It's not often someone can say they were a part of soccer history, but George Brown Huskies women's soccer coach Nicole Carvalho can add that distinction to her resume. She served as an assistant coach for Canada Soccer's Women's Futsal Team at the inaugural FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup in the Philippines from November 21 to December 7, an experience she describes as unforgettable.
"Incredible," she explained. "To know that Canada earned a spot in the first-ever Women's Futsal World Cup and had the opportunity to compete against the best teams in the world was truly special. Experiencing and witnessing that level of play, passion, and professionalism was unforgettable and something I will always be proud to be a part of."
Representing your country on any stage is a tremendous honour, and it is something Carvalho will never take for granted.
"Pride, honour, and growth immediately come to mind. Representing Canada on an international futsal stage was incredibly meaningful. Knowing that Canada can compete at this level is special, and being part of the team that made history by qualifying for the first-ever FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup shows the growth and potential of futsal in our country," she said.
When asked about a highlight from the inaugural tournament, one moment stood out above the rest.
"One moment I'll never forget was the first time I stepped onto the official court during our team's practice session. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. I was completely overcome with emotion and couldn't hold back the tears. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and realized that all the hard work, sacrifices, and long hours were for that exact moment," she said.
Carvalho has been an assistant coach with the Huskies women's soccer team since 2023, after competing one season for the Huskies as a player while completing a diploma in Construction Engineering Technology, followed by a post graduate certificate in Project Management. She believes that being part of this historic journey with Canada's futsal team will only strengthen her development as a coach moving forward.
"I learned by watching. I observed how each coach handled pressure, how they kept their composure in big moments, and how that energy carried through the group. Studying the game helps prepare you for unpredictable situations, and having a clear structure in place keeps teams organized and disciplined during tough moments, allowing players more freedom to enjoy the game. At the end of the day, we do this because we love the game, and the more our players enjoy it, the more they will commit to the team and to each other," she explained.
A strong proponent of the sport, Carvalho is deeply committed to growing futsal in Canada. She is the founder, league coordinator, and convenor of the Ontario Women's Futsal League (OWFL), the only women's futsal league in Ontario, and believes this World Cup will serve as a catalyst for the sport's continued growth nationwide.
"I hope this World Cup showed Canadians that there is a real future in futsal for both boys and girls. I hope we continue to fight for the growth of the sport and receive the support it deserves," she stated. "More importantly, I hope people around the world see how beautiful the game is and recognize that women can compete at the highest level, just as the men do."
Futsal has been around since 1930 but has seen significant growth around the world in recent years, particularly in North America. Carvalho believes there is untapped potential in Canada due to its long winters and growing soccer culture. That momentum continues to build, and when asked what message she would share with young Canadian players or coaches looking to be part of the sport's rise, Carvalho did not hesitate.
"Go for it," she said. "You won't be disappointed. This World Cup has created a larger platform for futsal in Canada, and with that comes more opportunities for players and coaches to learn, grow, and be involved in the sport. Now is the time to get in and be part of it."
