Goalkeeper Erin McLeod, 42, embracing challenge and enjoying life in Northern Super League

Having played for clubs in the United States, Germany, Sweden and Iceland, veteran Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod has been around the soccer block.

And while the Northern Super League is just taking its first steps, the 42-year-old McLeod -- the oldest player in the league -- likes what she sees as a member of the Halifax Tides.

In her other leagues, it often came down to players against the owners. Not in the NSL, she says.

"It's more of a collaborative mindset that I've ever seen before," McLeod said in an interview.

Given that, she is optimistic the Canadian pro league can become a world leader and a place "where the players feel seen and valued and heard."

And while the league is still building, McLeod says the foundation in Halifax is very promising.

"The facilities are nice," she said. "We've got a couple of meals a day being provided to us. They're really trying to connect with local sponsors that are going to get behind us. I think from a financial perspective, [league co-founder] Diana Matheson has done the numbers right. I don't ever feel like we're a club without."

"The fact that we're starting at this place, a lot of the leagues around the world that have been professional for a long time are not even there yet," she added.

The Halifax players were training at an indoor complex but now are working out of Dalhousie University which has set up a dressing room for them.

The NSL had a successful launch in Vancouver and Toronto last week with more than 14,000 at each of the opening games at B.C. Place Stadium and BMO Field.

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