Soccer stars inspire patients at Alberta Children's Hospital

Calgary Wild FC players share their skills, boost confidence

Story by Melanie Veriotes | Photo by Leah Hennel

CALGARY — There were plenty of smiles, soccer tips and memorable moments at Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH) on a Monday morning as members of Calgary Wild FC kicked off the week with young patients in the hospital’s recreation-based summer camp program. Players joined children on the hospital playground to share soccer skills, answer questions and encourage both sport and play during an informal soccer session.

The visit gave patients an opportunity to put skills they have been developing through recreation therapy into practice while connecting with professional athletes in a relaxed and supportive setting.

Kaitlyn Mainville, a recreation therapist at ACH, says recreation therapy is designed to support children’s physical, social and emotional well-being while they receive care. A key focus is creating opportunities for all, ensuring every child can participate based on their individual abilities, while having fun and applying skills learned in therapy to real-world activities.

“We want kids to continue participating in the activities they enjoy and feel connected to their peers and their community,” she says. “Programs like our summer camp give them opportunities to practise skills, build friendships and focus on being children rather than patients.”

For patient Brooklynn Denhartog, meeting the players was both exciting and a little intimidating. She admits she was nervous at first but quickly became comfortable once the players began interacting with her group.

“I don’t know what I expected, but then they showed up, and I was really excited,” she adds. “I was nervous at first to say ‘hi’ and say my name to everybody, but then I got used to it.”

The visit proved especially meaningful for Calgary Wild FC defender Grace Stordy, who spent much of her childhood receiving care at ACH after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. “I spent nine years, give or take, of my life here. All the nurses and doctors here were amazing.”

Returning with her teammates reminded her how much the hospital shaped her life and gave her the opportunity to encourage children facing their own health challenges.

“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for this facility and all the people here,” she adds. “If I can be someone for little kids to look up to and help them know that things are going to be okay, then that’s really special.”

That encouragement resonates with Brooklynn, who says the players helped boost her confidence throughout the morning.

“I couldn’t get a goal, and they were like, ‘It’s OK, just do it again.’ They just kept giving me confidence.”