Halifax Tides FC introduces new kit, player acquisitions for year two

By: Meredith McCullum and Ethan Hunt, sports editor

The Halifax Tides FC introduced new kits for their second season in the Northern Super League on March 23.

Despite the snowy weather, dozens of fans showed up at Pier 21 for the event, which featured a meet-and-greet with players, a first-look merchandise table and a fashion show to reveal the new kit.

The team brought back two kits from last year and added a new third look, designed with the fans in mind. Courtney Sherlock, Tides co-founder and CEO, called it a nod to classic football jerseys.

“Our goal with this kit was to do something different,” said Sherlock. “We wanted to make it streetwear. Something that we felt like people would wear in public, and we’re very excited about it.”

The jersey is teal with a white and purple outline on the neck and sleeves.

“I love it,” said returning forward Saorla Miller. “I love that it’s simple, and it really shows our colour of teal.”

A fresh look

To complement their fresh style, the Tides have revamped their roster, adding 11 new players.

The new players bring a mix of professional experience and youthful energy as the Tides look to build off of a disappointing inaugural season. The team finished at the bottom of the league with a 3-15-7 record.

Sherlock said speed, depth, tactical abilities and risk-taking were key factors in the recruiting process.

“We went out with a very specific idea of what we were focused on,” said Sherlock. “We’re very excited about how the new and old players are going to blend.”

Former Liverpool FC goaltender Rylee Foster-Inman is one of the new additions. A Kitchener, Ont. native, Foster has competed on an international stage with the Canadian U-20 and U-17 teams. 

After playing overseas since 2020, Foster, 27, said returning home was important to her at this point in her career.

“Seeing the [viewership] last season and also just the camaraderie that [the NSL] brought to the country was really exciting,” said Foster.

“Halifax is one of the first clubs that I communicated with when the league opened up, and it was a relationship that was really healthy. They had a tough season last year, there’s no question about that, but it was also an environment that I wanted to partake in.”

Another key addition is midfielder Cho So-Hyun. A seasoned leader, 37-year-old Cho captained the South Korean national team at the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cups.

In their acquisition announcement, the Tides described Cho as an intelligent soccer player with a strong work ethic. Her 17-year professional career brings valuable experience to the Tides as they push for the playoffs.

“I wanted to get a new experience,” said Cho. “When I had a meeting with the team, I could see the vision of the club and the league, so that’s why I’m here.” 

Season two

While the list of new players is long, the team’s returning core is eager to boost the team’s success.

Miller, a forward who scored four goals on 25 shots last summer, is back with the Tides for another season. Miller said the new team has gelled quickly, and she’s looking forward to playing in Halifax again.

“We want to be in the playoffs this year and continue to build on the fan base that we’ve had and interacted with in the community,” said Miller. “We want to be a team that no one wants to play because we’re going to be their best game.”

The Tides are preparing to head to England for three games against Women’s Super League teams. 

“It’s going to be great competition over there,” said Sherlock. “It’s going to be a chance for them to train and get some practice together in a game setting.”

The team’s regular season kicks off April 25, when the Tides host the Ottawa Rapids FC at the Wanderers Grounds in Halifax.