Calgary’s new professional women’s soccer club, Calgary Wild FC, is partnering with CF Market Mall to launch "The Ultimate Tryout," an immersive and interactive soccer experience running from June 6 to 27. The three-week event aims to connect the community with the city's newest sports team, transforming the shopping centre into a vibrant athletic hub for families, young athletes, and soccer enthusiasts.
The collaboration will see major courts throughout the mall converted into an interactive playground, offering a taste of the professional soccer world. The initiative reflects a growing trend of integrating sports and entertainment into retail spaces, creating unique community engagement opportunities. As Calgary embraces its expanding sports culture, this event serves as a crucial introduction for the city's first professional women's soccer team, which is set to compete in the forthcoming Northern Super League.
A new era for Calgary sports
The arrival of Calgary Wild FC marks a significant milestone for the city’s sporting landscape. As one of the founding clubs of the Northern Super League, a new professional women’s soccer league sanctioned by Canada Soccer, the team represents a major step forward for women’s athletics in the country. The league, set to kick off in April 2025, will feature six teams from major Canadian cities, creating a new platform for elite female athletes to compete professionally on home soil.
The partnership with CF Market Mall provides an invaluable opportunity for the club to build its fanbase and connect with the local community ahead of its inaugural season. By creating an accessible and engaging environment, Calgary Wild FC can introduce its brand, players, and values to a broad audience, fostering a sense of excitement and ownership among future supporters. This type of grassroots engagement is critical for the long-term success of any new sports franchise, particularly in a competitive market like Calgary, which is also home to the NHL's Calgary Flames and the CFL's Calgary Stampeders. Events like "The Ultimate Tryout" are part of a larger strategy by Canadian cities and sports organizations to attract and promote major events and teams. With the FIFA World Cup coming to North America in 2026, including matches in nearby Vancouver and Seattle, the appetite for soccer is expected to surge across the country, and Calgary is positioning itself to be a part of that wave. In this regard, Philadelphia prepares for 2026 World Cup spotlight.
Test your skills like the pros
The centrepiece of "The Ultimate Tryout" is the Digital Simulator Challenge located in the mall's Centre Court. Here, aspiring players and fans can step onto a simulated turf field to test their soccer prowess. The challenge utilizes a state-of-the-art Digital Penalty Kick Simulator, allowing participants to take shots against a virtual keeper. A physical accuracy wall will also be on-site to help players analyze their shot placement and power, providing instant feedback on their performance.
In the Grand Court, visitors can engage in friendly competition through 1 vs. 1 Subsoccer matches. These custom-built units offer a unique twist on the beautiful game, combining the strategic footwork of soccer with the fast-paced, compact nature of a table game. It’s a rapid-response challenge that is as much fun to watch as it is to play, allowing shoppers to challenge friends and family to a quick match.
For those wanting to feel like part of the team, a professional locker room photo opportunity will be set up in front of the Alo store. This realistic replica features authentic athletic gear and a championship backdrop, creating the perfect setting for a memorable photo and a chance for fans to imagine themselves as official members of the Calgary Wild FC squad.
Meet the athletes
A major highlight of the three-week activation is the opportunity for fans to meet some of the professional athletes from Calgary Wild FC. Two meet-and-greet sessions are scheduled, offering a chance to get autographs, take photos, and interact with the players who will soon be representing Calgary on the national stage. The first will take place on June 20, with a second event on June 25 featuring goalkeeper Kaitlin Talbert and forward Jorian Baucom. Talbert, an American-born player, brings years of experience from leagues in the United States and Iceland, while Baucom, also a decorated American forward, has played in professional leagues in Germany and the U.S.
The "Ultimate Tryout" runs until June 27, offering a unique form of family-friendly entertainment and a chance to engage with the city's burgeoning sports scene. As the Northern Super League prepares for its inaugural season, events like this will be instrumental in building the momentum and community support needed for Calgary Wild FC to succeed.
