United DFC Need to Know: October 16 - October 22, 2025

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.

Winter Schedule

The winter 2025/2026 schedule is now available on our website under the Schedule section. Practices begin the week of October 19. Coaches will be in touch with players and families soon with more details.

Thank you, and we look forward to another great season ahead!

Program Start Dates

All programs except for mini and community starts on the week of October 19. Mini and community programs start on the week of October 27.

U13 Boys - Volunteers Coaches Needed

Our U13B Boys team is looking for volunteer coaches for the upcoming season. If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Mesut at mesut@udfc.ca.

United DFC Awards Night 2025

The UDFC Awards Night is a celebration of the previous season. All nominations are worthy, and we appreciate all of our players, managers, and coaches. All award recipients have been notified by email that they are winning an award. You may check the list HERE. We thank everyone who submitted names for consideration. There are so many amazing teams, players, and volunteers at United DFC—we wish we could celebrate everyone all of the time.

The 2025 Awards Night will take place on Friday, October 17, 2025 at the Woodlawn High School Auditorium from 6:30-8:00 pm. Award winners should check in before the show begins in the hallway behind the stage. Space is limited, but we usually have room for all who wish to attend.

Facility Updates & Reminders: BMO Soccer Centre

With the winter season quickly approaching, we’d like to share a few important reminders and updates about the facility. Over the summer, we worked hard to make significant improvements:

Field 4: Complete makeover, including 53 new stadium seats, new glass, and the ongoing addition of a fitness center.
Main Field: Brand-new stadium seating, fresh paint in the mezzanine, and cosmetic upgrades to floors and walls.

We’re proud of these upgrades and ask for your cooperation in helping us maintain the facility this season.

Assessments & Program Start Dates

Assessments are currently underway! If you have not yet registered for AA or A assessments, please do so as soon as possible.

All programs (except Minis & Community): Start the week of October 19
Minis & Community programs: Start the week of October 27

We’re excited to kick off another great season—thank you for staying on top of registrations and schedules!

The assessment schedule can be found on the website under Schedules.

Committed Player Program

We’re excited to announce the launch of our Committed Player Program, starting this Fall. This long-awaited initiative is designed for players who are looking to spend more time in intentional learning environments, with focused coaching to help them take the next step in their development.

Program Overview

Duration: 10 weeks
Start Date: October 19
Format: One weekly session on turf
Led by: NCCP & Canada Soccer trained coaches
Who it's for: Full time athletes

You’ll find more detailed information in the attached document. Please go through it for the detailed information.

Registration is now open, and we expect spots to fill quickly. CLICK HERE to register.

Come Try United DFC’s Skill Centre - Free Event!

We’re excited to welcome players and families to try out United DFC's Skill Centre — at no charge!

Join us for our Come Try Skill Centre Event

Sunday, October 5
2:00 - 7:00 PM
East Coast Varsity Dome (10 Poseidon Ct, Woodside - Indoors on turf)

This is a great opportunity for new and returning players to experience what the Skill Centre program is all about in a fun, supportive environment. No experience necessary!

Schedule by Age Group:

U8/U9 Girls - 2:00 to 3:00 PM
U8/U9 Boys - 3:00 to 4:00 PM
U10/U11 Girls - 4:00 to 5:00 PM
U10/U11 Boys - 5:00 to 6:00 PM

What to Bring:

T-shirt, shorts
Sneakers or cleats
Shin pads (highly recommended)
Water bottle
And a friend!

This event is completely free, but registration is required.

Sign up here
Come Try Skill Centre Registration

Volunteer Coaches Needed - United DFC Skill Centre

United DFC’s Skill Centre program is looking for volunteer Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches for this upcoming Winter season. We have several open spots and need your support!

We are currently seeking coaches for the following age groups:

U10 Girls
U8 Boys

Coaches will lead groups of 25 to 40 players, with full backing from the club. Session plans, equipment, and on-field support will be provided to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community while helping young players grow in the game.

A stipend will be provided at the end of the season and we’ll support you in getting the right coach education you need to excel.

If you're ready to make a difference and be part of a fun, supportive environment—we’d love to hear from you!

Please contact at shahulcs@udfc.ca if you are interested in coaching.

UDFC Training Gear - Online Only

We’re excited to share our new training gear for Skill Centre and U12+ players! All orders will now be done online only — the office will no longer be selling any items directly.

Need help with sizing?
You’re welcome to visit the office to try on sizes before placing your order online.

UDFC Club Merchandise

Thank you for your cooperation as we move to a more efficient online system.

Skill Centre

U12+

Mini Schedule

The schedules for our Mini and Community programs have been posted on the website! For full details, please check the Program Descriptions or visit the Schedules & Events section.

We’re looking forward to a great Winter season!

U12 & U13 Team Formations

As per Canada Soccer and SNS grassroots guidelines, U12 and U13 players will go through a Team Formation process.

All U12 and U13 players, except those in the B Division, will come together for 3 sessions. Afterward, players will be placed into their age-specific AA or A Division based on individual development and team needs.

Thanks for your support as we align with these updated development standards!

Registration is Now Open

Mini, Skill Centre and U12-U18 B program registrations are now open.

Assessment registration for Winter 25/26 is also now open.

Interested in playing Senior Men’s soccer this winter
United DFC is forming Senior Men’s AA and AAA teams for the upcoming indoor season. If you're looking to stay competitive and be part of a great team environment, we'd love to hear from you!

Reach out to Derrick Bowser at derrickb@udfc.ca for more information.

New Office Hours

Monday 10-5

Tuesday 10-5

Wednesday 10-5

Thursday 10-5

We are closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Ticket Discounts for Halifax Tides Games (Women's Team)

We’re thrilled to share a special offer just for you! As part of our partnership with the Halifax Tides, all United DFC members can enjoy exclusive discounts on game tickets this season!

📅 15% OFF all other home games for the rest of the season

Come out and support pro soccer in Halifax while enjoying a great deal! Let’s fill the stands with UDFC spirit

Ticket Link: Ticket Discount for Tides

Ticket Discounts for Halifax Wanderers Games (Mens' Team)

Please see below the Halifax Wanderers discount link! UDFC gets 15% off tickets!

https://wanderers.spinzo.com/?group=club-program-wmpc&affiliate=udfc-hrs6

Interested in Coaching?

If you are interested in coaching at any age group, please contact Nino at nino@udfc for more information.

We have something for all commitment levels, so please feel free to reach out!

Have 3 or more children playing at UDFC?

Check out our payment policy and contact Patricia Morrison at patriciam@udfc.ca to receive a $35 discount on player 3, and a registration value up to $300 for player 4.

PROGRAM SPONSORSHIPS

UDFC's greatest strength is its community. The club is actively looking for Sponsors or Partners to help reduce the cost of delivering - or enhancing - programs. Sponsorships support events like Soccer by the Sea, teams such as our Skill Center teams, and initiatives like Special Olympics and Women in Coaching. For known potential Sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to nino@udfc.ca.

Our club has ~3,500 members over the course of the year, with weekly Need-to-Know emails received by more than 4,000 individuals on a weekly basis.

Social Media: Share your United DFC Moments

Please remember to tag us in your United DFC social media posts! Photos can also be sent to katies@udfc.ca to be shared with our community.

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.

Goalkeeper Gloves

www.EliteSportGoalkeeping.ca

Email Coach Keith(Keithp@udfc.ca) for a discount code.

Check out our partner, OK Tire:

United DFC Need to Know: October 16 - October 22, 2025