Cover photo courtesy Leah Hennel.
United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way) is proud to announce a new partnership with Calgary Wild FC, a founding team in Canada’s Northern Super League. This collaboration brings together two purpose-driven organizations that believe in building a stronger, more inclusive Calgary, on and off the pitch.
Women’s sports are growing like never before. However, too many girls still face barriers that keep them from staying in the game, including financial constraints and limited representation. Together, United Way and Calgary Wild FC are working to change that, teaming up to create a future where every girl can participate, persist and lead through sport.
“This partnership represents everything United Way stands for—community, equity and opportunity,” says Karen Young, President and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area. “As a passionate advocate for female leadership, I’m especially proud to stand alongside an organization that is changing the landscape of professional sport in Canada and championing women in powerful, visible ways.”
United We Soar – Mark Your Calendars for August 2
United Way will proudly serve as the presenting partner for Calgary Wild FC’s United We Soar title match on August 2 at McMahon Stadium. This marquee match is a celebration of women’s professional sport. It’s also an opportunity to connect fans to United Way’s work in the community.
Expect to see United Way throughout the match on stadium signage and digital boards, hear in-game announcements highlighting our impact and have a chance to connect directly with our team through an interactive onsite activation. Together, we are creating opportunities to connect, celebrate sport and build momentum, supporting a shared mission to foster belonging, break down barriers and strengthen the communities where we live, work and play.
“Calgary Wild FC was created to do more than compete. We’re here to lead, to connect and to represent the future of sport in this country,” says Lara Murphy, CEO of Calgary Wild FC. “Partnering with United Way allows us to take that mission beyond the pitch and into the community, where real impact happens.”
A Shared Vision for Calgary
Research shows when girls stay in sport, it creates a ripple effect that extends beyond the playing field and to every part of their lives (UN Women, 2024) including:
- Improved self-esteem, confidence and resilience
- Staying in school
- Setting them up for success in their future careers and job roles
For many girls in Calgary, seeing women lead on the field and knowing there’s a team behind them in the community can be life changing. That spark of recognition and possibility is where confidence begins. United, we aim to build that confidence through sport-based leadership, help break down systemic barriers to access and harness Calgary’s growing momentum around women’s sport to fuel long-term, generational change.
We’re doing this by showcasing success stories and relatable role models, engaging parents, coaches and male allies as active supporters and shifting the narrative to recognize sport as essential to girls’ development, not optional.
Through initiatives like Planet Youth Calgary, United Way mentorship programs and our Women United network, we’re not just cheering from the sidelines. We’re building pathways to help girls stay in the game, grow into leaders and shape a Calgary where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Join us on August 2 at McMahon Stadium for United We Soar and be part of the movement. When we support girls in sport, we all rise.
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About United Way of Calgary and Area
United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way) is celebrating 85 years of innovation and impact. Since 1940, we have united individuals, workplaces, community partners and government to create lasting social change.
Rooted in a global movement more than a century ago, United Way has been dedicated to improving lives through the power of collective community action. We invest strategically, partner with purpose and mobilize agencies to work together and solve complex social issues like poverty and mental health. Our work and investments stay local.
Join us in shaping the future. Visit hope.uwca.ca to be part of the change. Thank you for 85 years of inspiring hope and strengthening our community.