New West Manor FC: Redefining the Beautiful Game in Calgary
Amateur football in Calgary has always been competitive, but New West Manor FC is proving that the sport can be much more than just wins and losses. The club is reimagining what it means to be a team by blending skill, passion, and a strong sense of community—creating something bigger than the game itself.
With a focus on inclusivity, creativity, and a culture that welcomes players from all walks of life, New West Manor FC is setting a new standard—one where the love of football comes first, and the connections built on and off the pitch are just as important as the final score.
A Vision for Change
Founded in 2024 by British football enthusiasts Antony Flemming and Ryan Endacott, New West Manor FC was born out of a shared desire to build something different. Frustrated by the rigid structures and poor mentality of many amateur clubs, they set out to create a men’s team where passion, transparency, and camaraderie mattered just as much as results. With backgrounds in both competitive and professional soccer, Antony and Ryan understood the sport’s power to bring people together, and under their leadership, New West Manor FC has grown into more than just a club. It’s become a community-driven movement challenging the norms of amateur football in Calgary.
Men’s Team Success and Continued Growth
In its debut season, the men’s team achieved immediate success, winning the Division 4 championship, the entry-level tier of amateur football in Calgary, and earning promotion. Now in their second season, they are competing fiercely for the top spot against the well-established 1Up United. The team’s rapid ascent has shown that New West Manor FC’s approach is working, and the club is now on track to set new standards in Calgary’s amateur football scene.
A Strong Commitment to Women’s Football
At the core of New West Manor FC is its dedication to creating an environment where football is accessible to everyone. This is best exemplified by the creation of the club’s women’s program in its inaugural year. Led by Madelyn Ellis and Olivia Awe, the women’s program is committed to fostering a competitive yet supportive atmosphere, promoting body positivity, affordability, and a strong sense of community.
The program’s mission goes beyond just sports: it actively works to challenge the factors that lead to high dropout rates among women in sports, aiming to break down barriers related to body confidence and social stigmas.
“Most girls leave sports far earlier than boys—and for all the wrong reasons,” says Madelyn Ellis. “Sports empower girls, giving them strength, confidence, and a sense of belonging. They help build real-life skills and forge lifelong relationships.”
A major goal of the program is to transition into a nonprofit organization, ensuring financial accessibility for athletes of all backgrounds, especially at higher levels of competition. This vision aims to give young athletes the opportunity to compete without the financial burden that often prevents them from progressing in the sport.
Women’s Team Performance
In their first season, the women’s team is already showing promise, currently sitting in 8th place with three games left in their highly competitive division. These final matches include tough competition from established clubs like Chinooks and Villains. Despite the challenge, the team’s spirit and determination have made it clear that New West Manor FC is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the field.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to North America, the popularity of grassroots and amateur football in Canada is expected to skyrocket. This makes the need for accessible and inclusive clubs like New West Manor FC more important than ever.
In this evolving social landscape, the club stands as a welcoming haven for individuals eager to join the beautiful game, no matter their background or where they come from. As football continues to grow in Canada, New West Manor FC is well-positioned to be a leader in promoting inclusivity, community, and the joy of the game itself.
