Calgary Wild FC Launches Training Camp for Second NSL Season with Core Players Secured
Calgary Wild FC has officially opened its training camp as the club prepares for its sophomore campaign in the Northern Super League. The team is gearing up for the 2026 season with renewed focus and a strengthened roster foundation.
Five Key Players Commit Long-Term to Calgary Wild FC
The off-season proved particularly productive for the Calgary-based women's soccer franchise as management secured contract extensions for five essential contributors. The players who have committed to the club through at least 2026 include:
- Tilly James - Defender returning from injury
- Meikayla Moore - New Zealand international defender
- Jenaya Robertson - Midfielder and community leader
- Grace Stordy - Hometown defensive standout
- Serita Thurton - Attacking forward
Head coach Lydia Bedford emphasized the importance of maintaining roster continuity during the critical off-season period. "Continuity was a major priority for us this off-season," Bedford stated. "These players represent the standards, leadership and competitive edge we want to build on as a club. Bringing back this core group gives us a strong foundation heading into preseason and allows us to continue pushing our identity forward."
Player Profiles and Contributions
Tilly James returns to action after her 2025 campaign was unfortunately cut short by injury in June. Before being sidelined, the Vancouver product logged 145 minutes for Wild FC. James joined Calgary from the Trinity Western Spartans of U SPORTS, where she earned significant recognition including Female Athlete of the Year in 2024 along with Canada West First Team and U SPORTS All-Canadian Second Team honours.
Meikayla Moore established herself as a defensive force during the club's inaugural season, accumulating 1,718 minutes of playing time while contributing three goals and nine shots. The New Zealand international notably scored the first goal in Calgary Wild FC history and will continue anchoring the team's defence through 2027.
Jenaya Robertson made her mark by scoring the club's first-ever home goal during the initial season. The Delta, B.C. product recorded two goals, 20 shots, and 1,340 minutes played. Beyond her on-field contributions, Robertson demonstrates leadership in the community through Team Up, a charitable organization supporting community development through sport both domestically and internationally.
Grace Stordy, a hometown product, distinguished herself as one of only two players to start all 25 matches for Wild FC last year. She led the entire NSL in regular-season tackles with 96 and recorded a team-high 1,803 touches. In her 2,201 minutes of play, Stordy contributed one goal, one assist, and six shots while solidifying Calgary's defensive line through 2027.
Serita Thurton emerged as a crucial attacking option, logging 1,741 minutes while producing one goal, two assists, and 15 shots. The Ajax, Ontario product joined Wild FC following five successful seasons at the University of South Florida and remains committed to Calgary through 2027.
Roster Changes and Preparations
The club also confirmed the departure of Northern Ireland goalkeeper Jackie Burns, who represented Wild FC for 180 minutes during the 2025 season. Coach Bedford acknowledged Burns' contributions, stating, "Jackie was a key piece to our 2025 squad, and we wish her nothing but the best as she moves into the next chapter of her career."
Earlier in the off-season, Calgary Wild FC announced the signing of veteran goalkeeper Katelin Talbert, adding experience to the squad's goalkeeping corps.
With training camp now underway and core players secured, Calgary Wild FC focuses its preparations for the second edition of the Northern Super League, which is scheduled to kick off in April. The team appears positioned to build upon its inaugural season foundation with a blend of returning talent and strategic roster adjustments.
