In Conversation With: The Inaugural Head Coaches of the Northern Super League

In Conversation With: The Inaugural Head Coaches of the Northern Super League
Published on
January 31, 2025

As the countdown to the inaugural Northern Super League season continues, excitement is building across Canada. With kickoff set for April, the league’s six clubs—Calgary Wild FC, Halifax Tides FC, Montreal Roses FC, Ottawa Rapid FC, AFC Toronto, and Vancouver Rise—are hard at work shaping their rosters and philosophies under the guidance of their first-ever head coaches. We sat down with Lydia Bedford (Calgary Wild FC), Lewis Page (Halifax Tides FC), Robert Rositoiu (Montreal Roses FC), Katrine Pedersen (Ottawa Rapid FC), Marko Milanovic (AFC Toronto), and Anja Heiner-Møller (Vancouver Rise FC) to discuss their visions for the league’s debut season, their advice for young players, and what fans can expect when their teams take the field this spring.

What is your vision for your team, and how do you plan to establish its identity in this inaugural season? 

LB (CGY): The vision is that we create a team environment which allows players to thrive both on and off the pitch. The identity of our team will reflect the community which we represent. As a team we want to have flexibility in our style of play and use the strength of our players' experiences to bring the best quality of football to the pitch. 

LP (HFX): The Goal for our team is to represent the values of our community. We will work hard, we will work together and we will be fun to watch. We will be brave and aggressive in attack and disciplined and committed in defending the goal. 

RR (MTL): Creating an identity that makes proud those who come to see us play [and] being efficient in all moments of the game.  

KP (OTT): Our vision for Rapid FC is to build a relentless, ambitious, and cohesive group that is committed to playing an exciting brand of football, always looking to dominate games with energy, courage and passion. It’s about inspiring the next generation and creating a legacy that players and fans are proud of. Establishing our identity starts with creating a strong foundation built on trust, respect, and togetherness, both on and off the pitch. We want to create a culture where every player strives to improve every single day, not just for themselves but for the team. By empowering the players to take ownership of their development and the team’s goals, we create an environment where we can push boundaries and build something truly special in this inaugural season.

MM (TOR): To play an exciting brand of football that the city will be proud of.  This will be a process that will take daily commitment from everyone involved.

AHM (VAN): Building an identity is a huge opportunity to inspire fans and young players around us and we want to build a team that is competitive and entertaining. This starts with every individual in our team. Competitiveness can grow from dreams, goals and determination, and entertainment can come from passion, courage and determination. We want to see these things grow from our training environment and into our games.

What does success look like to you in this inaugural year?

LB (CGY): Success is measured on a number of levels. Firstly we want to focus on our performances on the pitch, ensuring we give 100% to each performance. Secondly, we want to connect with our community and see our fanbase grow from week to week. Finally, we want to create an environment which allows players to develop and enjoy their football journey.

LP (HFX): We all want to win, that is the goal every season but we also want to lay the foundations and set the standards that will drive the club forward in the future.

RR (MTL): Performing up to our standards and surpassing them. One game at a time. 

KP (OTT): Success in this inaugural year is not just about winning games. For me, football extends beyond just the game. It is a journey of growth, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Off the pitch, success means creating a culture of excellence, where players and staff are aligned, striving to improve every day, and where there’s a clear sense of togetherness and purpose. Success also means connecting with our supporters and the local community. We want to inspire, make the city of Ottawa proud, create memorable moments, and ensure everyone feels part of what we’re building. Ultimately, if we come away from this season having grown as a team, having set high standards, and having earned respect across the league, I’ll consider that a successful first step.

MM (TOR): An engaged community, clear individual player growth and winning as many games as possible.

AHM (VAN): Success can be measured in many different ways, but we want to compete at the top of this league. We want to build an environment that gives the players the best opportunities to develop and grow players to fulfill their dreams. 

 What advice would you give to young players who aspire to play in the league someday? 

LB (CGY): 'If you can see it, you can be it'. The creation of the NSL means that your dreams can now be realised. Opportunity now sits on your doorstep, it's up to you to seize the opportunity and work hard to achieve your dreams!

LP (HFX): Never lose your love of the game. Find the joy in playing everyday, train hard, train often, learn and grow and the rest will take care of itself.

RR (MTL):  Believe in yourself and work hard, every single day

KP (OTT): Work hard, develop your game intelligence by staying curious and coachable - and never stop learning. Keep your inner spark and passion for the game – that’s key.

MM (TOR): Give everything to develop as a person and as a player on a daily basis while always trying to enjoy the process.

AHM (VAN): For me personally I think for the youngest ones, it is very important that these players love playing soccer. Get them on the ball as much as possible in training and games, let them have fun with what they are doing, then their skills and confidence will grow, and they will want more. Take them to the stadiums to see soccer live so they can be inspired by the game of soccer and building the connection to the players, so they have great role models.

What's the last TV show or movie you watched that had you hooked? 

LB (CGY): You can't beat Ted Lasso! I love his energy and the way he connects with staff and players. Nothing phases him, and he gets through everyday with a smile on his face!

LP (HFX): I just finished “ Missing You.” On Netflix I get hooked on a good mystery show. 

RR (MTL):  Sopranos

KP (OTT): On the flight from Denmark to Ottawa, I watched “Young Woman and the Sea". It captivated me because it’s a story of resilience, courage, and pushing boundaries—qualities I deeply admire and that reflects my journey in football. Watching Trudy Ederle’s journey as the first woman to swim the English Channel resonated with me as someone who believes in breaking barriers in sport. The film highlights not just her athletic ability but also the societal challenges she faced, which parallels the struggles women still encounter in pursuing equality. It’s a reminder of the power of determination and the impact one person can have on inspiring generations to come. Truly an empowering watch!

MM (TOR): The Penguin TV show

AHM (VAN): My daughters' choice of a really 'Feel good movie' watched together with the whole family, just enjoying time of in good company. So not particular a certain movie, it was more about the setting and the company.

What's the last TV show or movie you watched that had you hooked? 

LB (CGY): I would love to be fluent in another language maybe Spanish or German! I think it's such a valuable skill and I wish I had worked harder at foreign languages while I was at school!

LP (HFX): To play the guitar. It would be so much fun to just be able to grab a guitar and start playing a few tunes for your friends.

RR (MTL):  Being able to fly to avoid Montreal's traffic.

KP (OTT): The art of communication. Words have the incredible ability to inspire, connect, and create change. I would use this skill to build self-confidence in others, by showing them their worth and potential. Mastering communication would also allow me to meet people with different languages at eye level—whether on the pitch, in a boardroom, with my kids or in a casual conversation—and make them feel seen, heard, and valued.

MM (TOR): Play tennis like the GOAT Novak Djokovic

AHM (VAN): I would add a crazy speed skill to my former great technical skills as a player (I was pretty slow), subtract 25 years of my age and put me in the NSL for Vancouver Rise, and just enjoy the ride of women's soccer rising in Canada.

Share this Post