Mariam Kourabi, Guest Contributor

Capturing the hearts of soccer fans across Atlantic Canada in the bustling heart of a vibrant city in Nova Scotia, the Halifax Tides Football Club is ready to make some noise. 

Making history as one of the six founding clubs in Canada’s first-ever professional women’s soccer league, Halifax is set to rise the tide. 

As the second professional sports franchise in the capital of Nova Scotia, the Tides were born out of a special, tight-knit community that loves soccer. Given the city’s natural beauty, unique charm and party atmosphere, a passionate ownership group have the perfect environment for the Tides to thrive in. 

“We live in a small province that is rooted in community and kindness, but people often forget that Halifax is one of the fastest growing cities in the country with lots of opportunity,” says Danae latrou-Davis, Halifax Tides FC Director of Marketing. “We have immense talent on the pitch, we have strong innovators and entrepreneurs, and as a community, there is a lot of togetherness. 

“Our soccer community is second to none, there’s a lot of support and interest in anything soccer here. We can’t wait to see the community lift us up in our inaugural year.”

The community engagement goes beyond just fans across Atlantic Canada. Companies are excited at the opportunity to partner with a club that promotes inclusivity, diversity and is committed to community involvement well beyond matchdays. 

“Engaging Haligonians as both fans and through local organizations is vital for Halifax Tides FC’s success. The enthusiastic response to our launch and badge reveal shows a strong support base, which is key to our growth and sustainability,” highlights Ally Pedvis, Business Development Manager for the club.  

“The expanding market for women’s soccer in Canada, combined with aligned values and shared growth goals, provides a solid foundation for Halifax Tides FC to build successful, impactful partnerships.”

Club CEO and co-founder Dr. Courtney Sherlock grew up in Fall River, Nova Scotia. Her extensive business background includes ownership in six veterinary hospitals, multiple real estate ventures and several other businesses. She was selected as one of Atlantic Canada’s top 50 CEOs in 2022. When the opportunity to become involved with the NSL presented itself, Dr. Sherlock recognized the untapped potential in the province when it came to women’s soccer. 

“Investing in women’s soccer is the right thing to do, so I definitely could get behind the project because I just couldn't believe that there wasn't a soccer league here in Canada for women,” explains Dr. Sherlock. “I really appreciate that there's a rise in the popularity of women's sports and investing in this project is an investment. It checked off all the boxes.”

Nova Scotia has strong ties to the Canadian women’s national team, having produced CanWNT alumni Cindy Tye, and Marie Bowie who played for Canada at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the United States. In the Fall of 2023, CanWNT hosted an international friendly in Halifax against Brazil, one of four farewell matches for the legendary Christine Sinclair. Despite the fixture taking place on Halloween night it sold out in just under 20 minutes, and poor weather conditions hardly dampened the party. 

“So many kids, adults, and families gave up trick or treating to come out and support the national team. The fully packed stands showed the level of support for women’s soccer in the community.” says Dr. Sherlock. 

This deep-rooted enthusiasm for the sport in Nova Scotia provides a strong foundation for Halifax Tides FC and a professional pathway will keep more Atlantic talent in the sport. The organization aims to set up an academy program in the future which can serve as not only a pipeline for the pro club but potentially the national team as well. 

“This is going to bring new opportunities that don't currently exist,” highlights the CEO.  

Director of Marketing, Danae latrou-Davis represented team Nova Scotia in her teenage years and had aspirations to take her game to the next level, but there was no pathway at home.

“There’s a lot of emotion when I think about the possibilities that lie ahead for today’s youth here on the East Coast. When I was competing at that level, we didn’t even know professional women’s soccer existed because it wasn’t televised or easily found online," says latrou-Davis.

“As a result, not knowing professional soccer was even an option, a university scholarship is what most of us trained for, especially if we wanted to stay close to home which was a big factor for myself and many others. Now that the tides are turning, I’m oozing with excitement for our youth. Kids finally have a chance to show the world the kind of talent that’s been hiding here on the East Coast.”

Flashy, just like the city, Halifax Tides FC’s crest is nautical-themed. Representing the beautiful Atlantic Ocean Nova Scotia lies beside, depicted by ocean cyan, granite purple, and ship gray colours, the badge is in the shape of a naval ship, a reminder to always propel forward.

The crashing tides in the center symbolize the Nova Scotian flag, while the moon is meant to demonstrate the influence the club will have on the East Coast community. The four stripes at the base represent each of the four former province municipalities.

“Our badge and branding were meticulously crafted to foster a deep connection with our community. The vibrant, nautical colours and meaningful design elements reflect Nova Scotia’s unique geography and maritime heritage, making the crest not just a symbol, but a source of local pride and identity that resonates with the spirit of the east coast,” says Pedvis. 

The club’s logo was revealed in June of 2024 during a launch event in the city with NSL founder Diana Matheson and Halifax Tides CEO Dr. Courtney Sherlock in attendance. Streamed on social media, fans from across the country tuned in with anticipation for the reveal of one of the boldest club crests in the Canadian game. 

“We want Haligonians to come together to support this club so that one day, we can see our own players in the starting 11 for Canada, that’s what this is all about,” says latrou-Davis. “Investing in something that will ultimately allow our youth to dream big and surpass their wildest dreams.”

As the farthest East professional women’s soccer club in the inaugural season of the Northern Super league, Halifax Tides FC will capture the hearts of a unique culture in the Atlantic region. Nova Scotia is ready to shift the tides of women’s soccer through a project driven by Atlantic passion, expertise and community.