A Canadian Olympian is the first player signed to the new Halifax professional women’s soccer team.

Erin McLeod will join the Halifax Tides Football Club as the goalkeeper for their 2025 debut season.

“I am incredibly excited to join the Tides and return to a city that holds a special place in my heart,” McLeod said in a news release from the team.

“Halifax has a wonderful soccer community, and I can’t wait to contribute my experience to the team and support the growth of women’s soccer on the East Coast.”

McLeod won a gold and bronze medal in the Olympics and appeared in the FIFA Women’s World Cup multiple times, according to a news release from the team.

She played for the Canadian Olympic team in 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020.

But she’s also shown her dedication to growing soccer in Canada, the team said. McLeod has played for several football clubs internationally, including Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Chicago Red Stars, Orlando Pride, and most recently, the Icelandic side Stjarnan.

Acadia University’s head soccer coach, Amit Batra joined the team in June as their sporting director. Batra said signing McLeod is a major step for the team.

“Erin is passionate about Canada finally having our own domestic women’s league and knows there is so much talent in our country that goes unnoticed. Her extensive experience at the highest levels of the game will help guide our team and inspire young athletes across the country,” he wrote in the release.

McLeod has worked in Halifax in the past, leading soccer clinics and other youth programs, the team said, and McLeod looks forward to moving to the city and bringing her family here.

Tides Head Coach Lewis Page said in the release that McLeod’s competitive spirit and professionalism will stand out.

“Her time in Halifax and connection to the community will resonate with our fans, making her a perfect fit as we build our identity in the Northern Super League,” wrote Page.