Tommy Wheeldon Jr. signs 3-year contract extension with Cavalry FC

Cavalry FC announced Thursday the contract extension of head coach and general manager Tommy Wheeldon Jr.

Two-time player of the year Wheeldon has signed for a further three years after leading Cavalry FC to a league-winning season in 2023.

“Many things are difficult in professional sports; Tommy Wheeldon Jr. will not be working with him,” Cavalry FC President and COO Ian Allison said in a media release.

“Tomy is part of the DNA of Cavalry Football Club and has been since we first started this journey in 2018,” Allison added. “His success on the field is obvious. He has recruited, mentored and coached over 100 players, coaches and support staff through our system and we are excited to have him continue to do so for at least the next three years.”

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

Allison also praised Wheeldon's commitment to the Calgary soccer community and Cavalry FC's role in it.

“His belief in the game, this community, the Canadian Premier League and our club's values, goals and objectives are a perfect fit. We are delighted that he will continue to play an important role in the next chapters of Cavalry FC's history,” said Allison.

Wheeldon became the club's first head coach and general manager in 2018. Cavalry FC won the regular season titles in 2019 and 2023, they won the first CPL Shield.

“I'm delighted to have signed a new contract with a club and city I love and I can't wait to continue this great journey,” Wheeldon said. “I am grateful to our properties for their continued support and continued aspirations, especially for the vision of Linda Southern-Heathcote and her family in creating something special for our community and beyond.

“Although we have come a long way and achieved many great things in our short history, there is still more to strive for and it leaves me hungry to continue to develop this extraordinary football club,” he added. “I am delighted to be able to work with our President Ian Ellison and our senior management team to develop the future of the game in this country.

“Every opportunity I get to step onto ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows, I'm proud to lead this club with a great group of players and the exceptional staff we've developed. It is very special for me to share this with my family and friends in the stands, and to share the passionate and unwavering support of Cavalry FC fans. It's all really a dream come true.”

Cavalry Football Club open the 2024 season on Saturday when they travel to Hamilton to host Forge FC.

They return to Spruce Meadows on Tuesday, April 23, to face Vancouver FC in the first round of the Telus Canada Championship, with the winner advancing to a quarter-final match against the MSL Vancouver Whitecaps.

Its CPL season opener comes a few days later on Sunday, April 28, when the club hosts Pacific FC at ATCO Field.

For ticket information, go here.