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:

• OSA Provincial B
• NSCAA National Diploma
• NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma

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:

• UEFA “A” License.
• UEFA “B” Goalkeeper coaching specific License.
• English FA License
• New Zealand FA License
• Canadian National B License
• Qualified referee

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:

• Premier course for soccer coaches (FIFA and the Association of Hispanic coaches of Canada)
• Post to Post Goalkeeper Camp (Joe Corrigan English International Goalkeeper Coach Liverpool F.C.)
• Canadian Coaching License (Pre B and B license)
• ABTF (Brazilian Football Soccer Coaches Association Carlos Alberto Parreira, Brazilian National Coach)
• Galo Coaching International football course (Club Atletico Mineiro, Brazil)

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.

• NCCP Level 1V Certified
• Olympic Bronze Medalist
• Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist
• 12 Time Canadian Champion
• NCAA All American @ Clemson university
• CIS All Canadian @ York University
• Grey Cup Champion 2004 Toronto Argos

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.

• C License Trained
• Certified Personal Trainer
• NSCAA Goalkeeping Level 1 Diploma
• Ontario Soccer Goalkeeper Certificate 
• Keeping Girls in Sport ( Respect Group/Coach.ca) 
   

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.

• MAC Conference Champion 2015
• Three year starter
• Co captain in her senior year
• Led team in assists for 2017
• Academic All MAC (Mid American Conference) 2015 & 2017

SUPPORT STAFF

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)