Two Calgary twins will be staying in their hometown to play professional soccer after signing with the Wild FC, ahead of the team’s Northern Super League debut in April.
Keelyn and Taegan Stewart had the dream of playing professional soccer from a very young age; they started playing when they were just three years old.
The 17-year-old twins thought they’d have to go overseas to realize their dream, but things changed when Calgary got a team in the Northern Super League.
On Monday, the twins signed with the Calgary Wild and Keelyn says she couldn’t be happier.
“Pretty excited and pretty nervous,” she said.
“I mean, it’s a big step in the pro environment, and I’m very excited to get started.”
It’s the perfect scenario for the Stewarts. Not only do they get to continue playing on the same team, but they also get to do it in front of the hometown fans.
“It’s always been a dream to play professionally,” said Taegan.
“All we’ve ever known is either the States or Europe. It’s a dream come true to play professionally and to stay home and play in front of family and friends. I’m over the moon.”
Continue playing together
The Stewarts are the youngest to sign in the Northern Super League, and their father, Darren, is proud of how far they’ve come and glad they get to continue on the journey together.
“It’s been amazing to see that the team still wants to keep them together,” said Darren.
“They want to keep that chemistry and that dynamic, and they have the ability to continue and grow and develop in a senior environment like this.”
The Stewarts have never been the biggest on the soccer pitch – they’re only 5’1” (155 centimetres) tall – but they have a lot of skill.
They know each other’s games well.
“I think she is very hard-working,” said Keelyn of Taegan.
“She’s a risk taker and a creative player. I think she’ll make a situation or opportunity out of nothing.”
“If you put her anywhere on the field, she’ll probably give you 100 percent,” said Taegan of Keelyn.
“She loves to attack and create. She’ll create chances for herself but also for her teammates as well.”
Wild FC is one of the founding teams in Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league.
