What is it?

EXCEL is Soccer Nova Scotia’s ‘Gold Tier’ program for U14, U15, and U16 athletes within the High-Performance Program.

The full-time EXCEL program contains male and female divisions, each with approximately 20 players per year.  SNS also offers a part-time program, with approximately 16 males and 16 females per year.

About EXCEL

EXCEL athletes train at the BMO Soccer Centre, Monday-Friday for 90 minutes per day, from September to March. In addition to SNS coaching staff, athletes have access to sports science resources including strength and conditioning sessions, mental performance training, and nutrition guidance. 

EXCEL athletes are guaranteed a minimum of 18 games per season. Some matches are in Halifax, while others involve travel to other provinces and international events. The objective for travel is to play quality competition, showcase the athletes & gain new experiences. 

Part-time EXCEL athletes receive approximately ¼ of the program, excluding conditioning, gym, and matches. There may be call-up opportunities for match days when additional players are required.

How It Operates

The overall objective of the program is to help every athlete achieve their potential. Every athlete is different, and has different gaps that need to be developed. This leads to a program built around four core development areas:

  1. Technical: To develop the player’s ability to control and manipulate the ball in the most efficient way possible.
  2. Tactical: To develop the player’s understanding of the game. This can include analysing their own performances and solving tactical problems during a game.
  3. Physical: To teach the player how to best manage, grow and develop their physical well being. 
  4. Mental, Social, and Emotional: To manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Importance

Soccer Nova Scotia’s role in the development of high-performance athletes is to support players in their journey to the next step in their pathway. 

  1. Professional Environments
  2. Canadian National Team (U15, U17 & U20s)
  3. Level Below
    • NCAA Programs
    • U Sports Programs
    • ACAA Programs

The objective of EXCEL is to prepare athletes for these environments.

How To Join

Players are selected for the EXCEL program based on their performance as individuals within their club environments or within other SNS Programs. There is no application or tryouts for this program. 

For more information, please contact the SNS Manager of Performance Pathways, Adam Miller, adam@soccerns.ca

2025/26

2026/27

GOALKEEPERS

Marissa Mason, Donna Munroe

DEFENDERS

Riley Simmonds, Whitney McKim, Ayla Bauld, Brooklyn Hatfield, Amelia Sandford, Ryla Vaillancourt

MIDFIELDERS

Norah MacDonald, Marley Gervais, Lily Meeds, Zoe MacNutt, Annika Wilkin, Emily Wells, Audrey Green, Clara Conrad

FORWARDS

Evelyn Power, Josie MacCormick, Avery Mosher, Libby Mills, Emmersyn Chaisson, Macie McLeod, Ruby Thompson

PART-TIME PLAYERS

Kaelynn, Auby, Isla Adams, Penelope Hiltz, Vienna Butts, Reese Adams, Zara Denomme, Carlie Dickson, Jordyn Conrad, Julia Langille, Ellie MacCurdy-MacAdam, Claire Kew, Sophia Walsh, Claire Kaupp, Avery Kelloway

GOALKEEPERS

Nate McCarthy, Jonah Miedema

DEFENDERS

Chrispin Lupapua, Cameron Dunphy, Sohail Nait el Caid, Simon Kaupp, Reese Currie, Declan Lapointe, Philip Calvert

MIDFIELDERS

Taim Al Haj Ali, Oliver Fraser, Jasper Walker, Orrin Kelday, Asher Davis, Noah Brown

FORWARDS

Jimi Akindele, Lars Struijf, Faheem Mufutau, Tobenna Ezurike, Michael Darko, Lokua Calvert

PART-TIME PLAYERS

Harrison Jollymore, Chase Smith, Remmy Marriott, Arbion Muckurti, Emmanuel Adegola, Ibrahim Elsherif, Connor Antle, Luke Marsh, Jonah John, Amir Shehab, Jovan Campbell-Christmas, Roben Dula, Oliver Kutcher-White, Nathan Brown, Grayson Macneil, Kailum Marshall