Lydia Bedford Takes the Helm of Calgary Wild: A Historic Beginning
In a moment that defies the ordinary, English coach Lydia Bedford embarks on an extraordinary journey as she steps into the role of head coach for Calgary Wild. This pioneering position marks her as the first-ever leader of this ambitious football team, operational from day one and poised to make waves in Canadian sports history.
A Groundbreaking League Awaits
Calgary Wild is among six dynamic teams competing in the newly minted Northern Super League (NSL), heralding itself as Canada’s inaugural professional women’s football division. The NSL is not merely a league; it’s a vision brought to life by Project 8, co-founded by the illustrious former Canadian international Diana Matheson. With its inaugural season set to unveil in April, anticipation hangs like electric tension in the air.
The Challenge Ahead
For Bedford, formerly helming Leicester City Women’s squad, this position transcends comfort zones and delves into uncharted territories within women’s football. “From our initial discussions, I was captivated by the fervor exhibited by these remarkable women at Calgary,” she expressed passionately. “Their commitment to instilling professional football into Canada was nothing short of infectious.”
Building From Scratch
The road ahead appears laden with challenges; Bedford’s mission involves assembling a formidable roster of up to 25 players—an eclectic mix hailing from across continents—as competition looms just four months away. So far, only nine players have pledged their allegiance to this nascent project.
Three local talents—Sarah Keilty-Dilling, Grace Stordy, and Caleigh Boeckx—have taken their place alongside New Zealand’s three-time Olympian Meikayla Moore—the latter being one of seven allowed foreign recruits under NSL regulations.
A Framework For Growth
The financial landscape stands distinctively structured with multi-year broadcasting partnerships secured with both CBC and TSN for live coverage—a significant leap towards visibility for women’s sports in Canada. The salary cap rests at $1.6 million CAD ($1.29 million USD), establishing uniformity where every player earns no less than $50,000 CAD ($40,247 USD). This contrasts starkly with England’s WSL framework where revenue-based spending fuels variability among clubs’ budgets.
A Bold Leap Into The Unknown
This venture represents more than mere career progression; it encapsulates personal transformation amid an awe-inspiring backdrop characterized by scenic landscapes aplenty across Canada—a country overflowing with natural beauty awaiting exploration beyond everyday duties!
“I didn’t foresee myself diving straight into something so groundbreaking,” said an invigorated yet contemplative Bedford reflecting on embracing change whilst managing familial ties back home amidst time zone dilemmas! “Yet excitement reigns supreme over any apprehensions.” Life unfolds swiftly around us—this tender balance between risk-taking versus routine beckons those willing enough engage fully!