United DFC Need to Know: February 5 - February 12, 2025

United DFC Need to Know: February 5 - February 12, 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 Friday.

UDFC Winter 25/26 Season Survey

As we wrap up the season, we would love to hear your feedback. Your input helps us understand what worked well and where we can improve as we plan for next season.

This short survey should take only a few minutes to complete and your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for being part of the UDFC community and for supporting our players throughout the season.

Link to Survey

ECV Facility Reminder

Please note that ECV programming begins at 5:00 PM. We are not permitted to interfere with any programming taking place prior to that time. ECV has informed us that players have been arriving as early as 4:15 PM, which conflicts with their scheduled programs.

Players should arrive only at their designated start time. Thank you for your cooperation.

UNITED DFC SPOTLIGHT

Black Excellence Spotlight

This February, in recognition of Black History Month, we’re spotlighting the Black athletes, coaches, managers, and volunteers who help shape United DFC. Join us as we celebrate their stories, achievements, and contributions.

Link to Submissions

UDFC Excel Athletes leave for Toronto

Our UDFC athletes in the Excel SNS program are on their way to Toronto for their first trip away. They left this morning - good luck and enjoy the experience! 

GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM

Meet Keith Partridge, U12 & U13 Technical and Club GK Lead at United DFC 

Keith Partridge is a Canada Soccer-certified coach with experience across all stages of the player pathway, from minis and grassroots programs through to competitive youth and ACAA post-secondary environments. He holds the Canada Soccer Goalkeeper Coach Diploma and serves as an NCCP Grassroots Coach Facilitator, supporting the development of coaches alongside players. Keith’s coaching philosophy is grounded in Long-Term Player Development (LTPD), game-based learning, and the creation of safe, inclusive environments that promote confidence, decision-making, and enjoyment of the game. In addition to his coaching credentials, he is a professional educator and assessment specialist, bringing expertise in instructional design, feedback, and reflective practice that strengthens his session planning, communication, and individualized player and coach support.tentionally, and standards are clearly understood and lived.

End of Season Reminders

As we approach the end of the winter season, please keep the following important reminders in mind:

• All programs conclude on March 8th
• See Playoff Info below

Jersey Return

• Team managers will collect jerseys from players before the end of the season on March 8. Once the jersey is returned, the deposit will be returned by the team manager. If a jersey is not returned to the team manager by this date, return arrangements must be made with the office staff.

Looking Ahead to Summer?

Summer registration is expected to open mid to late February

Summer assessments are expected to start in late March, with sessions continuing into April. Details to follow.

Winter Playoffs Are Coming Soon!

Winter Season playoffs are fast approaching, and all 2025/2026 playoff brackets are now available on the NSSL website.

• Playoff formats may run 2-4 weeks, depending on division size

• All matches are single-elimination, with consolation games for eliminated teams

• Game times and locations will be added once final standings are confirmed and schedules are posted in RAMP

Playoff brackets can be viewed here: CLICK HERE

Important Playoff Rules

• Tied playoff games will be decided by sudden-death penalty kicks

• Player movement and guest players are not permitted in playoff matches (violations will result in forfeiture)

Divisions Without Playoffs

• All U12 divisions

• Youth AAA divisions (U15 AAA and U17 AAA)

2026 Indoor Playoffs Website

Canada Celebrates Coming to Halifax! 

FIFA has announced Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026™, a nationwide series of free community events running from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The programme will officially kick off on June 11, 2026, with launch events on both coasts — including Halifax, Nova Scotia on the East Coast.

Fans in Halifax can look forward to live match viewings, football-themed activities, cultural performances, and family-friendly programming.

Free and open to the public - More details will be shared as plans are finalized.

Updated Office Hours (Effective February 1)

We’ve listened to feedback from our membership and are excited to introduce evening office hours to better support our families. We’re also keeping the office open on Fridays to help ensure everything is ready ahead of the weekend’s games.

Reminder: ECV Field Use & Safety Guidelines

As our indoor season gets underway, we’d like to remind everyone that only players scheduled to be on the field are permitted inside the turf area at East Coast Varsity (ECV) during practices. For safety reasons, siblings and parents are not allowed on the field unless they are part of the session. Additionally, if your team’s session is next, please wait until the current session has finished before stepping onto the field. This helps us keep transitions smooth and ensures a safe, organized environment for all players and coaches. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and respectful training space.

Interested in Coaching?

If you are interested in coaching at any age group, please contact Mesut at mesut@udfc.ca for more information.

Our Coaches receive a stipend/incentive upon each season completion. 

Coaches are supported financially through certification. 

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 the office to receive a $35 discount on player 3, and a registration value up to $300 for player 4. 

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.