DIRECTOR OF COACHING - Steve Jackman
Steve Jackman has over 40 years of playing experience and 25 years of coaching experience. As a former coach, Steve has represented numerous clubs across Ontario. He currently holds the following certifications:
In addition to coaching, Steve has also assisted various students gain scholarships towards Canadian and American institutions.
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR - Geoff Strauch
GFA is ecstatic to announce the hiring of its new Technical Director, Geoff Strauch. Geoff’s qualifications speak for themselves as he’s coached both male and female players, from three years to adult at various levels of ability ranging from beginner to National level.
As a Player Coach and Coaching mentor, he’s been employed by professional clubs and National Associations across the globe. Along with Geoff’s wealth of experience, he brings with him the following qualifications:
GOALKEEPER COACH - Paulo Silva
Paulo is a former professional goalkeeper, playing professionally in Brazil, Italy and Canada, and has been heavily involved in soccer for the past 34 years as a player, trainer and coach.
Throughout his career he has received many awards including best player for Democrata 1987 in Brazil, and best goalkeeper in the CNSL 1990/91/93 In Canada.
Paulo Silva brings with him the following qualifications:
In Loving Memory of former Coach Desai Williams
Desai was a former three-time Olympian (1980, 1984, 1988) and Bronze Medalist (1984). His wealth of experience and knowledge has seen him serve as Canada’s Sprints and Relay Coach, as well as a Speed and Conditioning Coach and Track Coach where he designed training programs for professional sports teams and players from the NHL, MLB, NFL and CFL.
Desai’s influence provided an exceptional training program coupled with technical support which will enable our athletes to utilize their speed, power, agility, flexibility, mobility, and energy systems efficiently in their sport, while minimizing the risk of sport-related injuries.
Desai left a legacy of knowledge and his achievements inspire us all moving forward.
STAFF COACH - Les Smith
GFA is pleased to announce the addition of Coach Les to the GFA Family. Coach Les brings over 20 years Coaching Experience and has worked with a number of individual athletes, Community Clubs and Academy teams in the Greater Toronto Area.
STAFF COACH - Alyssa Smith
GFA is pleased to announce the addition of Alyssa Smith to the GFA Family. Alyssa brings over 12 years of competitive soccer which was celebrated with her recent graduation from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo Michigan.
ATHLETIC THERAPIST - Hollie Lau
Hollie has obtained a BSc in Kinesiology, and is in her second year of Athletic Therapy. She is a former Junior National Table Tennis athlete, Quest for Gold sponsored athlete, and NCCP certified coach. She has previously worked with the Humber College Varsity Men's Rugby Team, as well as Humber College's extramural Men's and Women's Hockey Teams.
Paula Giancola - Administrator
Communications - TBD
Strength & Conditioning - Core Fitness Studio
Nutritionist - Michelle Gasparotto
Marketing - Lorne MacKinnon (marketing@genesisfootballacademy.com)
Recruitment Coordinator - Lorne MacKinnon (info@genesisfootballacademy.com)
Grassroots Coordinator - Susy Darini (admin@genesisgrassroots.com)