ATLANTIC CANADA'S
FIRST PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S SOCCER CLUB
Built for the community, by the community, Halifax Tides FC is more than a soccer team—it’s a symbol of East Coast pride. Founded through a mix of local leadership, grassroots support, and visionary investment, the club has already begun to weave itself into the fabric of Halifax. The club has quickly become a beacon for young athletes and fans alike, bringing the roar of professional soccer to a city ready to rise with the Tides.
Halifax Tides FC is proud to bring a new level of professional soccer to Atlantic Canada—creating opportunities, inspiring dreams, and building lasting pathways for young soccer players across the region. The journey has just begun, and the future of the game on the East Coast has never looked brighter– let’s rise together.
Mission: We are creating an environment locally, where every player can flourish, every fan can find belonging and every individual can realize their full potential.
Vision: We will inspire future generations, create an environment where everyone can dream big and be the beacon of hope that ignites limitless potential.
Leadership
Courtney Sherlock, CEO/Co-founder
Dr. Courtney Sherlock, Co-founder and CEO of Halifax Tides FC, is a veterinarian and business owner in the HRM, with six veterinary hospitals and various investments. Honoured as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs in 2022, she was introduced to soccer through her children and is excited to be part of the NSL's founding teams. Courtney believes a professional women’s soccer league is long overdue in Canada and looks forward to the league’s launch in 2025. She lives in Cow Bay with her husband, three children, and their pets.
Val Malone, Club President
Val is a seasoned executive with expertise in sports marketing, strategic leadership, and operational efficiency. After 23 years in Toronto, she returned to Halifax and quickly became active in the local sports community. Val has worked with major properties like the Toronto Raptors and Maple Leafs and co-founded the M+M Girls Movement, a youth leadership program. Certified in professional coaching, she is passionate about empowering teams, advocating for women’s leadership, and driving innovation in business and environmental conservation.
Ruth Fahy, Vice President of Football
Ruth Fahy brings a wealth of global football experience and strategic leadership to the Tides as vice-president of football. Joining from Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids, she most recently led football operations, compliance, and safeguarding while supporting performance, recruitment, and technical development across the club. Originally from Galway, Ireland, Ruth is a qualified lawyer with postgraduate credentials in sports law, holds a UEFA B coaching licence, and previously competed in the Women’s League of Ireland. Her perspective on the game also extends to the media, where she has worked as an analyst and commentator across Irish football. Ruth is focused on building a high-performance football identity that reflects the ambition of the Tides, the energy of Halifax, and the continued growth of the professional women’s game.
Amit Batra, Sporting Director
Amit brings of strategic vision and coaching expertise to the Tides, with a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University and a CSA ‘B’ License. He has led Acadia University’s Women’s Soccer Program to six AUS Championship appearances, including a 2021 title, and developed top athletes recognized with numerous awards. Amit also contributed to grassroots development through roles at Soccer Nova Scotia, Suburban FC, Mount Saint Vincent University, and Dartmouth United Soccer Club. He aims to build a culture of excellence at Halifax Tides FC and inspire the next generation of female players and coaches. Outside of soccer, he manages his son’s busy sports schedule.
