Wanderers launch Under-23 program
Signs local keeper Baskett
Halifax's Canadian Premier League franchise is launching an under-23 program.
HFX Wanderers are creating a player development system and will begin a training program for male players 16 years and older who have been identified for future consideration in the Wanderers' organization.
Players included in this program will be considered for an under-23 Wanderers team that is expected to begin this summer with a series of exhibition games against clubs from outside the region.
“As a club, we have taken our time and asked the question, ‘where can we have the biggest impact in terms of improving the player pathway and development here in Nova Scotia?' Derek Martin, president and founder of the HFX Wanderers, said in a news release.
“What we learned is that the best place for us to start is in bridging the gap between existing under-17 programs and the end goal of becoming a Wanderer.”
Players will remain with their local clubs for regular training and competition.
The Wanderers' youth training, provided at no charge and by invitation only, will allow the pro club's technical staff and players to work with this next generation of local talent to continue their development.
The ultimate goal is to build a first team squad that includes a minimum of six homegrown players by 2026.
“The 18-23 year-old age group has, for as long as I have been involved in the game, been the missing piece for opportunity in the Canadian player pathway to be identified,” Wanderers head coach Stephen Hart said in the release.
“Nova Scotia has the ability to produce professional players and I am excited to get to work with these talented young players.”
Soccer Nova Scotia has more than 20,000 players from all ages starting at entry level programs and continuing through senior levels.
SIGN HALIFAX’S BASKETT
The Wanderers also announced the signing of local goalkeeper Kieran Baskett to a contract for the 2021 season with a club option for 2022.
The 19-year-old Halifax native is returning home after playing the last few years in the United States, including a season where he was starting keeper at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
“Adding Kieran is another signal of our intent to give local players opportunities to prove themselves at the professional level,” said Matt Fegan, HFX Wanderers VP of Football Operations in a news release. “His signing can inspire other young Nova Scotians currently developing with our local clubs that they too can go all the way.”
The six-foot-three keeper made 18 starts for William & Mary in 2019, playing 1,675 minutes and had three shutouts for the Colonial Athletic Association school.
“I'm happy that I have the opportunity to come home and play for the fans in Halifax,” said Kieran Baskett. “I have been working the past three years to program my career and I am looking forward to representing my hometown.”
Baskett locally played for Suburban FC and was a member of Nova Scotia's Canada Games soccer team alongside Wanderers' Scott Firth.
Baskett joins fellow Halifax native Christian Oxner as HFX'S goalkeeping tandem for the 2021 Canadian Premier League season.