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One word that Tommy Wheeldon Jr. keeps bringing up is “opportunity.”

Whether it’s the one he received to help grow the sport of soccer in this city, or what he hopes to give aspiring pros, it’s all about that chance.

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Wheeldon, originally from Liverpool, England, first came to Calgary in 2002 to play for the Calgary Storm, a club coached by his father. After his playing days, he stayed in the city he fell in love with, aiming to see soccer reach another level.

“When I fly in and see the skyline and the mountains in the backdrop, it feels like home. Home isn’t just where you’re born; it’s where your heart is,” said Wheeldon, the head coach and general manager of Cavalry FC of the fledgling Canadian Premier League.

“I wanted to help grow a sport that you could see people playing. There was so much untapped potential.”

As the driving force behind the Calgary Foothills program, Wheeldon coached that team to a Professional Development League championship last season.