Calgary’s professional women’s soccer team is saying goodbye to its head coach ahead of its second season in the Northern Super League.
Calgary Wild FC announcing Monday Lydia Bedford is leaving to accept a role as head coach of the England Women’s Under-23 team.
Bedford is originally from England, and led the Calgary team through its inaugural season.
In that season, the group finished fifth out of six teams with nine wins, 14 losses, and a pair of draws.
“It has been a privilege to lead Calgary Wild FC through its inaugural season and to work with such a committed group of players and staff,” said Bedford. “I’m proud of the foundations and culture that have been established in the first year of the club’s journey. With the character and potential of this squad and the staff supporting them, I have no doubt the team is well-positioned to achieve exciting things this season.”
In her place on an interim basis will be first assistant coach Sinead McSharry.
“I speak for everyone when I say that we wouldn’t be where we are as a club today without Lydia, and we wish her all the best as she undertakes her new position,” she said. “I’m looking forward to stepping into the role of interim head coach and helping this team establish itself as a top contender in the league.”
McSharry, like Bedford, is also originally from England.
She joined the Wild in 2025 after a successful run as head coach of the St. Lawrence University Saints where she coached 11 all-conference players and 16 Liberty League All-Academic honourees in a single season.
In addition to the coaching changes, Caitlin Pavone has also been hired as director of football operations. In this role, she will lead and manage all operational aspects of the club’s soccer activities.
Wild FC will play its season opener against the Montreal Roses FC on April 25 at McMahon.
-With files from Sandra Prusina