The Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association is proud to celebrate a major milestone as Provincial Program players Luca Dupasquier and Luke Fahey have been selected to join the Halifax Wanderers U18 Academy.
Both players spent four years in the NLSA Provincial Program and Indoor Performance Centre, demonstrating the commitment and talent needed to take the next step in their development. Luca and Luke have also been supported by NLSA member clubs, CBS Soccer Association and Paradise Soccer Club which have played an important role in building foundations and nurturing their talent. As well as training and playing with Holy Cross Senior Men's team this season, strong club programs combined with provincial opportunities and support, are essential to helping local players reach their potential.
For players from Newfoundland and Labrador, reaching this level comes with unique challenges. Our province’s location can make access to scouting opportunities and pathways to professional academies more difficult. The NLSA Technical team works hard to create opportunities for our players to be seen, gain valuable experience and access development environments that may not otherwise be easily available to them.
Luca and Luke’s achievement is a significant milestone, highlighting the importance of creating pathways for Newfoundland and Labrador players to succeed beyond the province.
Their accomplishments speak for themselves.
Luca represented the U18 Provincial Team at just 15 years old, was a training player with the 2025 Canada Games program and participated in the 2025 Canada Soccer Atlantic REX Integration event.
Luke was the youngest member of the 2025 Canada Games team and participated in both the 2024 and 2025 Canada Soccer Atlantic REX Integration events.
NLSA Technical Director Adam Mooi recognized the significance of their achievement: “Luke and Luca are trailblazers in our program, they epitomize the type of people and players that we strive to identify, develop, and support in our programs. The determination and sacrifice they both showed along their unconventional path to get into a professional academy was inspirational and I am hopeful it inspires more players from Newfoundland and Labrador to keep pushing boundaries. I wish the boys the best of luck in the next step of their respective journeys.”
Their coaches also shared their pride in the players’ accomplishments.
Steven Jamieson (NLSA Technical Performance Coordinator) said: “Both Luke and Luca have been a joy to coach and we should all be very proud of them as what they have achieved takes dedication and determination! I am very proud of them both.”
Brent Hennebury (NLSA Competitions & Technical Coordinator) added: “It has been a pleasure to coach both Luke and Luca. The commitment and determination shown by both players has been admirable. These boys have paved the pathway for future players from Newfoundland & Labrador. I wish them all the best in the next chapter of their careers.”
This is an incredible accomplishment for both players and a proud moment for the NLSA and the NL soccer community. We look forward to following Luca and Luke as they take this exciting next step in their soccer journeys!