By Colin Mackay, Club Operations Manager and APDL 2007 Girls Team Coach

This is the story of a journey that began with a small group of dedicated players and ended with a national championship. It’s a story of trust, loyalty, and the power of a winning culture. The Foothills APDL 2007 girls’ team is now etched in history as the inaugural 2024 PDP U17 National Champions. What began with just 11 players at U14 has blossomed into a team with a legacy built on accountability, positivity, commitment, resilience, hard work, inclusion, passion, and fearlessness.

In their first APDL season, the team started with humble beginnings. With many of their former teammates choosing different paths, those who remained placed their trust in Foothills, a trust that would prove to be the cornerstone of their future success. As their coach, it was evident to me that culture would be our defining factor. I firmly believe that values determine behaviour, and behaviour, in turn, sets the standards by which a team operates. I can best describe their success as the result of grit, determination, and commitment.

We didn’t rely on rules; instead, we established standards that were upheld both on and off the field. Early on, this approach was new and challenging for both players and parents. Ensuring that players arrived on time, communicated responsibly about absences, and presented themselves professionally were not just expectations but non-negotiables. Over time, these standards became second nature, not just within our team but across the province and, eventually, across the country.

A Culture of Success

Our journey to national prominence wasn’t without its hurdles. In 2021, we entered our first APDL (then known as the AYSL) season, where in previous years, we had consistently finished third or fourth. But 2021 offered us a new chapter—a new league, team, and opportunities. Despite the challenges, we ended that season in third place, a significant achievement for a team still finding its feet.

One defining moment came during our next season. We started strong with a multi-game win streak, and then we faced our toughest opponent, the Calgary Blizzard, an always formidable opponent. I remember telling the girls before the game, “If we can win this game, I don’t think we will lose another.” We won 1-0, and that victory sparked a series of triumphs. The team went on to win 15 games with only one loss, ultimately securing the U15 APDL Championship.

The Path to a National Championship

From then on, the Foothills APDL 2007 girls’ team became synonymous with success. Five league championships, two APDL Provincial Championships, and an APDL Cup Championship later, the team established itself as a powerhouse in Alberta and across Canada.

Our latest journey culminated in the 2024 PDP National Championship, a testament to the dedication, determination, and winning mindset cultivated over years of hard work. Every player, every training session, and every game was a step toward this moment. The trust and loyalty these players placed in our Club, even as others left, became a defining factor in who they are as athletes and as individuals.

The Power of Culture

For those who think that culture or behaviour doesn’t matter, our story proves it does. Calgary Foothills Soccer Club has won 9 national championships between our boys’ and girls’ programs and is the only club in Alberta to win a gold medal since 2009. Every single one of those teams shared a strong culture with players who were loyal, committed, and resilient.

As a coach, my role is to drive the standards of each player to ensure that they not only meet expectations but exceed them. It is about more than just winning games; it is about building a team with values that will carry them through challenges both on and off the field. The Foothills APDL 2007 girls have proven that success is inevitable when you combine talent with a strong culture and unyielding standards.

The Foothills APDL 2007 girls have set the standard, and their legacy will inspire future generations.