Jasneet Lakhyan isn’t just shaping young athletes—she’s shaping futures. As a dedicated coach with Calgary Foothills Soccer Club and C-License holder, Jasneet has become a powerful role model for young players and fellow coaches alike. Her impact goes far beyond drills and match day strategies; she’s breaking barriers in a male-dominated field and creating a culture where kids feel seen, supported, and inspired to lead—both on and off the pitch.

From Grassroots to Guiding Lights

Jasneet’s journey with Foothills began in their recreation level program at age 11, where soccer was more about fun than fierce competition. But everything changed when her sister was scouted at a tryout by then Technical Director (and now Head Coach of the Cavalry FC), Tommy Wheeldon Jr. The sisters transitioned into more competitive tiers, and with that shift came a deeper appreciation for the sport and the soccer community.

It was around age 14 that Jasneet’s path as a coach began to unfold. With encouragement from Grassroots Lead and well-known coaching mentor Wayne Cleverly (who now heads up Player ID for Canada Soccer) and the Foothills grassroots team, she was given her first assistant coaching role. That initial spark ignited a lasting fire. “Ever since then, I’ve been coaching,” she says. “It started with grassroots and grew from there. Now, I coach a U12 girls team and I love working with them on the fundamentals and helping shape them at such a pivotal time in their lives.”

Coaching with Heart

*** “I want to build a culture with no cliques, no bullying—just solid core values. It’s about how they treat people, how they see themselves.”***

For Jasneet, coaching isn’t just about technical skill. It’s about creating an inclusive and empowering environment. “Every year, my goal is to develop the individual player, but also the person,” she explains. “I want to build a culture with no cliques, no bullying—just solid core values. It’s about how they treat people, how they see themselves.”

That heart-led approach is no accident. Jasneet is also studying social work at the University of Calgary, driven by a lifelong desire to support kids, particularly those facing adversity. “I lost my mom at a young age, so I know how important it is to have someone in your corner,” she shares. “Coaching has given me a platform to be that person for others.”

She’s even taken that mission beyond the Club, organizing the Kiwanis Youth Diversity Cup, a soccer tournament for underprivileged youth in Calgary—another step in her commitment to ensuring every child has the chance to thrive.

Mentorship That Matters

Behind every great coach is a community that lifts them up, and Jasneet is the first to shine a light on those who guided her. From early support from Wayne Cleverly, to tactical insight from former Foundation Phase Lead and current Manager of Club Licensing with Canada Soccer, Alexandra Valerio, to recent leadership under Technical Director Greg de Carnys, Jasneet credits them with helping her grow in confidence and skill.

“Foothills has given me amazing support. Greg recently asked me to mentor a young female coach during an exhibition game,” she recalls. It was a confidence builder—not just for her, but for me too. It showed me how far I’ve come and how important it is to pass that on.”

And it’s not just about tactics or game management—it’s also about navigating challenges and managing situations and difficult people, particularly in a space where women are still underrepresented. “There were times I felt doubted,” she admits. “But mentors like Foothills team members Hannah Ritchie,  Chace Jacquart and Taylor Tombides helped me find my voice and stay grounded when things got tough.”

Foothills Technical Director, Greg de Carnys is very impressed with Jasneet. He says, “Jasneet is a remarkable young woman and talented coach. She is building a strong culture in our 2013 age group, focusing on the development of our athletes as players and people, while ensuring they have a great experience. We are working together to help her take the next steps on her CSA licensing journey, including looking into the recently announced CSA Accelerate HER funding program for the next all-female B License course.”

Facing Doubt, Proving Power

One of Jasneet’s proudest coaching moments came during a match where her newly formed Tier 2 team faced a top-ranked Tier 1 squad. “I told my players, ‘Let’s pressure them. Let’s show them we are a force to fear.’ Even some of our own parents doubted me at first,” she remembers. “But we played our hearts out—and tied that game. Afterwards, one of the opposing parents said, ‘You scared the heck out of our coach.’ That was a moment of validation—not just for me, but for my players.”

It’s a story that speaks to Jasneet’s core philosophy: belief, preparation, and heart can take you farther than you think.

A Call for More Female Coaches

So how do we inspire more women to follow in Jasneet’s footsteps?

“Representation matters,” she says simply. “When young girls see women coaching, leading, and thriving in these roles, it shows them what’s possible.” Jasneet also notes that breaking down barriers—like access to certification funding and support networks—is vital, too. “Foothills has the ability to provide both and I’m sharing my personal experience and feedback constantly to help them improve in these areas.”

Final Whistle: Leading the Way

Jasneet Lakhyan is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose. She’s not just building better players but stronger, more compassionate community members and leaders.

Her advice to young girls dreaming of a future in sport? “Take the chance. Don’t let fear or embarrassment hold you back. You don’t need to know everything. You’ll learn. You’ll grow. And you’ll be amazed at what you can do.”

Jasneet is living proof of that. And for every player she coaches, every young woman she mentors, and every life she touches, she’s already changing the game.