Halifax Tides hire former Colorado Rapids VP, confirm Stephen Hart as head coach

HALIFAX — The Northern Super League’s Halifax Tides FC have named Ruth Fahy as vice-president of football and confirmed Stephen Hart as head coach.

Hart was named interim coach in late June, replacing Lewis Page who was tasked with helping establish the Tides development academy. Halifax was 1-6-1 at the time, in the league basement.

The Tides finished the NSL’s inaugural season last in the six-team league at 3-15-7.

Fahy arrives from Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids, where she had served as vice-president, club administration and compliance, since February 2023.

“Ruth brings experience, ambition and belief in what this club can become,” Halifax president Valerie Malone said in a statement. “We learned so much from our first year — now we’re building on that. We’re not standing still. These changes give us clarity, confidence and a renewed path forward.”

Fahy, from Galway, Ireland, is a lawyer who holds a UEFA B coaching licence and played in the Women’s League of Ireland for Castlebar Celtic, Galway WFC and Wexford Youths. She previously had a short stint as CEO of Galway Women’s FC in Ireland and served as a TV pundit.

The 65-year-old Hart’s coaching resume includes stints in charge of the Canadian national men’s team and Halifax Wanderers of the Canadian Premier League.

His Tides coaching staff includes returning goalkeeper coach Mark Haynes and assistant Katie Barrott, with Gary Ohanessian joining as physical performance coach. The club says it is recruiting a second assistant coach and analyst.

Halifax players returning in 2026 include goalkeeper of the year Anika Tóth, defenders Annika Leslie, Addy Weichers, Eva Fremaux and Julianne (Jubes) Vallerand, midfielders Karima Lemire and Megumi Nakamura, and forwards Saorla Miller, Syd Kennedy and Tiffany Cameron.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2025