(March 13, 2019) Alberta Soccer is proud to announce that the FC Edmonton and Cavalry FC U20 Development Teams will be joining the Alberta Major Soccer League (AMSL) this spring.

For 28 years, the AMSL has served as Alberta’s highest level of amateur play, providing a platform and a pathway for some of the best players in the province. Many of the league’s players compete at the University and Collegiate level throughout the academic year, and the addition of the CPL U20 teams will further elevate the level of play and quality of competition in the league.

“I am delighted that the FC Edmonton U20 and Cavalry FC U20 Development Teams will be participating in the AMSL for the 2019 season,” said Shaun Lowther, Alberta Soccer Executive Director. “We’re in the midst of an exciting time for soccer in our province, as we look forward to the CPL launching this spring and welcoming the football world to Alberta in 2026. Embracing these development teams in the AMSL provides an excellent opportunity to help homegrown players populate FC Edmonton and Cavalry FC First Teams, as well as developing Alberta players for future Canadian Men’s National Teams.”

With the addition of the CPL U20 teams, the men’s division will include ten teams. To accommodate the increased number of teams, there will be 17 games (as compared to last year’s 14) and the season will begin earlier, on May 1st.

The Clubs

FC Edmonton joined the CPL after seven years in the NASL, fulfilling its ongoing commitment to provide a pathway for local players to play at an elite level:

“We are excited to have the FC Edmonton U-20 Team compete in the AMSL this upcoming season,” said Sean Fleming, FC Edmonton Academy Technical Director and U-20 Academy Team Head Coach. “It truly will be a great environment for our young players to be challenged and pushed out of their comfort zone. We have a real pathway for our Academy players to come from the Academy though to our first team. It is a great opportunity for our Club to develop to the full potential of each and every player and, as a result, have those special players compete in the CPL in the near future. The dream is real for our young players to become full-time professionals and the opportunity to compete in the AMSL will help their dreams become reality.”

Cavalry FC is more than ready to welcome professional soccer back to their region, with the Club’s identity reflecting “Calgary’s collective spirit and willingness to confront any obstacle, and any challenge.” Having their development team join the AMSL is an important step in their club succeeding at the professional level:

“We are delighted to extend our Cavalry FC pathway and launch a U20 development team in the Alberta Major Soccer League. It will be an excellent breeding ground for young players aspiring to play professionally that they compete in a recognized and competitive league against seasoned players,” said Martin Nash, Cavalry FC 1st Team Coach & Technical Director.

What’s Next?

CPL and AMSL fans can stay tuned in the coming weeks as the leagues prepare for the upcoming AMSL season, which kicks off on May 1.

As for the players – local club, College, and University technical staff will be hearing more from the CPL clubs who will be on the lookout for players: “In the next couple of weeks we will be following up with the local club Technical Directors and local University and College program Head Coaches, to identify advanced players with potential to pursue the professional pathway,” continued Cavalry FC’s Nash.

Learn more about the AMSL and find important information, including schedules and standings on the AMSL website

Discover more about the CPL teams: FC Edmonton and Cavalry FC