Calgary Wild FC players visit Alberta Children's Hospital for soccer clinic

Calgary Wild FC players bounced back from a weekend loss by spending Monday morning at Alberta Children's Hospital, teaching and playing soccer with kids from the Campfire program.

Members of the team ran drills with the young patients, breaking into groups for ball rallying practice and shooting on outdoor nets. After warm-ups, a friendly match between the kids and professionals unfolded on the pitch.

Brooklynn Denhartog, a hospital patient in the program who hadn't played soccer since childhood, said the experience was transformative. "I couldn't get a goal, and they were like, 'It's OK, just do it again. Just do it again,' they just kept giving me confidence," she said. "Being outside and playing soccer on a field — it makes more sense. Exposure to nature makes everybody feel better."

For Grace Stordy, a defender with the Wild, the visit carried deep personal meaning. She spent nine years at the hospital after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and credits the facility and its staff with her recovery. "I couldn't imagine my life without it, and I wouldn't be here if it weren't for this facility and all the people here," she said.

Kaitlyn Mainville, a Recreation Therapist with the hospital, said such visits are vital for patient inclusion and well-being. "For them, being able to socialize and hang out with the Wild FC, getting to practice their own soccer skills, it's just awesome that they're able to be a part of something out in their community," she said.

Stordy noted that experiences like the hospital visit keep players grounded despite the team's winless start to the season. "It's nice to look at the greater picture," she said. "It's nice to clear the mind and remind ourselves that this is why we do it."