The Nike Premier Cup: A Global Soccer Showcase
In an incredible achievement for our Club, the Foothills APDL 2010 Girls represented Canada as the only Canadian team in the elite Nike Premier Cup, held at the Nike World Headquarters in Portland, Oregon July 24th to July 31st. The prestigious tournament brought together the top 12 U15 girls’ academy teams from around the world for a week of high-level soccer, cultural exchange, and unforgettable experiences.
The Teams Competing in the Nike Premier Cup
Our girls shared the field with some of the world’s best and most well-known youth soccer teams.
- Foothills APDL 2010 Girls (Canada)
- Chelsea FC U15 (England)
- Athletico Madrid U15 (Spain)
- Football Victoria (Australia)
- Korea U15 National Team (South Korea)
- Japan U15 National Team (Japan)
- Wolfsburg U15 (Germany)
- San Diego Surf U15 (USA)
- Bromma U15 (Sweden)
- Ferroviaria U15 (Brazil)
- Inter Milan U15 (Italy)
- Liga BBVA MX U15 (Mexico)
This international field featured an impressive array of clubs with a rich soccer heritage and talent, making it an extraordinary challenge for the Foothills players.
A Strong Start Against Athletico Madrid
The team’s journey began at Providence Park, the iconic home of the Portland Thorns and a venue with a storied history in professional soccer. Their opening match was a challenging 1-0 loss to Athletico Madrid, a team that would go on to reach the championship final. While the scoreline didn’t reflect it, our Foothills girls played with heart and determination against one of Europe’s top youth sides, which showed their resilience and potential on the global stage.
A Dominating Performance Against Football Victoria
Next up was Football Victoria, where we fell 2-1. However, the result didn’t tell the whole story. The girls controlled much of the match, displaying an outstanding attacking force and defensive resilience. In the closing moments of the game, a few mistakes and missed opportunities led to the loss, but the overall performance was a clear demonstration of their ability to compete with the best.
Back-to-Back Wins Over Chelsea FC
The Foothills team rebounded strongly in their next two matches against Chelsea FC U15, arguably one of the most successful academies in the world. The girls played with poise and discipline, securing a 2-0 victory in the first match. Their second encounter with Chelsea saw another well-earned win, this time by a 1-0 scoreline, cementing their place as one of the top teams in the tournament.
A Draw Against Wolfsburg, but a Tough Penalty Shootout Loss
The Foothills girls wrapped up their group-stage matches with a highly competitive 0-0 draw against Wolfsburg U15. While they were unable to break the deadlock in regular time, their defensive solidity and organization were on full display. In an intense penalty shootout that followed, the Foothills team narrowly lost in a 4-5 decision.
The performance against such a quality side reflected their ability to hold their own in high-pressure situations, even against European powerhouses.
Off the Field: A World-Class Athlete Experience
While the competition on the pitch was fierce, the off-field experiences provided by Nike were nothing short of extraordinary. Foothills participants toured the Nike World Headquarters, where they saw firsthand the cutting-edge facilities and the innovative processes behind the brand. The girls participated in custom apparel design sessions, where they helped create exclusive gear for the event, giving them a unique and personal connection to the Nike brand.
They also took part in technology testing, including evaluating walking and running techniques, and providing feedback to Nike employees about new product innovations. These experiences allowed the players to not only engage in the world of professional sports technology but also to feel like true athletes representing their country and club on an international level.
Unmatched Athlete Amenities
Throughout the tournament, the Foothills girls had access to world-class amenities. The athlete lounge was equipped with recovery equipment, ping pong tables, and basketball courts, offering a space for the players to relax and recharge between matches. The event organizers also provided fully catered meals, ensuring that the players were properly fueled for their demanding schedule. These thoughtful touches made the overall experience truly world-class and helped elevate the tournament beyond just the competition.
Lifelong Memories and Friendships
One of the most valuable aspects of the Nike Premier Cup was the opportunity for cultural exchange. The Foothills players built lifelong memories and friendships with players from all over the world, learning about different soccer cultures and building connections that transcend borders. From bonding with teammates to interacting with players from countries like Brazil, Japan, Germany, and South Korea, the Foothills APDL 2010 Girls’ experience at the Nike Premier Cup was more than just about soccer; it was about personal growth and global unity.
A Platform for Future Success
Our participation in the Nike Premier Cup is a testament to our team’s incredible talent, hard work, and dedication. Competing against the best U15 teams from across the globe, we proved that Canadian soccer can compete at the highest levels. Their results at the tournament, including the wins against Chelsea FC and the strong performances against other world-class teams, set a solid foundation for their future development.
As the only Canadian team at the Nike Premier Cup, the Foothills APDL 2010 Girls made their mark on the global soccer stage. Their success at this tournament will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Canadian players to dream big and strive for excellence.
The Nike Premier Cup was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, combining world-class soccer, unparalleled athlete experiences, and valuable cultural exchange. The memories they’ve created, the lessons they’ve learned, and the friendships they’ve forged will continue to fuel their passion for the game and their ambition to succeed on the global stage.
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Calgary: July 18, 2025 — Big News from Foothills!
We’re thrilled to announce that our 2010 APDL Girls have been invited to the Nike Premier Cup. This is an elite, invite-only tournament taking place July 24–August 1 at Nike’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon!
This team, coached by Colin Mackay, has the distinction of being the only Canadian team selected to attend, along with 12 other teams from around the globe representing Australia, England, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Mexico and the US. Our talented young athletes will compete against some of the best in the world while enjoying an unforgettable week of high-level soccer, leadership development, and behind-the-scenes access to one of the most iconic sports brands in the world.
From training sessions and matches to workshops and athlete experiences, the Nike Premier Cup is about more than just soccer. It’s about stepping into the life of a pro.
Coach Colin says, “ This invitation reflects the hard work and commitment these girls bring every single day. To be the only Canadian team invited to the Nike Premier Cup is an incredible honour and a testament to the talent we’re developing here at Foothills. Beyond the competition, this experience will expose our players to what it truly means to be a high-performance athlete, both on and off the field.”
Please join us in congratulating Colin and the team on this outstanding selection!
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