Need to Know
United DFC Need to Know - April 24th - April 30th, 2024
Welcome to United DFC’s weekly Need to Know newsletter. Our aim is to keep you informed about everything that is going on inside the club. Watch for your update every Wednesday.
Departure of Executive Director - David Campbell
Dear United DFC Community,
It is with mixed feelings that we announce that United DFC Executive Director David Campbell has accepted a new opportunity as the Executive Director of the Association of Municipal Administrators of Nova Scotia (AMANS). While this is a huge loss for our club, we have no doubt that David will do an excellent job in his new position, where he will make good use of the skills and experiences he gathered over his three years as our club's Executive Director. David's last day with us will be April 30, 2024, and we wish him the best in his new role.
Change is difficult at any time, and I recognize that some may feel a little uncertainty and unease about what lies ahead. Rest assured that the United DFC Board of Directors has initiated the hiring process, and interim arrangements for the Executive Director's responsibilities will be communicated in more detail over the coming weeks. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to UDFC's president, Dennis Walker at president@udfc.ca with any questions or concerns. You are also welcome to contact HR Committee Director Janine Harker (janineh@udfc.ca) if you have questions about the hiring process.
Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this transition.
Individual Technical Development Program
United DFC’s Individual Technical Development Program is currently open for registration:
This program is designed for players seeking to work on their individual development. The program curriculum for U6-U12 players is centered on high-touch ball manipulation work. The program curriculum for U13-U18 players is focused on high-repetition technical work, which will expand on ball mastery to include passing, finishing, 1v1, 2v2, aerial control, etc.
Find out more HERE!
A and AA Schedule Update
The Schedule for the Skill Center, A and AA teams are now posted for the month of April and May.
Spring practices started on Monday, April 15th and will run until May 31st.
The schedule for June-August will be posted in May, after we receive our turf and grass allocation from HRM.
The schedules for the B teams will be posted once all teams have been created and confirmed and will start May 1st one night a week in a gymnasium.
FREE Newcomer Try It Program
United DFC is inviting all Newcomers to a FREE “Try It” soccer program starting the week of April 29 in Dartmouth. This program is specifically designed to welcome newcomers to Canada aged 5 years old to 12 years into our wonderful soccer community! Click here to register and for more information. Boys and girls are welcome! No soccer experience needed.
Please email susans@udfc.ca to volunteer at this amazing program.
Participants may choose from one of these options:
- John Martin Junior High School 6-7 pm for players 5-7 years old (Monday, April 29, May 6 & May 13)
- John Martin Junior High School 7-8 pm for players 8-12 years old (Monday, April 29, May 6 & May 13)
- Ian Forsythe Elementary School 6-7 pm for players 5-7 years old (Wednesday, May 1, May 8, May15 & May 22)
- Ian Forsythe Elementary School 7-8 pm for players 8-12 years old (Wednesday, May 1, May 8, May15 & May 22)
Goalkeeper Academy - Wanderers FC’s Yann Fillion
UDFC will be running a Goalkeeper Academy Partner Program with Halifax Wanderers FC Goalkeeper Yann Fillion during Summer 2024!
CLICK HERE for more information regarding program details, eligibility, tentative schedules, and how to register.
Summer 2024 High Performance Camps
Registration is currently open for High Performance Camps! United DFC High Performance Players have access to enhanced supplementary training, furthering their development in the beautiful game.
For more information please CLICK HERE.
Smile Cookie Program
From April 29-May 5, Tim Hortons Restaurants will be launching our annual Smile Cookie program where 100% of Smile Cookies sold will be donated to local charities and community groups. Tim Hortons is a phenomenal supporter of our Timbit Minis program and generously provides jerseys and balls for our Timbit players. We greatly appreciate their support.
United DFC and OK Tire Create Dynamic Partnership
Dartmouth, NS - United DFC is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with OK Tire. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both organizations, as OK Tire steps in to sponsor our Youth AAA Programs while extending support to the dedicated volunteers who fuel our club's success, solidifying our position as one of Atlantic Canada's premier soccer clubs.
This impactful partnership will see OK Tire lend its support to our boys' and girls' U15 & U17 youth programs. United DFC and OK Tire share a steadfast commitment to providing our Youth AAA teams with unparalleled training and competitive opportunities, ensuring their development and success on and off the field.
In addition to supporting our youth programs, OK Tire will express their gratitude to our incredible volunteers by sponsoring a special thank-you gift. Each United DFC volunteer will receive a $25 gift certificate redeemable at any OK Tire location—a gesture synonymous with OK Tire's dedication to supporting local youth sports organizations across the communities they serve.
"OK Tire is deeply committed to empowering local teams and the committees that sustain them. Our volunteers, coaches, and managers are the lifeblood of our club, and we are thrilled that OK Tire shares our vision in acknowledging their invaluable contributions with this heartfelt gesture of appreciation," remarked David Campbell, Executive Director of United DFC.
This partnership exemplifies OK Tire and United DFC's shared values of community, dedication, and excellence, and sets the stage for a mutually enriching collaboration aimed at fostering the growth and success of our youth athletes and the broader soccer community.
About OK Tire:
OK Tire & Auto Service has been part of the Canadian landscape since 1953 when a group of independent tire and automotive shops came together to increase their tire selection and automotive services that they could offer their customers. Today, there are over 325 locations coast to coast.
Each OK Tire store is independently owned and operated across Canada. The regional distribution centers across Canada allow for quick and easy access to the most popular sizes and brands to meet the customer’s needs. OK Tire also provides complete auto service, so they can be your one stop shop.
For more information, please contactDavid Campbell, Executive Director, United DFC - 902-404-8332
2024 Soccer NS Scholarship Application Now Available!
Soccer Nova Scotia offers university or college entrance awards/scholarships to outstanding members of the Soccer Nova Scotia community annually each spring.
- Applicants must be registered Soccer Nova Scotia members
- Applicants will be accepted if they were registered players or referees for Summer 2023 or Winter 2023-2024.
- Recipients must commence post-secondary studies at a Canadian university or college in the same year the award is presented.
- Additional information on the Soccer Nova Scotia Scholarships may be found by clicking the link below.
For questions regarding the 2024 Soccer Nova Scotia Scholarships, please email admin@soccerns.ca.
For more information, click HERE.
Youth Running Series
On your mark, get set, GO get your calendar to add the dates of the 2024 YRS races! What's old is new again, so we're excited to head back to the MET Field for a spring track race.
Full-series and single-race registration opens on March 24, but more information about age categories, the race day schedule, and a new race-bib pick-up perk for full-series members will follow before then. Happy training—we can't wait to see you in April! This is a great family event for families and teams.
((dates and times are tentative based on final field booking confirmations))
New League Opportunity for Women 45+!
Donna Longard has been involved in creating a place for women to play soccer in the HRM for over 25 years. She is now working on forming a new 45+ women's soccer team, open for women, born in 1979 or earlier.
Here's some more information about the opportunity:
- Summer league play in Citadel Women's 7 ASide SL, will start on May 20th or May 26th
- Season runs from May to end of September
- Almost exclusively on Sunday evenings, except for the Labour w/e games are on Monday
- Most games played at the Mainland Commons fields and at the BMO Soccer Centre
- 1/2 field with 7 players aside (keeper + 6 players on the field)
- May - August game start times are 6:00 pm and 7:15 pm
- September games start at 5:00 pm
- Our year-end tournament, the Challenge Cup, is the last w/e of September
- Approximately 15 games in the season
- It is recreational, but competitive, and most of all so much fun!
- Your team becomes your soccer family and friends!
Total cost is approximately $125 - $150 for the season. This includes club registration + team fees (league + fields + ref + tourney
This is a couple of hours of "YOU TIME"... Join us!!
If interested in joining the team or have questions, contact Donna at dlongard55@gmail.com or 902-477-5741
Mini Program Reminders
May 5th: Last day to submit friend requests
June 3rd: Sessions begin (pending fields opening June 1)
Weeks of June 10 & 17: Team Photos at the field
July 6 (rain date 7th): Soccermania (festival)
August 17 (rain date 18th): Soccer by the Sea (festival)
Week of August 19th: Last week of program - “Player vs Fans” game night
Summer Camp Reminder
United DFC’s Summer Camps are open for registration now, for players ages 6 - 12. Available spots are being filled quickly. Register here while spots are still available!
Gear Collection
We are currently accepting new or gently used gear at our office that you no longer need. Any gear dropped off will be offered to any members who are in need. We will accept cleats, shin pads, gently used socks, shorts, training shirts, jerseys (GK jerseys too!) , tracksuits, hoodies, etc. as long as it is still in good condition.
At the end of April, we will have a day (TBD) where members may come and check through the gear to see if there is anything they could use, free of charge.
Social Media Campaigns - We need your help!
United DFC is launching social media campaigns for coach and player recruitment. The most effective way to spread the word to the audience we want to attract is for our members to INTERACT with our posts. On Facebook, it is as easy as commenting or sharing and the post will show up in your feed for others to see. On Instagram, please view, like and comment. We can't express our appreciation enough for members who do this. #UnitedDFCFamily
Looking for Testimonials - SHARE YOUR STORY
We want to hear YOUR story! Share your experience as part of the #UnitedDFCFamily and let's celebrate the #UnitedDFCExperience together! Plus, as a big thank you, we're giving away awesome gifts to those whose stories we feature! Don't miss out on your chance to share the love and snag some sweet swag. Let's make memories together! #ShareYourStory #GratitudeGesture. Send a few sentences and a photo we can use on social media to katies@udfc.ca or click here to fill out the form. (along with the gift you would prefer).
Entry Level Referee Course 2024
- Block 1 - Canada Soccer Online Theory Modules - click here to access the Canada Soccer registration portal
- Registration and payment will be through Canada Soccer
- Cost is $50
- Attached is a guide to help manage the registration process for Block 1
- Block 1 must be completed prior to registration and participation for Block 2
- The minimum age to apply for the Entry Level Referee Course is 14 years of age at the time of registering for Block 1 - Canada Soccer Online Theory Modules.
For additional information on the Entry Level Referee Course, click here. We are currently in the process of updating the information now that the link for Block 1 - Canada Soccer Online Theory Modules has been provided. Please check often for updated information over the next few weeks.
Senior Programs Expression of Interest
Please fill out the form found here if you are interested in playing for one of our Senior Programs this summer.
United DFC Rising Leaders
Welcome to United DFC's "Rising Leaders" Junior Soccer Coach Initiative! This unique initiative is designed to cultivate the next generation of soccer leaders by providing aspiring coaches with valuable skills, hands-on experience, and mentorship opportunities. Join us in this exciting journey to develop not just soccer expertise, but also leadership qualities that will shape the future of youth soccer coaching.
We are looking for coaches interested in working for the club as a coach as well as coaches who are interested in volunteering to coach. All volunteer coaches may ask for a reference letter and/or confirmation of their hours.
Please fill out the form here. If you have any questions please contact susans@udfc.ca
Gloves
Email Coach Keith for a discount code.
Office Hours
Social Media Channels
Please follow our social media channels and like/tag/share/comment on any posts that resonate with you. This is a small thing you can do that will help the club a great deal.
Instagram: @UnitedDFC
Facebook: @UnitedDFC
Twitter: @UnitedDFC
TikTok: @UnitedDFC
YouTube: @United DFC
