Calgary, AB (March 19, 2026). Calgary Minor Soccer Association (CMSA) is proud to announce a new collaboration with Cavalry FC that will expand the reach and impact of its Soccer in Schools program, bringing the game directly into elementary and junior high schools across Calgary.

CMSA’s Soccer in Schools program delivers fun, inclusive, and engaging soccer sessions to students in Kindergarten through Grade 9 in schools throughout the city. Designed to support the Alberta Physical Education and Wellness Curriculum, the program is led by trained coaches from CMSA member clubs who work directly with teachers and schools in their designated community. CMSA’s Soccer in Schools is set to reach up to 15,000 students in 2026 alone, creating new opportunities for children to experience the sport of soccer in a welcoming and supportive environment, in some instance, for the very first time.

“Continuing to scale and build the CMSA Soccer in Schools program in a historic year for soccer in Canada is vital, and we are delighted to continue providing high-quality, barrier-free soccer opportunities for students. These free residencies will continue to reinforce that Canada is a soccer country, and Calgary is a soccer city.” Says Jordan Stewart, Technical Manager at CMSA.

Through the new collaboration with Cavalry FC and the support of The Leg Up Foundation, professional players will participate in select school visits, giving students the chance to interact directly with local role models in the sport. With Canada preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the partnership supports the growing excitement around soccer aiming to inspire the next generation of players through a powerful “see it and you can be it” experience.

The partnership will also work to provide legacy equipment for participating schools, such as soccer balls supplied by Cavalry FC. When building the program initially, CMSA learned that many schools did not have access to basic soccer equipment, making these contributions an important step toward ensuring the sport remains accessible long after CMSA and coaches leave the school.

“Soccer in Schools is about impact and legacy in our community,” said Mason Trafford, Commercial Director, Cavalry FC. “As we look ahead to a historic year for the sport in Canada, we’re proud to play a role in inspiring the next generation from the classroom to the pitch. I believe this program will become one of the most robust and impactful school-based soccer programs in the country. We're proud to work alongside CMSA to bring soccer to so many kids in Calgary — a city with a vibrant and growing soccer culture.”

“The Leg Up Foundation is proud to support the Soccer in Schools initiative alongside CMSA and Cavalry FC because it represents exactly the kind of impact we strive to create, opening doors for kids to be active, build confidence, and feel a sense of belonging through sport. By bringing soccer directly into schools, we’re ensuring more young people have the opportunity to discover the joy of the game, learn valuable life skills, and be part of a positive community.” Says Terry French, Chairman of the Board, Leg Up Foundation.

By combining the expertise of community club coaches with the inspiration of professional players, the collaboration between CMSA and Cavalry FC represents a shared commitment to growing the game and ensuring that every child in Calgary has the opportunity to experience the joy of soccer.