HALIFAX — HFX Wanderers FC and Soccer Nova Scotia have agreed to a groundbreaking partnership aimed at growing all levels of the game in the province.

The partnership will see the Association ensure that none of it’s sanctioned Nova Scotia Soccer League games clash with Wanderers home fixtures, allowing all players and their families to attend or view matches without missing their own.

“Every young soccer player now has the opportunity to visit the Wanderers Grounds and be inspired by their newest heroes,” said Derek Martin, the Founder and President of HFX Wanderers FC.

With more than 5,500 players registered in the NSSL’s 348 summer teams, Martin sees the announcement as one of huge significance for the growth of the club’s CPL fan base as its season ticket numbers continue to grow.

“The relationship we have built with Soccer Nova Scotia is one of our club’s greatest assets and we thank Brad Lawlor, NSSL Commissioner George Athanasiou and the team for their commitment to professional soccer,” Martin said. “We’re all aligned on the positive impact the Canadian Premier League will have on our young potential future stars.”

Another central part of the deal will see the BMO Soccer Centre in Clayton Park become the training home base of the Wanderers. A portion of the club’s training camp, prior to the CPL’s April kick-off, will take place at the facility, in addition to team practices during the season.

Furthermore, all NSSL Premiership championship games will be played on the natural grass surface at the Wanderers Grounds in August, giving a professional setting for the league’s elite players to showcase their skills.

“We’re very excited to have the HFX Wanderers within our province and we see the importance of working closely together to grow the game of soccer,” explained Brad Lawlor, the Executive Director of Soccer Nova Scotia. “What we outlined is a start and we will continue to look at best ways to support each other as we move forward to offer the best product possible for our membership and Wanderers fans.”