Halifax Tides to kick off sophomore season at home as league excitement builds

The Northern Super League is set to start its second season. CTV's Todd Battis speaks to the league's president about the growth of the game.

The Halifax Tides, the Maritime entry in Canada’s professional women’s soccer league, will open their second season with a home game this Saturday against the Ottawa Rapid.

Northern Super League (NSL) president Christina Litz says last year’s inaugural season was very exciting.

“And really fulfilling the dreams, I think, of so many who played the game and who watched the game in this country,” she told CTV Atlantic’s Todd Battis Tuesday night.

“The love of soccer, you could argue, came from that women’s national team, that Diana Matheson played on, and to have the league kick off last year was truly a dream come true.”

Litz says this year is all about going “from history to legacy.”

“(And) sustaining the growth of what we saw in the first season at a really exciting time for soccer on this side of the Atlantic,” she said.

The league is also making itself known on the women’s national soccer team, with seven players called up during the last season.

“We’re really proud of that. Not to mention there are so many dual nationals playing in our league that are playing for their country as well,” says Litz.

“I think one of the stories to watch this season is that while the men’s World Cup is here this summer, this is the start of the story for the Women’s World Cup in Brazil in 2027 and then the LA Olympics in 2028.”

Litz says the NSL is already getting more looks abroad.

“Although we had a great season and some great viewership and attention, what we’re hearing from our players is that word is getting out as to what we’re building here and that we’re a league that really takes care of our players,” she says.

The league is also open to the possibility of more franchises in the coming years.

“The growth of this league at the right time in the right markets is a huge priority for us,” Litz says.

“We’re feeling good going into the season with the six incredible clubs that we have now, but there will be an announcement soon for 2027 and we’re already moving on 2028.”

While expansion has been difficult for other sports in Canada, Litz says there’s a lot of momentum and growth when it comes to women’s sports.

“I do think in Canada, investors are relatively more conservative when it comes to investment in sports. And we’re really lucky to have owners like Courtney Sherlock around the table that not only see the vision but see the opportunity. I hope we see more of that because this is truly something that is growing,” says Litz.

Consulting firm Deloitte recently issued a report that said women’s sports as an industry will reach US$3 billion for the first time this year.

Women’s soccer is also slated to be a top-five sport in the world by 2030.

“Being a part of the top league in this country really sets the stage for a really good long-term investment prospect for those who get in early,” Litz says.

“I hope more Canadians come along for the ride. But we love the international attention we’re getting and looking forward to more in the future.”

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