About

JOLENE COTE

Jolene was a wife, mother, sister, daughter, teacher, friend and teammate. She loved her family, sports, and teaching. She lived life to the fullest and always saw the best in everyone. Her beautiful smile was never far away. 

Our soccer team was built upon the idea that if you get a good group of people together to kick a ball around and have some fun, good things will happen. Jolene was a terrific fit into that mold. We all have memories of her long legs flying down the field, elbows up, chasing down a ball and occasionally leaping over tall fences to track down a sidelined kick. Her competitive nature on the field was matched only by her enjoyment of the post-game gatherings that followed each match. Jolene’s love of life, her openness to adventure, and her positive attitude are her legacy. 

CHERYL LINFORD

Cheryl Linford was part of the Saints’ family for many years. She was a leader on and off the field for our team and she was also an important member of the original organizing committee for this tournament.

Cheryl was a strong believer in faith, family and friends. She had a passion for soccer that ran very deep and shared that passion and love for the game with our Saints family. Cheryl was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in 2013. She exhibited so much strength and determination throughout her battle that she inspired everyone who knew her. Despite her illness she continued to play soccer, and continued to make us all grateful for being able to call her a teammate and friend.

THE TOURNAMENT

The goal of this tournament is to reflect Jolene and Cheryl - a weekend filled with competition, laughter, camaraderie, and good sportsmanship. Both Jolene and Cheryl spent many years teaching and mentoring young people in sport.  They wanted youth to experience new things and worked hard so that they had an opportunity to be involved.  

In honour of Jolene, we make a donation year to Parkland KidSport, to help children enjoy organized sport and all the benefits that come with it. In honour of Cheryl, we make a donation each year to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  

MEDIA

2025 CBC Interview about Jolene and the tournament can be found here