Some members of Cavalry FC traded in their soccer ball for golf balls on Monday morning. They were taking part in the Cavalry FC Charity Classic at the Sirocco Golf Club. The tournament is in its third year and in partnership with the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation, they’ve raised more than $150,000 in support of local initiatives and organizations. Cavalry is in the midst of a playoff race, and head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. says getting away from the pitch from time to time isn’t such a bad thing. “Our summer is challenge after challenge, so we’re travelling a lot,” said Wheeldon. “It’s nice that the lads travel back and participate in this. For the coaches as well. Me and Nik Ledgerwood are involved in it, and it gives us a break from looking at tactics boards and looking at the opposition, looking at our game, and I think a change is good.” Players love to hit the links Some of the players have got game. Defender Fraser Aird is from Scotland, and he played a lot of golf growing up. He says he got his handicap down to a 6.5, but it’s a little higher now. “I play off a nine,” said Aird. “I’m not too bad, but I wish I could play more. When I was in Scotland, I got the opportunity to play a lot more. I was a member when I was there. With the busy schedule and travelling as we do, it’s kind of difficult to get into the swing of things.” Looking to improve Others, like defender Callum Montgomery, are just getting the golf bug. He says he loves the game and would like to improve. “I’m like what you call a social golfer,” he said. “I like being on the course as much as the next person, but unfortunately, you won’t see me on any PGA tours anytime soon.” Montgomery says the score is important but not as important as raising money for charity. “It’s just a chance to put some money towards a great cause and make a difference in the community,” he said. Back to work Tuesday Cavalry will be back on the soccer pitch on Tuesday as they get ready for a big game against one of their biggest rivals, Forge FC. Wheeldon knows it’s not going to be easy but feels his team will be ready. “They’re undefeated right now, so we’ve given ourselves a steep hill to climb in the actual regular season,” he said. “But these are the types of opponents that we’ve played and played again in the playoffs, so it’s always nice to give them a little rock here and there, and I think that’s what we’re looking to do.” Cavalry faces off against Forge on Saturday at 2 p.m. MDT at Atco Field.
