Halifax Tides Announce Olympian Erin McLeod As First Signing

There’s a new wave in Halifax, and Erin McLeod will be a driving force behind it.

The Canadian Olympian, 41, has just been unveiled as the first player signing for the Halifax Tides. A launch team of the Northern Super League, the professional women’s team is bringing top flight women’s professional footy to Canadian audiences from coast-to-coast.

McLeod’s storied career has seen her don no less than two Olympic medals (bronze coming before a historic gold in 2020), with her Canadian national team career seeing her represent Les Rouges no less than 119 times.

She has also played at the club level for numerous teams in both North America and Europe, like the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Washington Freedom, Chicago Red Stars, Orlando Pride, FC Rosengard, and Stjarnan (amongst others).

Fans may be surprised to see the 41-year-old continue her career on the pitch, and she’s no different: at Stjarnan, she adopted a goalkeeper coach role in what she thought would be her final playing season. A call from the 902 changed her mind.

“I am incredibly excited to join the Tides and return to a city that holds a special place in my heart,” says McLeod as she makes history. “Halifax has a wonderful soccer community, and I can’t wait to contribute my experience to the team and support the growth of women’s soccer on the east coast.”

Described as an athlete who brings extensive experience at the highest levels of the game to Canada’s east coast, head coach Lewis Page believes she will prove a standard bearer for the club’s culture both on and off the pitch.

“Her extensive experience at the highest levels of the game will help guide our team and inspire young athletes across the country. We’re proud to have her as the Tides’ first signing,” adds Page, who didn’t give away if McLeod might captain the side.

McLeod hails from Alberta, but she’s hosted numerous soccer clinics and youth programs in the city. Now, Halifax will play host to an important chapter in her career, and Canadian football as a whole.

The contract length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed by the Halifax Tides, who become the fourth NSL team to announce a player signing behind AFC Toronto, Montreal Roses, and the Calgary Wild.