On December 20th, Chinooks FC proudly hosted the Shenooks Gala — a night that will be remembered not just for what happened, but for what it represented.
The room was filled with energy, laughter, music, and pride as players, families, coaches, and supporters came together to celebrate the girls and women who make Shenooks what it is. From the moment guests arrived to the final song on the dance floor, the atmosphere was electric — joyful, emotional, and deeply meaningful.
It was a night of celebration and reflection. A night to honour the journey of our female players, to recognise the people who have shaped the program, and to reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces where girls feel seen, supported, and empowered through sport.
The turnout exceeded all expectations, and the sense of community in the room was unmistakable.
Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended and supported the event, we raised over $7000, with funds going directly back into strengthening and expanding female soccer programming at Chinooks FC.
The Shenooks Gala was more than an event — it was a powerful reminder of why this work matters, and why investing in girls in sport creates impact that lasts far beyond the pitch.
Why this Gala Matters!
At Chinooks FC, we believe every girl deserves a space where she feels confident, valued, and inspired. The Shenooks program was created to give female athletes a true home — a place to grow, compete, build friendships, and discover their potential both on and off the pitch.
As Billie Jean King famously said: “Sport teaches you character…it teaches you about life.” That belief sits at the heart of Shenooks. Soccer is the vehicle — but
confidence, resilience, leadership, and belonging are the outcomes we care most about.
The Gala was a night of connection, celebration, and pure joy. With food, music, dancing, and moments of reflection, the evening honoured the girls and women who make our club what it is.
Paloma Vaschetto, Technical Coach and Women’s Player at Chinooks FC, shared: “The Shenooks Gala isn’t just an event — it’s a chance for our girls to be celebrated, to dance, to eat, to laugh, and to feel proud of the community they’ve helped build. It’s our way of saying: you matter, and we’re here to celebrate you.”
Those words were reflected in every smile, every conversation, and every moment on the dance floor.
Celebrating Legacy, Spirit, and What It Means to Be a Shenook
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was the presentation of the Legacy Award, which was proudly awarded to the Women’s 2006– 2008 team.
The Legacy Award is given to individuals or teams who have been part of something special for a long time — those who consistently show up, represent the club with pride, and quietly support the people and culture around them. It recognises commitment not just to performance, but to community, loyalty, and leadership.
The 06– 08 women’s team embodies everything this award stands for. Through their longevity with the club, their support of younger players, and the way they represent Shenooks values on and off the pitch, they have helped shape the environment that today’s players benefit from.
Their impact goes far beyond results — they are role models, standard-setters, and a living reminder of what it means to belong to something bigger than yourself.
We were also incredibly proud to present the Spirit Award to Raina Merani.
The Spirit Award recognises more than talent. It celebrates a player who lifts others, shows resilience through challenges, and brings positivity into every space she enters. Raina was honoured not only for being an exceptional player, but for being an outstanding teammate — someone whose perseverance, care for others, and constant smile make those around her better.
She represents the heart of Shenooks: playing with joy, supporting her teammates unconditionally, and showing up every day with belief and kindness. Her impact is felt not just in matches or training sessions, but in the culture she helps create.
Both awards served as powerful reminders that success in sport isn’t only measured in goals or wins — it’s measured in character, connection, and the legacy we leave behind.
Why Girls’ Participation in Sport Matters
The importance of nights like the Shenooks Gala is backed by powerful evidence:
- 1 in 3 girls drop out of sport by age 14 — twice the rate of boys
- Only 18% of Canadian coaches are women
- Girls who play sport are 3x more likely to report high self-esteem
- 94% of female executives played sport growing up
- Participation in sport can reduce depression symptoms in girls by up to 30%
Sport is more than competition — it is a proven pathway to confidence, leadership, mental health, and lifelong participation.
As Christine Sinclair said: “If you’re not growing the women’s game, you’re missing out on half the population — and half the talent.”
Olympic gold medallist Quinn echoes this “When girls feel safe, supported, and seen in sport, they stay — and when they stay, everything changes.”
The Shenooks Gala reinforced our commitment to creating environments where girls feel empowered, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
As Marta reminds us: “Tell the next generation that women’s football has a future — and it’s up to them to believe in it.”
Rhys Evans, Technical Director of Chinooks FC, shared: “I am fully committed to promoting female soccer in Calgary. We welcome any girl who wants a place to grow, be supported, and be truly seen. If you’re looking for a club that believes in you and invests in you — Chinooks is here for you.”
A Night for Them and A Future Ahead
The Shenooks Gala was more than a celebration. It was a statement.
To every past, present, and future Shenook:
You belong here.
Your story matters!
Your Future is Bright!
We couldn't do it without your help!
152
GALA TICKETS SOLD
OVER $7000
RAISED
156
SHENOOKS PLAYERS
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Tarek Jayoussi
GOLD SPONSOR
Steve Nielsen
SILVER SPONSOR
Behavesh Jaraim
RAFFLE WINNERS
WILD FC JERSEY
Chris Hill
4 CAVALRY TICKETS
Kim Klein
DANCING LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGE
Jonathan Flynn
TEAM TOWN GIFT CARD
Tayfun Zehir
Wine Package
Paul Kaethler
THANK YOU!
