Latest news with #SoccerNovaScotia
Global News
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Global News
‘No need for the punishment': Parents of Halifax soccer players upset by suspension
Parents are speaking out after a soccer facility in Halifax cancelled their children's practices for a week with no refund after allegations of 'aggressive behaviour' from players. It's an allegation the parents and volunteers of Ignite Soccer Club — an organization primarily made up of newcomer families — dispute. 'We were all very confused when we got this long email,' said Hadia Bedoui, a parent volunteer with Ignite Soccer. She says the club, which has more than 500 youth players, had all its bookings cancelled at the BMO Soccer Centre facilities. She adds Ignite was first told that the sweeping ban was because of 'aggressive behaviour' from players, before the club was presented with video footage. 'It turns out that it was a group of four to five and six-year-olds, who typically arrive early because their mothers rely on public transit to get here, who are from a different background,' she said. Story continues below advertisement 'And when they arrived early, the kids were on the sidelines of the turf playing before their time.' Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy She says it's unfair that the entire club was punished, especially since Ignite consists of many new Canadian and immigrant families whose kids rely on soccer as an extracurricular activity. Among the programs offered by Ignite, two are geared specifically for young newcomers: one is for children aged seven to 18, and another is focused on newcomer girls and women. 'The message that it sends is, 'They're the diverse group so, you know, we're just going to collectively punish them all' even though there was no need for the punishment,' Bedoui said. Parent Ibrahim Elayyat says his children, aged five and seven, broke out in tears when they were told they weren't allowed to play. 'It's important to make sure when you make a decision how this is a decision going to impact this whole community especially those communities all from diverse group, Black, African, Nova Scotia newcomers, people with different backgrounds, different cultures,' said Elayyat, who came to Canada from Egypt. In a statement to Global News, Soccer Nova Scotia's executive director, Lindsay MacAskill, says Ignite's field time has since been reinstated and that the temporary pause in bookings was to 'prioritize safety.' Story continues below advertisement She says the two groups have held a meeting and are 'committed to continued collaboration.' 'At the core of this matter is the duty of care and responsibility we jointly owe to all children and youth who use our (Soccer Nova Scotia) facilities,' a statement signed by Soccer Nova Scotia and Ignite Soccer Club reads. 'Soccer Nova Scotia and Ignite Soccer Club continue to work together collaboratively on solutions that uphold safety, mutual respect, and accountability, while ensuring youth continue to have access to the game they love.' The statement goes on to say that they will work on long-term solutions to uphold safety and mutual respect. Bedoui says she believes this has been a teaching moment, and a chance to show their children how to be part of a caring community. 'It's a collective thing, it's not just about diversity and inclusion. It's about teaching our children how to be community. The messaging that we're teaching them is a message that's going to build a stronger and healthier future and community for all of us, not just soccer players.'
CTV News
05-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- CTV News
‘I feel like I have a responsibility': N.S. soccer star gives back to help grow the game
Most children who dream of a career in sports don't get the opportunity to meet their heroes. However, about 100 young athletes got the chance on Wednesday in Nova Scotia. 'I still remember, just behind those doors, meeting Shaff (Jacob Shaffelburg) for the first time,' said Ben Marsh, Canada Games and U21 Wanderer player. 'I was like, this is a very, very cool moment. So, I think for them getting to do that now, where he's even achieved way more is very cool.' Marsh coaches part time. He has done so for three years, giving back to the soccer community and helping, in his way, to grow the game. 'The first year wasn't as consistent. But the past two, I've been very consistent. I've loved being around the game and getting to connect with the kids on that level,' he explained. 'It's something I really enjoy.' For young soccer players, interacting with top athletes in their sport is extremely beneficial. 'It's unbelievable. The kids here today they'll get to meet a local legend, their hero,' said Lindsay MacAskill, executive director of Soccer Nova Scotia. 'And hopefully one day we'll see one of these kids on the national stage.' Jacob Shaffelburg Jacob Shaffelburg visits Soccer Nova Scotia athletes on June 5, 2025. (Source: Instagram/CANMNT) Jacob Shaffelburg was in town with the Canada Men's National Team and swung by BMO Soccer Centre to sign autographs and talk to kids playing the sport he loves. 'It means a lot, I've been doing this since 2019,' he told media Wednesday. 'I think just trying to get back here and help, whether it's my boyhood club, Valley United, or here at Soccer Nova Scotia. But whatever I can do to help out and give those guys belief and confidence that it's doable, I'll do whatever I can.' Shaffelburg stressed how important it is for kids to see representations of themselves in professional clubs, something Marsh echoed. 'Growing up here for a long time there hasn't really been that step,' said Marsh. 'And now with the Wanderers and the Tides, like the game's growing. I think it's huge for all the young kids who are playing.' Shaffelburg adds he wished he had those two teams to look up to when he was young. 'For the kids, you know, these guys right now have their teams to look up to,' he said. Jacob Shaffelburg Jacob Shaffelburg visits Soccer Nova Scotia athletes on June 5, 2025. (Source: Instagram/CANMNT) 'I think, obviously having the men (Team Canada) here, had the women (Team Canada) here a few years ago, now with the Tides and the Wanderers… I think it shows that Halifax is now a sport city, and hopefully we'll see some big things coming in the future. We have of course, a lot to look forward to coming up in 2026,' added MacAskill. And the proof of growth is in the numbers. 'So, we have 25,000 registered players. Right now, we have like 18,000 under the age of 15,' said MacAskill. 'Were the biggest participatory sport out of all sports in Nova Scotia and we're on a rise. We've seen 22 per cent growth since 2019.' Which is also around the time Shaffelburg started coming back and donating time. But it's more than that for Soccer NS. 'We've seen a lot of newcomers join the sport. Which has been unbelievable,' added MacAskill. 'You know, soccer is the world's game. It's something consistent. It's something that is in their culture and we're happy to welcome them and, have them involved.' It also helps that coaches like Mike Locke continue to take an interest. Locke, who's coached for 30 years, heads up the Canada Games team. He says having one of his former players (Shaffelburg) stop by is encouraging. 'I think it gives kids, you know, someone to look up to and realize that the dream is possible,' said Locke. 'And if you work hard enough, that you can achieve it. And, you know, he's living proof of that.' For Shaffelburg, giving back to the community that raised him is an obvious pathway. 'I feel like I have a responsibility to give back as much as possible when I come home.' For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
