Latest news with #WanderersGrounds
CTV News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Maritime Messi's family supports soccer dreams as Team Canada lands on the East Coast
Playing on Nova Scotian soil was nothing new for Jacob Shaffelburg, but representing his country while doing so was a first. 'It was cool. I mean, I've kind of had a bit of it when I played here a long time ago,' explained Shaffelburg of the fans cheering his name when he stepped on the grass at the Wanderers Grounds Tuesday. 'So it kind of brought back some memories, but, coming back with the national team, this is a much different feeling and a lot of pride.' As part of an initiative started by head coach Jesse Marsch, the men's national team is heading to communities across Canada to spark some interaction prior to the 2026 World Cup being co-hosted in the country for the first time. Approximately 2,500 fans took in open practice Tuesday evening, as the men's team came to Halifax for the first time in their history. 'We've talked a lot about like creating a movement, you know, and I've also been calling this the people's team,' said Marsch. 'And I think if we want it to really feel like that, that we have to come to all the communities that we have to make the players really approachable. And I think, especially these kids, they have to be familiar with their heroes and they want to see them up close.' 'So all of these efforts, I think, have led to us, to having a really good experience overall with being in different communities and here in Halifax,' he added. For Shaffelburg, playing at home in front of family and friends meant the world and, for his family, it was nothing short of remarkable. 'Unbelievable,' said Marvin Messom, Shaffelburg's maternal grandfather. 'Just from Port Williams. Just unbelievable.' Messom had tears in his eyes as the young soccer star approached him, beaming with pride and awe at the number of jerseys and cheers for his grandson. 'The only thing he got from me was the hair,' Messom joked, to which Shaffelburg added, 'And the emotional side.' The Maritime Messi got about 80 tickets for friends and family to come to the event and the section was full, including his wife Robyne and nine-month-old daughter Daisy. 'It's amazing to see the support for sure,' smiled Robyne as Daisy beamed in her arms. 'It's kind of funny when he told me when we first met that he played soccer, I was like, 'OK, I played volleyball in high school, why are you telling me this?'' she laughed, adding, 'I didn't understand the kind of magnitude of what he meant by that now, like seeing everyone and their support for him.' For Shaffelburg, having both his and his wife's family in attendance was something special as they are both from the province. While the sounds didn't bother young Daisy, as she's used to the noise back in Nashville where her dad plays from MLS Nashville FC, Robyne said they need to get used to the atmosphere. 'There's fireworks and there's loud music all the time, so I think she's kind of like, used to it at this point,' Robyne said. 'So I try to take her. I'm like, 'You know what? We've got a long career soccer ahead of us, so we're going to the games. Even if, you know, they're past bedtime'.' That career in soccer is only growing as the World Cup approaches and, for the Shaffelburgs, so is their family. 'Are you excited for World Cup?' Robyne asked Daisy. 'I'll have another one as well by then. I'm five months pregnant with a little boy. I know I'm going to have my hands full at those games… maybe she'll go hang out with Nani.' As for the experience in Nova Scotia, the energy was palpable at the Wanderers Grounds as fans of all ages showed up to meet their heroes. Jacob Shaffelburg 2 Jacob Shaffelburg signing autographs at the Wanderers Grounds in Halifax on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Brianne Foley/CTV Atlantic) 'I probably signed about 400 Shaffelburg jerseys and, you know, we obviously knew how popular Jacob is in this region. They should be very proud of them,' said Marsch. 'We're really pleased with his overall performances and development, and we're excited to keep pushing him and keep preparing them for the World Cup next summer.' For Shaffelburg, the moment was amazing, but his journey continues as he strives to represent the province to the best of his ability in red and white. 'Just working hard I guess,' he said of his success so far. 'Making the most of my opportunities and just being humble and remembering where I'm from and trying to make Port Williams and Nova Scotia proud.' For grandpa, he's already done that. 'Extremely proud. Don't push me,' Messom said with tears in his eyes. Team Canada heads back to Toronto to host the inaugural Canadian Sheild Tournament on Saturday at BMO Field. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CBC
5 days ago
- General
- CBC
Fans cheer for Port Williams soccer star at training session
Jacob Shaffelburg was the star of the show as Canada's national team held an open training session in Halifax. A big turnout of fans came to see him and his teammates in action at the Wanderers Grounds. Gareth Hampshire has the story.
CBC
5 days ago
- General
- CBC
Port Williams, N.S., soccer player gets star treatment at Canada's practice in Halifax
Port Williams, N.S., soccer player Jacob Shaffelburg was the star attraction Tuesday night as Canada's men's national team held an open training session in Halifax. Brothers Grady and Eben Hollis, who travelled from the Annapolis Valley with their family, were among the estimated 2,500 people who turned out to welcome Shaffelburg home as the squad made its first appearance at the Wanderers Grounds. "Just seeing him playing and scoring goals — it's a little different than just somebody from Canada," said Grady, 17. "I like that he's the same position as me and we shoot with both of our feet," said Eben, 8. Both boys were wearing Canada jerseys sporting Shaffelburg's name and his number 14, as were many of the fans throughout the crowd. "Growing up, I never would have imagined this kind of situation, so to have all my family and my wife's family here to support me is amazing," Shaffelburg said after the session. The 25-year-old has become an important part of the national team, adding speed to the attack and scoring some key goals in big games. Tuesday's session was part of the team's training camp in Halifax prior to upcoming matches against Ukraine and Ivory Coast, in preparation for the 2026 World Cup that Canada is jointly hosting with the United States and Mexico. The session was a relaxed affair and players interacted with fans throughout the event before signing autographs and posing for photographs afterward. Shaffelburg, who also plays for Major League Soccer club Nashville, provided as many as 80 tickets for family and friends to be in the crowd. "To come home and have community support and everyone here, I know it means a lot to Jacob and it certainly means a lot to us as a family. There are a lot of people here who have had a lot to do with his development," said his mom, Linda Shaffelburg. Marvin Messom is proud of how his grandson is representing Port Williams, a village about 95 kilometres northwest of Halifax. "I don't know where he got it, but he never got the speed from me," Messom joked. "I don't know, but he's got the speed and he just got the natural touch." The national team partnered with the Halifax Wanderers to stage Tuesday's event. "Halifax now I think is one of the top cities in the country for supporting soccer," said Derek Martin, the Wanderers founder and president, pointing to the Canadian Premier League team's consistent sellouts, the emergence of the Halifax Tides professional women's team in the Northern Super League, and the Canadian women's national team game that Halifax hosted in 2023. "Having these guys here today and selling 2,500 tickets just to have people come and watch a practice" is further evidence, Martin said. While it was a special night for Shaffelburg, he said he is staying grounded and focused on the year ahead. "Just being humble, remembering where I'm from and trying to make Port Williams and Nova Scotia super proud," he said.
CTV News
17-05-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Halifax Tides lose 1-0 at home against AFC Toronto
The Halifax Tides lost 1-0 against AFC Toronto Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Wanderers Grounds. (Source: Facebook/Halifax Tides)
