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The Edmonton Scottish coach discusses the opportunity, rivalries, and friendships ahead of their all-Alberta Canadian Championship game.

The TELUS Canadian Championship kicks off on Tuesday night with the men’s League1 Alberta champions Edmonton Scottish taking on the Canadian Premier League title holders Cavalry.

The all-Alberta clash should be one to remember for both clubs, regardless of the full-time score, and for Edmonton Scottish it’s an opportunity that has been years in the making.

When Paul Hamilton joined the youth coaching staff at the Scottish five years ago, having already played with the men’s team for several seasons, the club set out on an ambitious vision.

From there, Edmonton Scottish’s programs have expanded, leading to success in the Pro-Am scene – a title-winning 2024 season that earned their place in this national competition with Canada’s best soccer clubs.

It’s a story that’s testament to the hard work going on at the club to provide opportunities for young people to play soccer, and Hamilton knows Tuesday night presents a great chance for some of Edmonton’s own to step up to another level.

“It’s a good opportunity for players playing at the semi-pro level to showcase themselves against a professional team,” he said.

“This is on TV and there may be some eyes on this game; we’re not going to go there and sit back and absorb pressure, we want to try to play – that’s our identity from last year and we are looking to compete against them.

“Being in this competition is special – you’re fighting to be the best team in Canada. Obviously with Cavalry being the CPL champions from last year, it’s a tall order for us to go to their place, but you never know what could happen in a one-game situation.

“You see games in the English FA Cup all the time where the underdog pulls off a win, and that’s what we are looking to do. We are going to go in there, do our best, and try to pull off a win – it’s what football is all about.”

There’s an extra element to this game, and the rivalry between Edmonton and Calgary needs no introduction; it’s perhaps best known from the ‘Battle of Alberta’ in the National Hockey League.

As well as bragging rights, Hamilton and Cavalry coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. both know this matchup between the professional and Pro-Am levels brings a unique opportunity for players, the clubs, and soccer across Alberta.

“There is always something on the line when it’s Calgary versus Edmonton. Obviously, that comes from the two cities being hockey cities but that’s always going to be part of it,” said Hamilton.

“We have some players playing for us that have some professional experience. Some played for FC Edmonton back in the day, some players have been on trial at pro clubs, and some have played or been on trial with Cavalry.

“I also know Tommy from my days in Calgary. I grew up playing for Foothills when Tommy was working for Foothills, so I know him quite well and he is going to have the players motivated to play in front of their fans.

“We were texting right before the draw and he was saying, ‘I hope we get you guys as it would be good for soccer in the province’. And then he texted me two minutes after we got drawn against each other saying, ‘see you in April’. It’s going to be good; it’s going to be fun.

“I’ve been to their stadium before and the atmosphere can be great; I know they love playing there. Us going to their house is going to be difficult, so we are going to need to manage our emotions [with] being in front of a big crowd and take the game as it comes.”

Cavalry have already kicked off their 2025 season but have taken time to kick into top gear. After picking up one point from their opening three games, they are one place ahead of bottom side Valour.

Edmonton Scottish begin their League1 Alberta campaign this weekend, but they’ll need no time at all to get psyched up for their Canadian Championship test.

“Our players are excited. They were excited last year when we won the league and the cup game to be able to play in this, and they’ve been looking forward to it for a number of months,” Hamilton continued.

“Obviously, the players split up; some went back to college, some played in the local league here, and now we’ve got together as a group again with some new additions. The core group is still here and they are excited to play, excited to compete.

“We’ve got a striker who was with us last year, Phil Masri. He has been on professional trials and nothing has worked out for him yet, but he can be a handful up front. If he can put one in for us that would be fantastic as well.”

This isn’t Hamilton’s first rodeo in the Canadian Championship. He played in the tournament for FC Edmonton, and while his return is a special occasion personally, his focus is on a much wider picture.

“This is going to be one of the best things I’ve done – not just personally but for the club as well. It’s nice to see our team doing well, and for the younger players in the club to watch us on TV and believe they can do this one day.

“It’s awesome to see the progression and our pathway expand even more from grassroots, to our developmental ages, to our competitive ages, then to high performance and even further to Pro-Am.

“I love seeing Scottish kids progress through the system – that’s what I want for the players.”