TORONTO – Cavalry FC’s Tommy Wheeldon Jr. may be the man spearheading the growth of soccer in Calgary, but the father of three is more than just a head coach in the eyes of his city.

The effervescent English-Canadian tactician was named a “Compelling Calgarian” by the Calgary Herald this week for his work providing soccer players in the city with an opportunity to shine on the biggest stage, but for Wheeldon Jr., helping the “untapped potential” in the city flourish is reward enough.

“There’s an opportunity to grow a league, Canada’s own domestic professional league, and do it for future Canadians, current Canadians, and create some type of legacy,” Wheeldon Jr. told Rita Mingo of the Calgary Herald. “It’s a great challenge and I couldn’t have asked for a better job.”

Born in Liverpool and a supporter of Everton Football Club, Wheeldon Jr. now calls Calgary home, having spent many years in the city, where he first joined the Calgary Storm in 2002 to play under his father, head coach Tommy Wheeldon Sr.

He also served as head coach to the Calgary Foothills in the PDL, where he guided his team to the 2018 PDL Championship.

As such, he’s embraced life in Alberta wholeheartedly over the years.

“When I fly in and see the skyline and the mountains in the backdrop, it feels like home,” Wheeldon Jr. said.

“Home isn’t just where you’re born; it’s where your heart is.”