Cavalry FC announced the signing of English-born central defender Jonathan (Jay) Wheeldon Wednesday, as the Calgary club continues to build its squad for the inaugural season of the Canadian Premier League (CPL), Canada’s new professional soccer league.
Jay Wheeldon is the brother of Tommy Wheeldon Jr., Cavalry FC head coach and general manager. He played under his brother with Calgary Foothills FC in the Premier Development League (now USL League Two) from 2015 to 2018.
The brothers won the PDL championship with Foothills FC in 2018.
Loading ...Wheeldon spent his early career with Swindon Town Youth (England), Exeter City Youth (England), Torquay United FC (England), Royal Racing Football Club Montegnée (Belgium) and Hungerford Town FC. In 2013 he moved to Calgary to join his brother and father, Tommy Wheeldon Sr. – former Calgary Storm head coach.
“Playing professional soccer and being part of the first Canadian Premier League in your own town is exciting,” said Jay Wheeldon. “The unique experience that Spruce Meadows will create will be unlike anything else.”
On-field general
Jay Wheeldon also holds a number of coaching qualifications and accomplishments and will continue his role as Academy Manager with Calgary Foothills Soccer Club. And Tommy Wheeldon Jr. believes his brother’s abilities will bolster Cavalry FC’s defensive depth.
“I have the unique privilege to sign Jay to the Cavalry as we embark on the next exciting chapter of developing the Canadian pyramid,” said Wheeldon Jr. via a club statement Wednesday. “He has been pivotal in the growth of what we achieved with Calgary Foothills FC and a player who is a born leader, with an excellent technical base and high tactical understanding of the game. When he’s playing, it’s as though we have another coach on the field to marshal the troops.”
Delighted to sign with @CPLCavalryFC for the inaugural CPL season. Looking forward to making history. #ridewithus https://t.co/Boygs07qCY
— Jonathan Wheeldon (@JWheelo) March 13, 2019
– files from Cavalry FC
The Canadian Premier League is a new professional soccer league set to kick off in April 2019. Cavalry FC is Calgary’s club and will play its home games at Spruce Meadows.
