Morinville’s Ava Sanderson earns spot on Team Alberta for National Championship
Morinville Press — July 14, 2026 · By Haylee Winger
Morinville's Ava Sanderson will represent Alberta on the national stage this summer after earning a spot on Team Alberta for the 2026 Football Canada Senior Women's National Championship, taking place in Saskatchewan this August.
Sanderson's football journey began at Sturgeon Composite High School, where she played two seasons as the only girl on the team. After graduating, she returned to help coach the school's junior boys' team. Today she plays for the Edmonton Arctic Pride Women's Football Team and coaches with the St. Albert Minor Football Association.
Her mother, Andrea Deelstra, said Ava's determination, discipline and passion for football have been the driving forces behind her success — and that representing Alberta is an important step toward her long-term goal of someday representing Canada on the national stage.
Sanderson hopes her selection will help raise awareness about the opportunities available for women and girls in tackle football, encouraging young girls to give the sport a try.