Calgary Fillies
 | |
| Established | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Folded | 2013 |
| Based in | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Home field | Stampede Corral |
| Owner(s) | Lingerie Football League, LLC |
| League | Legends Football League |
| Division | LFL Canada |
| Colours | Red, white, and black |
The Calgary Fillies were a proposed women's football expansion team in the Legends Football League (LFL) that was to begin play in the 2013 LFL Canada season. Based in Calgary, Alberta, the Fillies were to play their home games at the Stampede Corral.
History
The Legends Football League (LFL) announced on June 27, 2013, that an expansion franchise was granted to Calgary,[1] following a failed effort in 2012 due to a failed lease negotiation with ScotiaBank Saddledome.[2] A series of public tryouts were held on July 7 at the Genesis Centre and on July 20.
The original head coach for the Fillies was Jarrod Neufeld and the team manager was Daniel Reaume. For the 2013 season, each Canadian team was to have three players from the LFL US. The US competitors assigned to the Fillies were Angela Rypien[3] of the Baltimore Charm, Tamar Fennell, and Theresa Petruziello of the Cleveland Crush.
The team's first game was scheduled for September 14, 2013,[4] and then rescheduled for October 5 due to concerns from all the teams in the league not being adequately prepared. In early September, it was confirmed that eight players and volunteers had stepped away. There were safety concerns as equipment was supposedly received only two weeks before their planned September debut. Complaints included that the equipment were used shoulder pads and helmets.[5] Concerns existed over the gear being too light and not safe enough and could cause concussions.
The athletes that left the team indicated that there were also many organizational issues within the league.[6] The Legends Football League replied on September 16, 2013, by announcing that there would not be a season in 2013. Despite the fact that several players had left the franchise, a second round of tryouts was held on September 14 at the Calgary Soccer Centre in Calgary.[citation needed]
The LFL Canada never returned.
Proposed 2013 schedule
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| September 14 | Regina Rage | Stampede Corral |
| September 28 | Saskatoon Sirens | Credit Union Centre |
| October 5 | Regina Rage | Brandt Centre |
| November 9 | BC Angels | Stampede Corral |
References
- ^ "BREAKING NEWS: LFL CANADA ANNOUNCES CALGARY FRANCHISE FOR 2013 SEASON". LFL360. June 27, 2013. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
- ^ "Legends Football League comes to Calgary". Calgary Journal. September 4, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
- ^ Jeremy Nolais (September 19, 2013). "Calgary Lingerie Football League players lament cancelled season". Calgary Journal. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
- ^ Edgar Silvestre. "CALENDÁRIO LFL CANADÁ 2013". LFL360. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
- ^ Jeremy Nolais (September 11, 2013). "Female athletes flee Calgary Fillies football team amid spat with owners, safety fears". Metro News. Archived from the original on December 10, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
- ^ Jeremy Nolais (September 17, 2013). "Coaching, conflict of interest behind Calgary Fillies struggles: League founder". Metro News. Archived from the original on October 16, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2013.