CALGARY—Christmas arrived early for Canadian soccer player Sonia O’Neill. The Calgary Wild FC announced the midfielder for the Venezuelan National Team as their final signing before the holiday break.

O’Neill was born for the opportunity to play professional football on a Canadian pitch. Raised by a Canadian/Irish father and a Venezuelan mother, soccer was in her blood at birth as was her dream to play professionally.

“When I was three, I always had a ball and told my parents I wanted to play soccer professionally because I loved the game,” said O’Neill, who can also be tapped to play centre back. “Teachers would often tell me to pick another career that’s more realistic, but I have always been stubborn and would never let anyone say no to my soccer dream. I love the competition, and the pressure of winning.”

The 30-year-old O’Neill first realized her dream of playing professional soccer in northern Europe, signing with the Swedish Elitettan club Husqvarna FF, where she scored two goals in her opening match. This began a football journey through Europe that took her to play with Roma CF in the Italian Serie B, and Pink Bari in Serie A before heading to Croatia to suit up with ZNK Split where she became the first Venezuelan player to score in the Women’s Champions League. Her playing career has also made stops in France, Germany, Scotland, and London.

“I believe that I am proof that no matter where you’re from, or what your background is, you can make it and achieve what you want to do even if people doubt you,” said O’Neill, who played NCAA Division 1 soccer with Niagara University for two years before transferring to the University of North Florida. “The path to pro isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. There’s no better feeling than playing the game you love for a living, and I now look forward to representing Calgary Wild FC.”

A holder of three passports, O’Neill was eligible to play for Canada, Venezuela and Italy at the international level. In 2019, she got the call from the Venezuelan National Team, and went on to play the most minutes for the for the team in 2021.

“Sonia is a veteran player, a leader both on and off the pitch, and is an athlete who thrives under the pressure of playing on the big stage,” said Alix Bruch, sporting director, Calgary Wild FC. “She brings tremendous experience playing both professionally and internationally that will make our club better. Sonia is a great addition to our group, and we are excited to have her on the Calgary Wild FC.”

O’Neill is also sure to play a leadership role off the pitch in support of the Wild FC’s mission in joining the first women’s professional soccer league in Canada – Northern Super League. She enjoys spending time introducing kids to the sport of soccer, mentoring and training them, and finds motivatation by watching their confidence grow as they develop while helping local clubs.

But her true focus is to inspire young girls.

“Having a young daughter, I want to be part of a club that not only wants to win the league and make history, but genuinely wants to help female football grow through providing more opportunities to youth in Canada,” added O’Neill. “The Wild FC are very clear on their goals on and off the pitch with a focus on making sure the game is inclusive for all.

“I take great pride in making sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy this sport and showing younger girls they don’t have to look a certain way to be a footballer. They can enjoy doing makeup, fashion or whatever they want. Staying true to myself and being disciplined is what got me to where I am today. I hope my story will inspire young girls to dream and see that a career in professional football is a real thing for them now, just like the boys.” 

O’Neill’s signing rounds out a busy fall of initial players penned to the Calgary Wild FC roster. To date, the team has five Canadians including three Calgarians – Sarah Keilty-Dilling, Grace Stordy, and Caleigh Boeckx – along with British Columbia’s Jaclyn Sawicki and Christie Gray.  An impressive lineup of notable international names including: Afghan-Canadian humanitarian Farkhunda Muhtaj, New Zealand’s three-time Olympian Meikayla Moore; and Mijke Roelfsema from The Netherlands.

Players will arrive to Calgary in February in advance of the Northern Super League’s inaugural season which is scheduled to begin in Spring 2025. 

About Calgary Wild FC

Calgary Wild FC is one off six teams in the newly created Northern Super League which will begin its inaugural season in 2025, featuring some of the best women’s soccer players in the world. Shop our exclusive merch and be one of the early #fansinthewild. For the latest news and information on Calgary Wild FC, visit www.calgarywildfc.com or follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and X.  Follow the league at www.nsl.ca.

For further information:

Chris Dornan
Calgary Wild FC
T: 403-620-8731
E-mail: hpprchris@shaw.ca