Halifax Grammar School (HGS) has been around since 1958, a full 60 years before the founding of the current iteration of HFX Wanderers FC. The school has long been seen as an academically driven institution, but you may not know about the balance that is maintained between academics, altruism, athletics and the arts. 

You may also be unaware of the deep rooted connections between HGS alumni and HFX Wanderers, including rising Wanderers goalkeeper Kieran Baskett, Season Pitchside ticket holder Bessy Nikolaou, Suite Holder and Sponsor David Wilson and Director of Business Development at the Wanderers, David Finlayson.

Kieran Baskett went to HGS from Primary until Grade 10 and found it to be a perfect mix for his academic and athletic ambitions. “I knew from my dad (Roger ‘86) and uncle (Paul ‘92) that the school was a great space for me to explore many of my interests. I was able to try out classes like Film Studies while pursuing my passion for football. This was a key takeaway from the school, it enables students to chase something they are passionate for to create a great future.”

Bessy Nikolaou ‘93, is a premium pitchside season ticket holder. “I played soccer at HGS, but the spark started at home from a very young age. My dad was heavily involved in Soccer Nova Scotia from the 70s, so I come from a football family. In fact, I was the first girl in our family to ever kick a soccer ball! I was surprised and excited to find out that Kieran was a Grammar Alum. We have seen many people from the top of their field graduate from the school, but this is the first professional athlete that I can remember.”

Dave Finlayson ‘93 (Fin) was one of Bessy’s classmates and currently works in business development for the Wanderers. “The school has always churned out top academic, artistic and community minded alumni. During my time at the school I was challenged academically and was able to create strong relationships with people in all grades at the school. It prepared me for university, but also built my ability as a critical thinker. When I first heard that HGS might have a pro football player I was fired up and suffice to say that Kieran has exceeded my expectations this season.”

Kieran reflects on his time leaving home to start his journey towards playing professionally.

“I went away with Grammar for a tournament in Ontario and was billeted with a family. I remember conceding 5 goals in one half and being crushed. Watching the other team knock the ball around after that was my first lesson in how to act like a professional team.”

David Wilson is a veteran of having two kids in the school and has supported the Wanderers since their inception. He loves coming to the matches with his family and has watched Kieran grow up with his son. “I have been associated with the Halifax Grammar School for over 15 years,” explains David. “My two kids graduated from the school in 2018 and 2020, and I am a past Chair of the Board of Governors. Kieran is a former classmate and teammate of my kids. I have had the opportunity to watch Kieran develop as a player and leader through his years of playing with my son at Halifax City Soccer Club and through junior high and high school soccer at the Grammar School.”

Impressed with the quality of Kieran and his drive to make it to the professional level, David also reflects on the impact he feels the club has made since its inception.

“The Wanderers have been embraced by Halifax in part because of the quality of the product on the field but even more importantly through their commitment to connecting with our community. It is powerful to be able to watch professionals playing at the Wanderers Grounds that were developed by our soccer clubs, schools and universities”.

“It feels natural that Kieran has made the short walk up South Park Street, traded his Grammar School kit for the Wanderers, and is playing top level soccer on a field that we know so well. He is a powerful role model for the type of student athlete that the Grammar School looks to develop.”

What would you want people to know about Grammar School?

Kieran Baskett: “Class sizes are very manageable, the teachers are dynamic and interesting with a focus on preparing the student for life, not just the next grade. There are students from around the world that come for the excellent education and the commitment to being part of a global community from the entire school is very important.

David Finlayson: “I am proud of my years at the school which instilled in me strong grounding to serve my community and explore my academic and artistic skills.”

David Wilson: “Success on the pitch, in the gym, or on a track is wonderful, but creating well rounded leaders through excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, and altruism should be the goal of our education system. Kieran is a great example.”

If you are interested in checking out what Grammar has to offer, head over to www.hgs.ns.ca for more details or to arrange a tour.

Brought to you by Armour Group, a proud supporter of the Wanderers and Halifax Grammar School.