AVR SUMIN KIM
Mariners soccer teams ready for CAF National Championship
By Trident Staff
After celebrating big wins at the recent regional tournaments, the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax Mariners are set for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) National Soccer Championship, set to be hosted by CFB Borden from September 24-29.
Both the men’s and women’s Mariners teams won regional gold in August, earning invitations to compete at nationals as the Atlantic representatives facing off against the top teams from the Quebec, Central and Western regions.
“Regionals was a great opportunity to compete against talented teams in the Atlantic Region. Our success throughout the tournament reflected the months of commitment and effort by players and our coach. We’re excited to build on our success at Nationals,” said team captain and regional MVP award recipient Lieutenant (N) Kate Costello.
She also credited other Atlantic region teams for raising the stakes and allowing for a hard-fought and competitive soccer season. The Halifax teams are also preparing to welcome a few top players from other bases to round out their rosters for nationals.
“As always, one of the highlights of the regional tournament was the camaraderie among the teams. While all players were competing hard on the field, there was a great sense of respect between teams throughout the tournament.”
On the men’s side, coming off a similarly strong performance at last month’s regional tournament, the team will once again be led by Lt(N) Jaidonn Freeland, a regular at CAF nationals over the last decade and a veteran of the CAF international soccer team.
Follow CAF Sports on Facebook for results and more information as the tournament gets underway.
Upcoming Base sporting events
The soccer season may be wrapping up, but there’s plenty of opportunity to play sports at the unit level through the upcoming fall and winter and earn Base Cup, Fleet Cup, and Wing Cup points. Check out the schedule below and send your team information to Isaac.Habib@forces.gc.ca (Halifax) or Mary.Thompson@forces.gc.ca (Shearwater):
Volleyball — MEGA/Wing Cup
19–23 Oct 2026 | Dockyard Gym / Shearwater Gym
Team information deadline: 9 Oct 2026
3-on-3 Basketball — MEGA/Wing Cup
13/16 Nov 2026 | Dockyard Gym / Shearwater Gym
Team information deadline: 6 Nov 2026
Curling — MEGA
16–20 Nov 2026 | CFB Halifax Curling Club
Team information deadline: 9 Nov 2026
Badminton — MEGA/Wing Cup
23–27 Nov 2026 | Dockyard Gym / Shearwater Gym
Team information deadline: 16 Nov 2026
Ice Hockey — MEGA
30 Nov–4 Dec 2026 | Shearwater Arena
Team information deadline: 23 Nov 2026
