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The biggest challenge for Calgary’s first professional soccer team in 12 years isn’t winning.

The Foothills Soccer Club is unbeaten after last year’s 10-game exhibition season, which included a game against the Vancouver Whitecaps U-23.

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As it prepares for its first official season as part of the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League, Technical Director and Head Coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. believes the team’s the largest hurdle is convincing crowds there’s another spectator sport in town besides hockey and football.

“It’s one thing to put a team on the pitch,” says Wheeldon. “It’s another to put fans in the seats.”

Stuart Wallington knows how hard it is to be a soccer fan in Calgary. Born and raised here, he grew up with a love of the sport, thanks to his British parents. In 1981, he cheered on the Boomers. They folded after one year. Two decades later, he watched Wheeldon play for the Calgary Storm, from 2002 to 2004. Then a new franchise took the reins. Ever hopeful, Wallington went to the games. But like his beloved Boomers, the Mustangs also folded after just one season.