When the Chelsea U10 Developmental Plus Boys came together for their first season, early challenges with coaching availability created uncertainty. Families had questions about who would lead the group and how the season would move forward.

Rather than allowing those difficulties to define the team’s experience, Chelsea parents, Foothills staff and senior Foothills players stepped forward to help find a solution.

Working Together to Find a Solution Became a Life Lesson for the Boys

For team manager Tanya Towers, whose son is in his first year with Foothills, the response to those early challenges has become one of the season’s most important lessons.

“I wanted my son to see that when something is not working, you don’t walk away,” Tanya said. “You stick it out and fix the problem.”

Tanya helped organize communication and provide families with the answers they needed. Together with fellow parent and experienced coach Jaclyn Dietrich, she turned to Foothills staff members Luis Tinoco (Foundation Phase Manager) and Jordan for help.

Within a couple of weeks, Foothills WFC players Amelia Russo and Grace Mwasalla had stepped in to lead the group.

Amelia, a MacEwan University player preparing to return to school in the fall, and Grace, a recent MacEwan University graduate who was a standout player with the MacEwan Griffins, brought high-level playing experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm to every session.

With assistance from Jaclyn when needed, Amelia and Grace formed what may be the only all-female coaching team currently leading a boys’ team within the club.

Grace is honoured to have had the opportunity to work with the team. She shared, “These boys have put in the work, day in and day out. The group we met at the beginning of the season is completely different from the group we ended our season with. Each and every one of our players improved immensely, and it’s a testament to the boys and their families for trusting in Amelia and me, and buying into the process of getting a little better every day. Not every game went our way, but their ability to learn and reflect, whether a win or loss, really built the foundation for a strong team culture where effort and improvement mattered most. As the season went on, I noticed them becoming more confident on the ball, more eager to try new skills without being afraid of making mistakes, and applying what they learned in training in their games. Their progress is something they should all be proud of, and they’ve shown that improvement isn’t about where you start; it’s about your attitude, effort, and commitment to getting 1% better every day. Watching them build confidence in themselves and in each other has been spectacular, and I’m honoured I was able to be a part of it.”

Amelia, too, found the experience gratifying. She said, “I’ve always had a love for coaching and did a lot while living in Edmonton. When Luis presented the opportunity to coach Chelsea U10 Boys, I knew instantly it was something I wanted to do. I had never coached a boys team before, so I was a bit nervous to take on the team, but I was also excited for the challenge. Seeing the boys grow, learn, and gain confidence in their abilities has been my favourite part of coaching them, as well as seeing their personalities increasingly shine through as the season went on. Not only did I get to coach an incredible group, but I got to be someone they trusted to talk with about more than just soccer. There’s no one else I would have rather coached, and I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity!”

Coaches Quickly Earned the Players’ Trust

Some players were initially unsure about having female coaches, largely because they had only been coached by men before. That hesitation disappeared quickly.

“The coaches bring so much energy, skill and real-world playing experience,” Tanya said. “You can see the boys change as soon as they arrive. They love their coaches, and the coaches very quickly earned their respect.”

Seif Hassan, #11, is a big fan of his coaches. “What I like about being coached by Amelia and Grace is that they are kind, funny, and always motivate our team during soccer matches. They make us excited to play, and even when we lose, they encourage us and cheer us up.” 

That connection is evident at the end of practices, when the boys frequently do not want to leave. Amelia and Grace often remain on the field to spend additional time with them, even when they have school, work, or other commitments waiting the next day.

Jaclyn is grateful (and impressed) with what the coaches bring to the team. “Chelsea players know that Grace and Amelia are behind them 100%. Watching games, the coaches are so invested, animated, and encouraging on the sidelines. Every good play is cheered, every goal is celebrated, and all players get a high-five coming off. Even more importantly, the players know that it’s ok to make mistakes. This is a culture of encouragement, learning and effort, where even the less experienced players are developing confidence and passion for the game.”  

Building Confidence, Teamwork and a Sense of Belonging

The results have extended well beyond technical soccer development.

The boys are learning how to work through disagreements, support one another and function as a team. Their confidence and enjoyment have grown alongside their soccer skills.

A tournament earlier in the season provided valuable team-building opportunities, including the players and families sharing lunch together away from the field. And recently, the entire team attended an Alberta Premier League match to support Amelia and Grace. The boys also participated in the player walkout, giving them the opportunity to see their coaches competing at a high level within the Foothills player pathway. 

These experiences have strengthened the connection between the players, coaches and families. They have also helped the boys see Amelia and Grace as mentors, athletes and inspiring role models.

Parent Iman Akl has seen the impact the coaches have had on the team. She shared, “At the beginning of the season, with the coaching changes, we were unsure if the boys would get the training and support they needed to continue improving. Once Amelia and Grace joined the team, everything changed. Their positive energy, encouragement, and teamwork created an amazing environment where every player could grow and gain confidence.

They took the time to support each player, helping them develop their skills and bring out their best. It was wonderful to watch every player improve, work hard for one another, and take pride in representing the Chelsea team. Their impact on the players and the team as a whole has been incredible.”

Why Volunteer Coaches Are Essential to Youth Soccer

For Luis, the team’s development demonstrates what can happen when people throughout the club come together around the needs of young players.

“The Chelsea team’s turnaround shows what is possible when people work together to create a memorable experience for young players,” Luis said. “Coaches do much more than teach soccer. They are vital to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and inspired to reach their full potential. We know that coaching is a big commitment, so we’ve developed support systems that include free education, practical clinics, roundtables and ongoing mentorship.”

Coaching Helps Amelia and Grace Develop as Players and Leaders

Volunteering as coaches has also created an important development opportunity for Amelia and Grace.

“Coaching challenges them to communicate what they know, lead with confidence and better understand the game from a different perspective,” Luis said. “Those experiences will help them grow not only as coaches, but also as players, teammates and leaders.”

By coaching younger players, Amelia and Grace are learning how to explain ideas clearly, adapt to different personalities and take responsibility for the development of a team. At the same time, the Chelsea players are benefiting from coaches who understand the Foothills pathway and can show them what continued commitment to the game can make possible.

A Challenging Beginning Became Something Special

Chelsea’s season may have started with uncertainty, but it has become a story about adaptability, leadership and community.

Parents stepped forward. Foothills staff helped find a solution. Two Foothills WFC players embraced an opportunity to lead, and a group of young boys responded with growing confidence, enthusiasm and trust.

Most importantly, the experience has shown the players that challenges do not have to end a journey. Sometimes, they become the starting point for something even better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are volunteer coaches important to Calgary Foothills Soccer Club? Volunteer coaches make it possible for more young players to participate in organized soccer. They help create positive team environments where children can develop their skills, build confidence, make friends and feel that they belong.

Does Foothills provide training for volunteer soccer coaches? Yes. Foothills supports U4–U18 head and assistant coaches through free coach education, practical clinics, roundtables and ongoing mentorship. These resources give volunteer coaches age-appropriate guidance and help them feel more confident leading their teams.

Do parents need previous soccer coaching experience to volunteer? Previous coaching experience is not required. Parents and community members can receive education, guidance and mentorship from Foothills to help them understand the game, organize effective sessions and create a positive experience for young players.

How did Amelia Russo and Grace Mwasalla become coaches of the Chelsea U10 Boys? When the team faced an early shortage of available coaches, parents and Foothills staff worked together to find a solution. Amelia and Grace, both experienced Foothills WFC players, stepped forward to lead the team.

How does coaching younger players help senior Foothills players develop? Coaching helps senior players strengthen their communication, leadership and decision-making skills. It also encourages them to see the game from a different perspective, which can support their continued development as players, teammates and future coaches.

What did the Chelsea players gain from attending an Alberta Premier League match? The boys had an opportunity to support Amelia and Grace, participate in the player walkout and see their coaches competing at a high level. The experience helped them better understand the Foothills player pathway and strengthened the relationship between the team and its coaches.