Dedicated, hard-working and spirited, Cheryl O’Leary is emerging as one of the key builders of women’s tackle football in the Atlantic region of Canada. Wearing many different hats, O’Leary has served as a member of the coaching staff for the Capital Area Lady Gladiators while also serving as a Vice President for the Maritime Women’s Football League. This season, she is competing for the Lady Gladiators, respectively.

O’Leary also gives back to the community by assisting on a coaching staff for a Bantam Girls Tackle Football Program in Fredericton, New Brunswick. In addition, she is currently the program coordinator for Girls Flag Football for the Capital Area Minor Football Association (CAMFA).

Like many women in tackle football, the interest in the game emanated from family. With her son competing on the gridiron in his preteens, O’Leary became involved with the sport and has not looked back.

“My son began playing tackle football several years ago when he was in Grade 6, I was instantly hooked. At the beginning I was a parent willing to help out; my first assigned task was peddling t-shirts on the sidelines. The following year I was asked to be a team manager, and I kept that role for five years.” 

“Once my son moved up to play with the FHS Varsity Black Kats I decided that I wanted to move into a coaching role and became a coach with the Jr. Girls Tackle program here in Fredericton.”

After many years of serving in a coaching and administrative capacity, O’Leary wanted to satisfy the need to compete in the game. Like Whitney Issik, a competitor with the Calgary Rage of the WWCFL who also had a coaching background with her son, she began to play in her forties.

“At the same time, and at the age of 41, I also decided to give playing a whirl and I joined the Capital Area Lady Gladiators. I believe that you are never too old to try something new and I have never regretted my decision to become a coach and a player.  I will continue to do both as long as I can.”

“I am passionate about the game of football, and huge proponent of females being physically active and participating in sport at all ages. I like to take an active role in female football here in Fredericton, throughout New Brunswick and in the Maritimes.”

(Left to right): Cheryl O'Leary with Lady Gladiators players representing Team Atlantic: Robyn Neill, Shot Chatterton and Alex Black (Image by Baxter Photography)

With the Lady Gladiators, O’Leary has served as an offensive line coach. While the opportunity emanated from the inability to play due to illness, the feeling of teamwork and being part of a team have provided great reward.

“I started the 2012 season as a left guard on the offensive line. Unfortunately, early in the season I had some health issues that prevented me from continuing as a player for the rest of the season. I did join the coaching team as an assistant offensive line coach for the remainder of the season.”

“I am very passionate about the game of football, and huge supporter and proponent of females being physically active and participating in sport at all ages. I like to give back and enjoy taking an active role in female football here in Fredericton, throughout NB and in the Maritimes.” 

Part of that active role includes being part of a landmark event. The 2013 season marks the milestone 10th anniversary season of the MWFL. Of note, the Canadian Women’s Hockey League has only existed since 2007. With the WWCFL having entered its third season, it only strengthens the role that the MWFL has for women’s football in Canada.

As part of the MWFL executive, O’Leary is hoping the 10th-anniversary season shall be the launching pad toward 10 more remarkable years. There are already signs of encouragement as Papa John’s Pizza (a sponsor of the NFL) has become the title sponsor for the MWFL’s title game. In addition, Maritime brewery Moosehead is engaging in various promotions with the budding league.

“To be part of the 10th season for Canada’s first women’s tackle football league is definitely something I am very proud of. I am looking forward to each kickoff of the season; and I thoroughly enjoy being part of the planning process for the 10th season as part of the MWFL executive. We will be celebrating all season long!”

While O’Leary has assembled an impressive body of work, she still has many goals to fulfill. Although the Lady Gladiators are a home base of sorts (she is in her third season with the franchise), she is aiming for the opportunity to develop and strengthen her skills. A big part of that development shall reach fruition at the Women’s Tackle Football Championships. O’Leary shall participate on the squad as a mentor coach for the Canadian National Team.

 “I attend coaching development clinics and conferences as often as possible, and I aspire to be a certified football coach and coach facilitator. For the upcoming fall season I will continue to coach in the Bantam Jr. Girls Tackle, and the Girls Flag programs in the Capital Area. I will eventually make the natural transition from playing to coaching with the Lady Gladiators, and will apply to be a coach on the 2017 Women's National Team.” 

“Participating as a mentor coach at an international event will be an amazing opportunity to represent my country with the most incredible group of female players and coaching team in the country. It is also an amazing learning experience that will allow me to further develop my coaching skills to use in the roles that I take on in football.” 

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