Business Details
Your Trusted Soccer Development Partner in Nova Scotia
Soccer NS stands as the provincial leader in growing, supporting, and inspiring players, coaches, and communities through inclusive, high-quality soccer programs across all levels of the game. Founded with a mission to provide leadership through a player-centered approach, we embrace values of fair play, respect, and passion for soccer. Our organization empowers youth across Nova Scotia with skill-building programs that foster teamwork, confidence, and a lifelong love of the sport.With a dedicated team of professionals and partnerships with local clubs, we deliver grassroots development, advanced coaching education, and referee training to ensure safe, accessible, and developmentally appropriate experiences for all participants. Our strategic initiatives, including provincial championships and scholarship programs, reflect our commitment to innovation, quality, and community-driven growth in soccer.
Services
Player Development Programs
Coaching Education
Referee Training
Club Licensing
Provincial Championships
Highlights and features
- We offer inclusive soccer programs for all skill levels and ages.
- Our team includes certified coaches and experienced professionals.
- We organize provincial championships and community-building events.
- We provide scholarships and performance pathways for aspiring players.
- Our mission prioritizes player safety, respect, and fair play.
Services
Player Development Programs
Soccer NS offers structured programs for players of all ages and skill levels, from grassroots introductions to competitive performance pathways. Our initiatives focus on skill-building, teamwork, and fostering a lifelong passion for soccer while ensuring safe and inclusive environments. These programs prepare players for regional, national, and international opportunities through provincial teams and partnerships.
Coaching Education
We provide comprehensive coaching certifications and professional development for grassroots to advanced levels, including CONCACAF C Diploma courses. Our programs emphasize safe, player-centered methodologies and align with national standards to ensure coaches are equipped to nurture talent and promote fair play. Learning facilitators support coaches throughout their education journey.
Referee Training
Our referee development program trains officials from entry-level to national standards, covering IFAB/FIFA laws and practical field experience. Ongoing education, mentoring, and fitness sessions ensure referees maintain high standards. We also manage assigning systems and resources to support officiating across all levels of Nova Scotia soccer.
Club Licensing
Soccer NS licenses and supports over 50 local clubs, ensuring they meet quality standards for player safety, governance, and program delivery. We provide administrative tools, event coordination, and resources to help clubs thrive while aligning with provincial development goals and community needs.
Provincial Championships
Annual tournaments for U13 to U16 divisions bring together top talent from across Nova Scotia, offering competitive exposure and fostering regional pride. Hosted in partnership with local districts, these events highlight our commitment to elevating soccer standards while celebrating community achievements and player progression.
People
Lindsay MacAskill
Executive Director
Lindsay leads strategic operations for Soccer NS, overseeing program development and provincial governance. With extensive experience in soccer administration, she champions initiatives that expand access, equity, and excellence across all levels of the sport.
David Risk
President
David chairs the board, guiding governance and long-term vision for Nova Scotia soccer. His leadership focuses on strengthening community partnerships and ensuring sustainable growth aligned with national soccer objectives.
Matt Holton
Director of Development
Matt oversees grassroots expansion and community engagement, ensuring programs meet diverse needs. He works closely with clubs and districts to implement inclusive, high-quality soccer initiatives across the province.
Juan Marquez
Referee Development Officer
Juan manages referee training and officiating standards, delivering courses and support systems to develop skilled officials. His work ensures fair play and compliance with national and international soccer regulations.
Adam Miller
Manager of Performance Pathways
Adam coordinates elite player development, including provincial teams and Canada Games participation. He identifies and nurtures top talent through structured programs that bridge grassroots and national-level opportunities.
Questions
How do I find a local soccer club in Nova Scotia?
Visit our website's 'Find Your Local Club' section and filter by region or postal code to locate nearby clubs.
What coaching certifications does Soccer Nova Scotia offer?
We provide Canada Soccer Safe Sport Roster courses, CONCACAF C Diploma programs, and grassroots coach education.
How can I become a soccer referee in Nova Scotia?
Register for our Entry Level Referee Course through the RAMP Interactive platform to start your officiating journey.
What youth player programs are available?
We offer grassroots skill centers, community leagues, and competitive provincial teams for ages U13 to U16.
Are there scholarship opportunities for players?
Yes, annual scholarships recognize outstanding players and support their continued development in soccer.
How are provincial championship hosts selected?
Host cities are chosen through a competitive bidding process evaluating facilities, organizational capacity, and community support.
