With sunshine overhead and cheers ringing out, the Canadian Men’s National Soccer Team took the field at Halifax’s Wanderers Grounds for an open practice that drew about 3,000 fans. The event marked the team’s first official appearance in Nova Scotia and gave supporters a rare up-close look at players ahead of the summer’s international matches. It also served as a homecoming for Jacob Shaffelburg and a milestone moment for Halifax’s growing soccer scene, with hundreds staying afterward for autographs and photos.
Jacob Shaffelburg shines in home province
Port Williams native Jacob Shaffelburg soaked in the cheers as he stepped onto the pitch in front of friends, family, and fans.
Jacob Shaffelburg shares a moment with his family during Team Canada’s visit to Halifax. (Evan Taylor photo)
“Growing up, I never would have imagined this kind of situation,” he said, estimating he gave out around 80 tickets to family members alone. “To have all my family and my wife’s family here to support me is amazing.”
Shaffelburg spoke about the impact of playing on home soil as Canada builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We want to win it,” he said of the tournament, which will be hosted in part by Canada. “Just to get better every time we’re together — that’s the goal.”
The winger also sees the potential for the event to elevate the sport in Nova Scotia. “It’s a hockey province, but the World Cup might swing it a bit more to be a soccer province — and if it can do that here, it can do that across the country.”
Earlier in the week, Shaffelburg and teammates met with players from the Halifax Wanderers and Halifax Tides. He said the presence of professional soccer in the region is inspiring local kids in a way he didn’t experience growing up. “Just to have two pro teams here for kids to look up to — it’s amazing. It gives them something to chase.”
Jesse Marsch praises fan energy and national connection
Head Coach Jesse Marsch said the practice was more than just a tune-up for upcoming matches — it was a key moment in building the national team’s identity.
“It was loud, it was energetic,” said Marsch. “It’s clear to see that everyone’s really excited to have the team here in Halifax.”
Head coach Jesse Marsch at Canada’s training session in Halifax ahead of upcoming friendlies. (Evan Taylor photo)
Marsch acknowledged Shaffelburg’s special connection to the region, joking that he signed “about 400 Shaffelburg jerseys.” He praised the winger’s development and said the team is focused on pushing him further ahead of the World Cup.
The session also helped prepare the squad for an upcoming series of matches, which Marsch described as part of a broader build-up toward the CONCACAF Gold Cup and 2026 tournament.
On managing the balance between high-performance training and outreach, Marsch said it doesn’t have to be one or the other. “The players feel the energy of the communities,” he said. “The connection we’re making with the Canadian community all across the nation will also aid us in the push to the home World Cup.”
He added that the team is embracing the idea of being “the People’s Team,” and that efforts like this are meant to make players more approachable and inspire young fans across the country.
Derek Martin reflects on a decade of work
For Derek Martin, founder and president of the Halifax Wanderers, Sunday’s practice was the realization of a long-held goal.
“I remember 10 years ago when this project first came across my desk,” he said, recalling the city’s lack of facilities at the time. “That was one of the inspirations to really get to work on this.”
Martin said Canada Soccer has always known Halifax was interested in hosting events, and credited his January meeting with Jesse Marsch — when the coach visited for a clinic — as the turning point. The two stayed in touch, and when an opening emerged for a short training camp ahead of Canada’s June matches, Halifax got the call.
Team Canada players run through drills on the field at the Wanderers Grounds. (Evan Taylor photo)
“Jesse couldn’t have been more supportive,” said Martin. “He truly understands their job as the national team is to inspire, and to make kids that are here today look forward to one day trying to play for this team themselves.”
Martin said the ultimate goal is to bring a men’s national team game to Halifax, but acknowledged that the facilities need to catch up. “These players are used to stadiums with 30 or 40,000 people and modern amenities. We’re still using portable toilets,” he said. “To take that next step… we really need that stadium to become a reality.”
