‘Feels amazing’: Calgary’s Foothills WFC ready for first action since 2019

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — The highest level of women’s soccer in Canada is returning to action in a few weeks.

We are excited to share our United Women’s Soccer league schedule! ⚽️ All games will be live streamed, ???? but we hope to see you out on the field cheering for your back-to- back Western Conference Champions, Foothills WFC! ???????? pic.twitter.com/miMBTDlrst

— Foothills WFC (@FoothillsWFC) June 2, 2021

Last season’s United Women’s Soccer campaign was scrapped because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the league is already in full force south of the border, and in early July, kick-off is slated for Calgary’s Foothills WFC.

“It feels amazing,” assistant coach Katie Collar said with a sigh of relief in her voice. “Just getting the girls back on the field, having everybody come back together, seeing them interact, seeing them get back to contact play in the last couple of days — we didn’t believe that it was going to happen for a while. It felt a little bit stressful, and it’s amazing. It’s amazing to see them back and really exciting to get back into games.”

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FULL INTERVIEW: 660’s Sandra Prusina catches up with Foothills WFC coach Katie Collar

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The 2019 Foothills WFC squad made it to the UWS championship match, with Calgary falling just short of hoisting the trophy. Although there will be new faces on the 2021 roster, the returning players have unfinished business on their minds.

“Quite a few returning faces coming in from NCAA environments,” Collar teased of her group. “And some new up and coming faces that we’re really excited about.”

RELATED: Women’s soccer saw significant disruption from pandemic

One returnee we can share is local product Sarah Kinzner, who has represented Canada at various levels and is a proud graduate of the Foothills program.

????PLAYER SIGNING ???? Another Foothills academy graduate who has played for Canada at U17-U20-U23 – Sarah is definitely one to watch this summer! pic.twitter.com/Ho24sTXAfc

— Foothills WFC (@FoothillsWFC) March 5, 2021

“Sarah’s wonderful leader,” Collar said of the experienced midfielder. “She’s a great personality to have in the team and obviously a very fun player to watch. She excites technically, and she’s incredibly creative and exciting in possession.”

This also marks the first UWS that will see two teams in Alberta. Impact FC in St. Albert has joined in the fold making for a natural Battle of Alberta rivalry, dubbed by some as Al Classica.

“It’s a really exciting thing for Alberta,” the coach explained. “I think having these interprovincial games is going to bring more visibility to the women’s game in Alberta and in Canada. We’re very excited.”

The season kicks off Friday, July 2, in St. Albert, and the first home game for Foothills WFC is two days later, welcoming the Impact to Calgary.

For ticket and scheduling information, you can follow the team on social media or its website.

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