Football Nova Scotia would like to announce that Jon Dyer is the head coach for the provincial under-18 team.
The Halifax, Nova Scotia native will lead the under-18 squad at the 2024 Football Canada Cup in Saskatchewan.
“It’s a real privilege to be in this position,” Dyer said of his new role. “There are so many great coaches that have coached me and coached with me, and I think there is a responsibility to give back and grow the sport. I’m excited to lead this group on a national stage.”
Dyer has extensive coaching experience that has equated to success. Most notably, he was on the Citadel Phoenix coaching staff for 14 seasons in different roles including co-head coach and offensive coordinator. During his tenure between 2008-2022, the Phoenix won 12 provincial high school championships.
On the international stage, Dyer joined Football Canada’s coaching staff in a couple of different capacities. He was the offensive coordinator for the National Men’s under-18 team at the 2020 International Bowl in Texas. Furthermore, Dyer was a mentor coach for the Junior Men’s under-19 team at the 2018 International Bowl.
Dyer is no stranger to the provincial under-18 team. In 2019, he served as the offensive coordinator of the squad that represented Nova Scotia at the Football Canada Cup that was held in Kingston, Ontario. Additionally, he was an Offensive Assistant of the team that competed in the 2018 tournament in Calgary, Alberta, and the 2016 event in Winnipeg, Manitoba where the team placed sixth.
Before his coaching career, Dyer played for the Atlantic University Sport’s Mount Allison Mounties for four seasons (2003-2007). Previous to that, he suited up for the Queen Elizabeth Lions for his high school career (2000-2002). Representing his home province, Dyer played for the provincial under-18 team at both the 2002 and 2003 Football Canada Cup tournaments,
Dyer was the team captain for all those teams.
Taking over the reins of the under-18 provincial program, Dyer has high expectations of what is possible for the players.
“We are going to set a high bar in everything we do,” he said. “It’s our job as coaches to develop our players and hold everyone accountable. If we identify the right kids and put them in the best position possible, I think success on the field will follow.”
Based on his previous experiences as a player and coach, Dyer would like to foster a positive environment for the players. He hopes that suiting up for the provincial under-18 program will be an enriching experience.
“I want our kids to go back to their local programs after the Football Canada Cup having had the experience of a lifetime where they became better players and leaders. Nova Scotia has a growing bed of football talent in all parts of the province. I hope we can get as many kids participating as possible because I know firsthand as a former player and coach how great of an experience it can be.”