The Halifax Wanderers Development Teams are high-performance soccer programs that aim to strengthen the player pathway in Atlantic Canada.

Our goal is to create the most challenging and caring football development program in North America to progress players in the Halifax Wanderers player pathway to reach their full potential. 

This program is funded by the Wanderers, with players receiving elite technical instruction, competitive matches and life skills education to prepare them for the next step of their footballing journey.

Founded in 2023, the Halifax Wanderers U21 Development Team provides elite training and competition for high-performance soccer players in the spring and summer.

Wanderers U21 plays a full season of exhibition matches against a range of local and international clubs, including the annual International Summer Series against clubs from Europe. The squad is comprised of players from the four Atlantic Canadian Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI and Newfoundland & Labrador), players involved in university soccer programs in Atlantic Canada (AUS), and players signed to Halifax Wanderers first-team contracts needing supplementary competitive minutes on the road back from injury or limited selection.

In addition to regular training and matches, members of Wanderers U21 are frequently integrated into first-team training sessions throughout the season. This program is fully funded by the Halifax Wanderers with no costs for players invited.

In 2025, the Halifax Wanderers expanded the Development Team program to include a U18 team. This team will focus on developing players under the age of 18 to strengthen the player pathway in Atlantic Canada. Players will train and compete in a high-performance environment with the goal of progressing to the Halifax Wanderers first team in the Canadian Premier League or post-secondary (U SPORTS/NCAA) soccer programs.

The Wanderers U18 Development Program is a full-time commitment, with players signing with and registering with the Halifax Wanderers Football Club. 

Through the winter months, a core of Halifax-based players will train a minimum of three weekday mornings before high school hours. In Spring and Summer, sessions will transition to after-school hours. Monthly multi-day training camps will be held to integrate players who are not yet residing in Halifax, typically on school professional days or holidays.

Training sessions will be supplemented by a strength & conditioning program led by Halifax Wanderers performance coaches, as well as a comprehensive life skills education program for all players. 

Competition will consist of a mixture of 11-a-side exhibition games and showcases throughout the winter months. The Wanderers U18 team plans to compete in the Nova Scotia Soccer League Premier Division in the summer of 2026.

Top performers will also earn invitations to U21 team games and first team training sessions. All Wanderers U18 players are eligible to earn up to 4 Wanderers CPL First Team Development Permits and 2 Exceptional Young Talent Contracts.

What does it cost to be a member of the Wanderers U18 team?

Once accepted into the Wanderers U18 Development Team, all training sessions, uniforms, training gear, nutrition, education and local competition are financed by the club.  All members of the Wanderers Development Program are integrated into community projects that impact local soccer and are required to complete a minimum of 50 volunteer hours annually.

Under the Canadian Premier League Roster Regulations, the Halifax Wanderers can offer up to four development contracts to high-potential U18 talent, including integration with First Team training environments and eligibility for selection in Canadian Premier League matches.

Can I be a member of the Wanderers Development Program if I don't live in Halifax?

The Halifax Wanderers Development Program is primarily based in Halifax and serves as a pathway for top talent residing in Atlantic Canada or willing to relocate to the region. While relocation to Halifax is not mandatory through the Winter months, it is encouraged for the most access to the Wanderers' resources. Regular weekly training sessions are offered from November to March in Halifax, with additional multi-day training camps each month held around holidays and school breaks to integrate players who have not yet relocated to Halifax due to personal or academic commitments. For April through August, all members of the Wanderers Development Program must reside in the Halifax region. 

Who does the U18 Development Team play against?

The Wanderers U18 Development Team will travel to several showcases outside Atlantic Canada, designed to challenge players in a highly competitive environment, in front of top scouts from professional clubs and colleges, with players included from across the Academy program. The Wanderers U18 team intends to compete in the Nova Scotia Premier Men’s Division beginning in 2026.

As of 2025, over 50 U SPORTS athletes have been involved in the Wanderers Development Team program. Several players have earned professional contracts and NCAA Division I scholarships after participating in the Wanderers Development Team program:

Remi Agunbiade | Akron University, NCAA

Jefferson Alphonse | Halifax Wanderers, CPL

Sinclair Astridge | Halifax Wanderers, CPL

Kimani Stewart-Baynes | Colorado Rapids, MLS

Ethan Schilte-Brown | Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership

Yorgos Gavas | Drexel University, NCAA

Ben Marsh | Halifax Wanderers, CPL

David Mavakala | Halifax Wanderers, CPL

Gabe Raphael | Holy Cross, NCAA

Jamai Royer, Akron University, NCAA

Aiden Rushenas | Halifax Wanderers, CPL

Camilo Vasconcelos | Halifax Wanderers, CPL