2023 Strategic Direction
OUR STRATEGIC PILLARS
Engage external stakeholders to grow our partnerships, ensure collaboration, economic sustainability, affordability, accessibility, and inclusion for the betterment of our sport and organizationally diverse membership.
Lead by guiding. Our values shine in all aspects of our governance practices. Excellence, quality, and transparency in all that we do.
Grow the capacity for province-wide impact supporting player, coach, official, league and club development.
Foster representation of all populations at all levels of governance and operations across our sport.
STRATEGIC Message
Soccer is a game that transforms lives. It brings people of all ages together. It builds communities and inspires us on and off the pitch. At Soccer Nova Scotia, we are proud to support and grow this sport across the province positively impacting the lives of so many people.
This year, we present our 2022-2025 Strategic Direction. This is the roadmap we will use over the next three years to remain impactful, to grow the sport, and to bring us closer to realizing our vision – a community-driven, nationally recognized leader in the development and growth of soccer.
Our strategic direction evolved from research and community consultations with members, parents and soccer leaders over the past year. Our survey resulted in over 1,100 individual responses while asking respondents to rank priorities within three key areas: administrative, technical, and organizational. Our vision and mission remain constant.
We asked what it would take to be recognized as a leading soccer province—more than half referenced soccer development, followed by inclusion. We also asked what must change to achieve this vision (most responses referenced coaching, facilities or affordability); and what is Soccer Nova Scotia’s role in making changes happen.
Based on our 2021 survey results and feedback from other organizational reviews, we expanded our values to clarify our roadmap. We added equity, diversity and accessibility. Expressing these values is imperative if we want to reach our vision. We can no longer assume our programs are inclusive and equitable.
We believe this plan will ensure we are moving forward while fostering inclusivity, allocating resources equitably and creating accessible changes so we are closer to achieving our vision. Our plan is structured on four pillars: facilitate, govern, develop, and diversify. Any action we take must strengthen these pillars.
Where do we go now? Following approval by Soccer Nova Scotia’s Board, our focus will shift to implementation planning. An implementation plan detailing goals, objectives, key initiatives, timelines, and measures of progress will be developed to deliver on our strategic priorities areas and corresponding priorities. We will report annually on progress. We will identify ownership of strategic goals and assign resources. We will also consider the importance of responding to new opportunities if they emerge. We will need to have some flexibility. We certainly learned the importance of flexibility during the pandemic.
Our new three-year strategic direction requires a collaborative effort. We will work with parents, sport leaders and local organizations to meet needs. We will find new partnerships to build the sport and, hopefully, deepen long-lasting partnerships. Our expanded core values will guide our work.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to and supported this plan. We are excited about the future of soccer in Nova Scotia. We hope you are as well.
FACILITATE
Engage external stakeholders to grow our partnerships, ensure collaboration, economic sustainability, affordability, accessibility, and inclusion for the betterment of our sport and organizationally diverse membership.
- Strengthen capability and talent through increased prevalence and access to educational opportunities.
- Work with funding partners and other stakeholders to increase economic sustainability in programming.
- Develop organizational collaboration with other sport bodies.
Govern
Lead by governing. Our values shine in all aspects of our governance practices. Excellence, quality, and transparency in all that we do.
- Optimize the positive aspects of our culture and governance by working collaboratively with key stakeholders and members.
- Create an overarching soccer growth strategy engaging all members and stakeholders.
- Create and implement a safe sport strategy aligning with National and Provincial guidelines.
- Create and implement a communications strategy founded by transparency.
Develop
Grow the capacity for province wide impact supporting player, coach, official, league and club development.
- Support the growth of the game through effective and efficient operations, administration, and infrastructure.
- Drive access, participation, retention, and growth through focused programming and partnerships.
- Maximizing the positive experience for all players, coaches, managers, referees, volunteers, parents, and supporters by providing a supportive environment.
Diversify
Increase representation of all populations at all levels of governance and operations across our sport.
- Champion rural realities and rural development through strategic engagements.
- Build partnerships to assist with the recruitment and retention of more diverse participants (including female, youth, black and new Canadians, LGBTQIA2S+).
- Reduce barriers for underrepresented populations across recruitment, training, certification, mentorship, and assessment.
OUR VISION
A community-driven, nationally recognized leader in the development and growth of soccer
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to build impactful and meaningful relationships with our members to build vibrant communities. Our efforts and decision-making revolve around the welfare and experience of players, embracing the values of fair play, respect, inclusion, and a passion for soccer.
OUR VALUES
Respect, Inclusion, Innovation, Quality, Integrity, Equity, Diversity
