on aggregate to the Montreal Impact in the semi-finals, with the second leg ending 1–0 in Montreal's favor on August 14. The club has qualified for the tournament annually since 2019, often through preliminary rounds against League1 Ontario or other lower-division teams, and reached the quarter-finals in 2022 before losing 4–3 on penalties to Vancouver Whitecaps FC after a 1–1 aggregate draw. Subsequent appearances, including 2023, 2024, and 2025, saw them exit in the quarter-finals. In 2025, Cavalry drew 2–2 on aggregate with Vancouver FC but lost on penalties in the second leg on July 8.[71]International record
Cavalry FC made its debut in the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2024, qualifying as the 2023 Canadian Premier League regular season champions.[72] In the first round, the club faced Major League Soccer side Orlando City SC. The first leg, held on February 22 at Starlight Stadium in Langford, British Columbia, due to winter weather conditions preventing play in Calgary, ended in a 3–0 defeat.[73] The second leg on February 27 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando resulted in a 3–1 loss, giving an aggregate score of 1–6.[74] Following their 2024 CPL championship victory, Cavalry FC returned to the tournament in 2025.[75] Drawn against Liga MX club Pumas UNAM in the first round, they hosted the opening leg on February 6 at Starlight Stadium, again shifting venues for winter preparation challenges.[76] Cavalry secured a 2–1 victory, with goals from Charlie Trafford in the 57th minute and Erik Warchsewski in the 80th, marking the first-ever win by a Canadian Premier League team in CONCACAF competition.[7] The return leg on February 13 at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City ended 2–0 in favor of Pumas, eliminating Cavalry on a 3–2 aggregate.[77] Across two appearances, Cavalry FC has competed in four matches, recording one win and three losses.[72] This milestone victory against Pumas highlighted the club's growing competitiveness on the continental stage, despite the logistical hurdles of off-season play and venue relocations.[78]Personnel
Players
Cavalry FC's first-team squad for the 2025 season comprises approximately 28 players, adhering to the Canadian Premier League's roster rules that limit teams to seven international slots while emphasizing domestic talent development through youth promotions.[79] The squad balances experienced leaders with emerging prospects, including several homegrown players integrated from the club's academy system, such as goalkeeper Neven Fewster and defender Michael Harms, who have been promoted to provide depth and long-term continuity. International players, including Somali forward Ali Musse and Moroccan winger Ayman Sellouf, occupy key slots and contribute significantly to the team's attacking output. In goal, the squad is anchored by captain Marco Carducci, a Calgary native and long-term leader who has been with the club since 2018 and played every minute of the 2025 regular season, earning a nomination for the CPL Goalkeeper of the Year award for the fifth time with seven clean sheets.[80] Supporting him are young backups Joseph Holliday and Daniel Clarke, both Canadian prospects developing through the academy pathway. The defensive line features a mix of solidity and youth, with Canadian right-back Michael Harms, a 19-year-old academy product, establishing himself as a regular starter in his second professional season.[81] Other key defenders include centre-back Bradley Kamdem and versatile full-back Callum Montgomery, both providing experienced depth in a unit that conceded 27 goals in the regular season.[82] Midfielders form the squad's engine, with Canadian Shamit Shome offering creative control from central roles and Fraser Aird contributing versatility on the right. Sergio Camargo and Diego Gutiérrez add technical flair, supporting transitions that have been pivotal in Cavalry's playoff run to the CPL Final, where they lost 2–1 to Atlético Ottawa on November 9, 2025.[82][5] Up front, forwards have been instrumental in the 2025 campaign, led by Ali Musse, who recorded nine goals and seven assists to earn a nomination for the CPL Players' Player of the Year award, the only fan- and player-voted honor in the league. Tobias Warschewski and Ayman Sellouf, acquired mid-season, have complemented Musse with pace and finishing, combining for multiple goals in crucial matches. Several players are currently out on loan to further their development, including winger Jay Herdman with Vancouver FC, expected to rejoin the first team in 2026 pending performance evaluations.[83] Defender Mihail Gherasimencov, on loan from Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 for the 2025 season, contributed as a squad member before returning at season's end. Youth talents like those in the U21 setup with League1 Alberta are gaining competitive minutes to prepare for potential promotions; midfielder James McGlinchey, who signed his first professional contract with Cavalry in September 2025, is among those developing within the club's system.[84]Coaching and management staff
The technical leadership of Cavalry FC is headed by Tommy Wheeldon Jr., who has served as head coach and general manager since January 2019.[85] Under his guidance, the team has competed in 217 matches across all competitions, achieving 108 wins for a win percentage of approximately 50%.[86] Wheeldon, a former professional player in England and the United States, has emphasized a possession-based style integrated with the club's youth development pathways. Supporting Wheeldon are assistant coaches Nikolas Ledgerwood and Jay Wheeldon. Ledgerwood, a former Cavalry captain and Canadian international, joined the staff in 2022 as assistant manager, focusing on player development and community engagement.[87][88] Jay Wheeldon, brother of the head coach and previously technical director at Calgary Foothills SC, was appointed assistant coach and technical director in March 2024, overseeing talent identification and academy integration.[89] The goalkeeping department is currently led by David Odorico on an interim basis, appointed in September 2025 following the departure of Jake Davis; Odorico, a UEFA A License holder, brings experience from CF Montréal Academy and FC Laval.[90] In the front office, Ian Allison serves as president and chief operating officer, a role he has held since the club's founding in 2018 as part of the Spruce Meadows Sports & Entertainment Group.[9] Allison oversees administrative operations, business development, and strategic partnerships, contributing to the club's growth in the Canadian Premier League.[91] General management responsibilities, including player acquisitions and contract negotiations, fall under head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr.'s purview as general manager.[92] Following Cavalry FC's 2024 North Star Cup championship—the club's first CPL title—the coaching and management structure has maintained stability into 2025, with no major personnel shifts beyond the interim goalkeeping appointment in September.[93] This continuity has supported the team's participation in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.| Role | Name | Tenure/Appointment |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach & General Manager | Tommy Wheeldon Jr. | Since January 2019 |
| Assistant Manager | Nikolas Ledgerwood | Since 2022 |
| Assistant Coach & Technical Director | Jay Wheeldon | Since March 2024 |
| Interim Goalkeeping Coach | David Odorico | Since September 2025 |
| President & COO | Ian Allison | Since 2018 |
Records
Season-by-season results
Cavalry FC has competed in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) since its inaugural 2019 season, with results varying across regular season standings and playoff performances. The 2019 season utilized a split format consisting of Spring and Fall segments, culminating in an overall regular season title known as the CPL Shield for the top team. In 2020, the season was shortened to a single-table round-robin of 10 matches played in a centralized "bubble" on Prince Edward Island amid the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a final four playoff stage. Subsequent seasons reverted to a standard 28-match regular season format, with the top teams advancing to single-elimination playoffs.| Season | Position | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Points | Playoff Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1st | 28 | 19 | 5 | 4 | 51 | 19 | 62 | Runners-up (lost 0–2 aggregate to Forge FC in final)[94] |
| 2020 | 2nd | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 14 | 11 | 16 | Eliminated in playoff semi-final (lost 0–1 to Forge FC)[95] |
| 2021 | 2nd | 28 | 14 | 8 | 6 | 34 | 30 | 50 | Eliminated in conference final (lost 0–2 to Pacific FC)[96] |
| 2022 | 3rd | 28 | 14 | 5 | 9 | 39 | 33 | 47 | Eliminated in conference semi-finals (lost 2–3 aggregate to Forge FC)[97] |
| 2023 | 1st | 28 | 16 | 7 | 5 | 46 | 27 | 55 | Runners-up (lost 1–2 after extra time to Forge FC in final)[98] |
| 2024 | 2nd | 28 | 12 | 12 | 4 | 39 | 27 | 48 | Champions (defeated Forge FC 2–1 in final)[94] |
| 2025 | 3rd | 28 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 47 | 36 | 42 | Runners-up (lost 1–2 after extra time to Atlético Ottawa in final)[99] |
All-time statistics
Cavalry FC has competed in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) since the league's inaugural 2019 season, accumulating a robust all-time record through seven regular seasons as of November 2025. The club has played 178 regular season matches, securing 91 victories, 47 draws, and 40 defeats, resulting in a win percentage of approximately 51%. Over these contests, Cavalry has netted 270 goals while conceding 183, demonstrating a positive goal differential of +87 that underscores their competitive edge in domestic play.[100] The team's performance at ATCO Field, their home venue since 2019, has been particularly strong, contributing significantly to their overall success with a historically dominant home advantage that includes multiple undefeated regular-season campaigns. Away from home, Cavalry has maintained a respectable record, though with a slightly lower win rate compared to their home fixtures, reflecting the challenges of travel in a national league.[101]| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 178 |
| Wins | 91 |
| Draws | 47 |
| Losses | 40 |
| Win Percentage | 51.1% |
| Goals For | 270 |
| Goals Against | 183 |
| Rank | Player | Goals | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sergio Camargo | 32 | 2018–present |
| 2 | Ali Musse | 29 | 2023–2025 |
| 3 | Tobias Warschewski | 18 | 2023–2025 |
| 4 | Myer Bevan | 17 | 2021–2023 |
| 5 | Joe Mason | 18 | 2020–2022 |