Steve Jackman

40+ years of coaching

GFA Teams: 2007 (Head Coach)

Coaching licenses: OSA Provincial B, NSCAA National Diploma, NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma

Favourite soccer memory: Seeing the first GFA soccer game in 2015

"I coach to create better citizens of the world. I love coaching girls because I love how different it is working with girls. They challenge you in a unique way and it makes coaching more captivating."

Les Smith

25+ year of coaching

GFA Teams: 2011, 2014 (Head Coach); 2007, 2015 (Assistant Coach)

Coaching licenses: Certified Personal Trainer, NSCAA Goalkeeping Level 1 Diploma, Ontario Soccer Goalkeeper Certificate, Keeping Girls in Sport (Respect Group/Coach.ca), Pre B, C-License, In pursuit of C Diploma & UEAFA Coaching Certification 

Favourite soccer memory: Watching my son win an Ontario Cup in 2013 and my daughter win the MAC Championship with Western Michigan in 2015.

"I love coaching girls because of the expressions on their faces when they "get it."

Andrew Milner

2+ year of coaching

Coaching Licenses: Sports Science, Clinical Movement Sciences and Fundamental Sciences and Research Certification, BA in Kinesiology, American Counsel of Exercise Certified Personal Trainer, Canada Soccer grassroots certified coach

Favourite soccer memory: Training with one of my best friends during COVID to form long-term connection and maintain mental and physical health.

"I coach to give back to the community and sport that had a massive hand in making me the person I am today. I enjoy coaching girls because of the community that they foster both inside and outside of soccer. I believe that a strong community is essential for health and happiness."

Mike Giannantonio

8 years of coaching

GFA Team: 2015 (Head Coach)

Coaching Licenses: Provincial C License, B Coming Soon

Favourite soccer memory: Watching Italy vs. Australia Round of 16 2006 Men's World Cup Game, cheering for rival teams, but hugging after a dramatic Italy win

"I love to bring my passion and love the game to others. I'm not entirely sure what drives me to girls soccer, but I believe girls need more help in keeping theme engaged and excited about soccer an dI feel I'm a good fit for giving them that excitement and keeping them interested in sport and soccer."

Maya Ivancevic 

2 years of coaching

GFA Teams: 2014 (Assistant Coach)

Coaching licenses: Grassroots Learn to Train certifications, pursuing higher certifications

Favourite soccer memory: Getting dogpiled by my team after saving a tournament championship winning penalty shot

"I coach to help young athletes grow into confident, resilient individuals, both on and off the field. I coach girls because I know how powerful it is to have someone believe in you, and I want to be the person who helps them see what they’re capable of."

Peter Sciavilla 

4 years of coaching

GFA Teams: 2014 (Assistant Coach)

Accolades & Coaching licenses: Scholarship to Mercer College, Semi-Professional for Serbian White Eagles in CSL, National Championship Semi-Finalists with Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association, Ontario Cup Champion, FUNdamentals

Favourite soccer memory: Winning the U19 Ontario Cup and meeting idol Roberto Baggio during a charity match

"I coach because I love being a student of the game and giving back to the future generation of footballers. As a father of two girls who play soccer, it has come natural for me to watch and coach girls soccer. I also enjoy being part of the continued growth an development of women's soccer in Canada.

Debbie de Alwis

40+ years of soccer involvement

Past Experience: Team Manager for University Men's Basketball Team

Favourite sports memory: Watching Kawhi hit the 3 from the corner during the playoffs

"I love working with GFA because the coaches aren't just mentors - they've become an extension of our family. They create an environment where my daughter can be herself, develop leadership skills and learn the importance of teamwork."

Alicia Lashley

15+ years coaching, playing and administrating

Certifications/Licenses: Sports Management MA, Provincial B Soccer Coaching License, Certificate in Digital Marketing

Favourite soccer memory: Scoring a hat-trick to win my rep league at age 36.

"I instantly wanted to join GFA when I saw what they were doing to support players on and off the pitch. The fact they are also supporting girls in sport is the cherry on top. Building community is my passion, so it was a no-brainer to want to get involved with this unique movement."

Sarasa Najima

14+ Year of sports experience

Past Experience: Led social media campaigns for University of Toronto Sport & Rec, Dance and Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach, MLSE Case Competitor, U of T Sports Business Photo and Video Director, 

Favourite sports memory: Performing my first rhythmic gymnastics routine in Japan after a three-year break due to COVID

" As a female athlete, I'm driven to cultivate a more inclusive and empowering environment where athletes in my community can build confidence and achieve full potential."