CALGARY, AB – On the eve of their home opener, Calgary Foothills WFC of the United Women’s Soccer (UWS) league have announced the signing of Canadian International Stephanie Labbé.

The 31-year-old, Alberta-born goalkeeper brings a wealth of experience to the Calgary-based side, having earned 50 caps for the Canadian Senior Women’s Team. She was an integral part of the Canadian side that took home the bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Labbé’s professional career includes six seasons in Sweden, followed by a stint with the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League.

Most recently, Labbé trialled with Calgary Foothills FC of the USL PDL and was accepted for a roster spot before the league intervened and denied her the chance to play due to gender policies.

Such a marquee signing is a coup for a club that already counts the likes of two-time Canadian International forward Alex Lamontagne on its roster.

Presently boasting an extremely talented squad, Foothills WFC Head Coach and General Manager Troye Flannery welcomes the additional experience Labbé brings to the fold, both on and off the pitch.

“I can’t stress enough how important her involvement is to the young players on our current roster and all young players whom (sic) aspire to pursue the game at the next level,” Flannery says. “We have a legitimate world class star in the prime of her career and are grateful for both the opportunity to learn from her as well as provide a short-term platform to facilitate the next step in her journey in what is an exceptional league littered with International talent.”

After a 3-0 season-opening victory on the road against Real Women of Salt Lake, Foothills will be looking to continue the momentum as they forge ahead in their second season in UWS. The club finished second in the UWS West Conference in their inaugural 2017 campaign.

Calgary Foothills WFC is the first club from The Great White North to be represented in UWS, making them the highest-level women’s soccer club in Canada.

Labbé will be set to suit up in time for Foothills’ home opener against So Cal Crush FC on Friday, June 1.

She has also recently been named to Canada’s roster ahead of a clash against Germany in Hamilton on June 10.

On the Foothills move, Labbé says, “I am extremely grateful for the Foothills staff for giving me the opportunity to stay sharp as I prepare for the next phase in my professional career. I have been welcomed by the team and staff of the Calgary Foothills WFC and am excited to bring my experience to this group and continue to grow the game in Canada.”

With several notable players plying their trade in both the women’s and men’s game in Calgary, and the recent unveiling of Canadian Premier League club Cavalry FC set to begin play in 2019, soccer fans in southern Alberta have much to celebrate in 2018 and beyond.

For more information about Calgary Foothills WFC visit www.foothillsfc.ca/wfc/

Like what you read? Become a Patron.

Adam Kostanuick Website Born and raised in Montréal and now residing in Victoria, Adam is a lifelong fan of all things pertaining to The Beautiful Game. He counts Canada’s 2000 win in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Montréal Impact’s journey to the CONCACAF Champions League Final in 2014-15 among his favourite memories. After years of playing recreation league soccer, Adam finally decided to hang up his boots in 2015 to enjoy the game as a spectator. Adam can be heard weekly, dispensing a uniquely Canadian perspective on The Beautiful Game, as co-host of The Young Gaffers podcast.

Share with a Friend Facebook

Twitter

Reddit

LinkedIn

WhatsApp

Telegram

Email



Like this: Like Loading...