Halifax Tides FC to host history with inaugural match at the Wanderers Grounds Saturday

The Halifax Tides – the city’s first professional women’s soccer club prepares for their inaugural home game.

For the first time in history, professional women’s soccer is hitting the pitch in Halifax.

The Tides FC are part of the Northern Super League (NSL) debuting their first ever game at the Wanderers Grounds.

“It’s a privilege and and I’m grateful to be able to be here at this moment in time,” head coach Lewis Page told CTV.

“The players are all very aware of what the game means in terms of soccer history… Certainly they want to go out and win the game, but they’re also aware of how lucky we are to be a part of the game.”

The moment is not lost on the players who have never had a professional league in the country.

“Just can’t describe it, to be a part of building something is special. You get to come and be a part of a team that you decide how you want it to be,” said Gunny Yrsa Jonsdottir, Tides team captain.

“And I think that’s a privilege. And I think what the girls have done out here is fantastic. The vibes are great and we’re all very excited.”

Playing host to Calgary Wild, who played the first ever NSL game in Vancouver last week, the Tides are ready to get the season going.

“We’re really excited about it. I think we’ve got a great group of players here. They’re very connected. You know, the team bubble is excellent and they’re just so excited to get going and start playing,” said Page.

There are 132 players across six teams in the league, 87 of them are Canadian. Each team is allowed a maximum of eight international players.

While some of them have experience on the pitch in a professional women’s league, they understand the significance of the moment in Canada.

“I think it’s very nice creating this league and being here for the start,” said Sara Olai, a defender from Sweden.

“I notice that this is very important for all the girls on the team that are Canadian and haven’t had this league when they were kids and get those role models. I really enjoying being a part of that. And Canada’s a good soccer country.”

The moment is also huge for Halifax, as the city adds another professional sports team to its roster.

“Being here in Halifax, you can just feel the energy. You know, you go out and people are like, ‘Oh, you’re part of the Halifax tides’,” said Jonsdottir.

“I think it’s just something special to be a part of this community. Having the first professional women’s soccer team here and just feeling the community behind us, I think that’s just something special.”

Canadian players and coaches say having a professional women’s team helps encourage young players to pursue their dreams.

“This is just a way to connect with the community, be role models for the younger generation. I remember looking up to players when I was young, so I think that’s kind of why me and Erin are here,” said Jonsdottir.

Page adds the players are laying the foundation for the future.

“I mean, I picture a world in 20 years from now where there’s an amazing player from Nova Scotia playing for Canada, and they talk about coming to this game today,” said Page.

“This is the moment that sparks that love in the game.”

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