ACADEMY TECHNICAL TEAM

Duncan Wilde has been a major figure in Canadian soccer for more than three decades. Arriving in Canada from his native England in 1988, he immediately made an impact in the soccer world.

In 1989, Wilde launched Premier Soccer Academy, the first academy to be registered in Ontario. As Premier Soccer Academy flourished, enjoying success after success under Wilde’s leadership, his reputation and influence continued to grow in parallel.

By 2003, Wilde was appointed Head Coach of the professional side Hamilton Thunder, leading them to the CPSL Western Conference Championship in his first season at the helm.

In the following year 2004, Wilde was appointed as the Head Coach of the Toronto Lynx competing in USL Pro, the top North American professional soccer league at the time.

In support of the Lynx, the Oakville Blue Devils were also established by Wilde in 2005 and went on to win the CPSL National Championship in their lone season.

Wilde’s love for the sport was cultivated from an early age in the Greater Manchester area from which he hails. After having the opportunity to represent his country playing for England Schoolboys, Wilde continued his youth career in the Manchester United Academy, eventually playing for Manchester United Reserves. His career included playing for Shrewsbury Town, Burnley, Manchester United and Everton.

When his playing days came to an end, it was coaching that proved to be the spark for the next chapter of Wilde’s career. After joining the Lynx in 2004, Wilde enjoyed many successful years with the Lynx organization including establishing and eventually owning, with his good friend and partner Billy Steele, the Toronto Lynx Academy. In all, Wilde’s career with the Lynx included serving as Head Coach of the Toronto Lynx USL Pro side from 2004 to 2007, Head Coach of the Toronto Lynx USL/PDL team, and Academy Director of the Toronto Lynx Academy.

The Lynx youth academy was extremely successful under the guidance of Wilde and Steele, playing in the Super Y League in the United States from 2007 to 2014. In that span they went to seven Super Y League North American Finals, four Super20 North American Finals, while sending hundreds of players on to college scholarships, professional careers and national team success.

In 2015, Wilde and Steele re-established Oakville Blue Devils FC with a men’s team competing in League1 Ontario and immediately won the 2015 League1 Championship in their first year, as well as becoming 2015 Inter-Provincial Champions.

Success has followed success for Wilde, Steele and the Blue Devils with the men’s team winning the 2017 League1 Ontario Championship, making the club the first-ever League1 club in history to earn a berth in the Canadian Championship. The Blue Devils Academy was established in 2017, with the Blue Devils League1 women’s team making its debut the following year. The men’s, women’s and reserve teams all won the regular season championship in 2019, and the Academy has grown into one of the best in Canada. For his part, Wilde was named League1 Ontario Coach of the Year in 2017 and 2019 while still serving as the Head Coach of the Blue Devils Academy.

William McCallum 'Billy' Steele was born in Kirkmuirhill, Lanark on the 16th of June 1955. He was a tidy, dapper midfielder who played for Norwich City at a young age and was capped for Scotland Youth several times, but had his footballing career cruelly taken from him through injury just as he was getting established in the side.

Having moved down to the Nuneaton area during his school years, the Canaries spotted him in junior football and signed him as an apprentice in 1971 aged just sixteen. Two years later he signed professional forms. His first team début was a baptism of fire - the 1973 East Anglian Derby against Ipswich Town at Carrow Road. It was in the earliest days of John Bond's reign as City manager, and keen to shake things up, he threw young Billy into the mix after good performances for the Reserves team. It almost worked - the small framed Scotsman hit the bar in the first half, giving Ted MacDougall the chance to hit home the rebound for a one
goal lead. Unfortunately Ipswich Town hit back after the break to win 2-1.

Billy played again three days later in the 1-1 Manchester City, but it was a difficult period at Carrow Road for a young professional to make his mark. His early professional career was marked by ups and downs. Eventually City fans started to see more and more signs of Steele's talents. The midfielder never had a hair out of place when he lined up at the start of a match, but always put in an industrious shift, and slowly his efforts were more appreciated.

The 1976-77 campaign was his real breakthrough season. Billy took his place alongside the exalted Martin Peters and the marvelous Colin Suggett, and increasingly played his part with neat touches and awareness. He missed a few games with niggling injuries but still managed 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring in the away defeats at Birmingham City and then at Everton. But in the very next game at Villa Park, tragedy struck. Billy Steele twisted his knee in a fall.

The incident ended his career as a professional player. The coming months saw four unsuccessful operations plus other numerous attempts at surgery to fix his injury. In the end he devastatingly had to call time on his career, aged just 24, with Norwich hosting a testimonial game with Norwich city playing England with guest players Bobby Moore, Jimmy Greaves and a no show George Best.

Following his playing career, Billy eventually moved to Canada in 2001, and in 2004 returned to the game as Assistant Coach with the Toronto Lynx Soccer Club. His son Aaron was a schoolboy player at Norwich in 2001, but also emigrated to Canada.

Alongside his good friend and coaching partner Duncan Wilde, Billy helped to steer the Lynx to many years of success in USL Pro, USL/PDL and helping to establish the Toronto Lynx Academy.

In 2015, Billy and Duncan re-established the Blue Devils as a League1 Ontario men’s team, enjoying incredible success including the 2015 League1 Championship in their first year, as well as becoming 2015 Inter-Provincial Champions.

Success has followed success for Billy, Duncan and the Blue Devils with the men’s team winning the 2017 League1 Ontario Championship, making the club the first-ever League1 club in history to earn a berth in the Canadian Championship. The Blue Devils Academy was established in 2017, with the Blue Devils League1 women’s team making its debut the following year. The men’s, women’s and reserve teams all won the regular season championship in 2019, and the Academy has grown into one of the best in Canada.

Each year, Billy still travels with Academy teams and returns to his beloved Norwich to play matches and experience a proper football Sunday at Carrow Road.

"When the Sun Comes Out in Norwich"
Sung by Billy Steele
Words and Music by Peter Monk © 2012

For the modern footballer, there is no one “clear cut path” to professionalism. Blue Devils FC President Steven Caldwell can attest to that. The Stirling, Scotland born defender rose up through the ranks at Newcastle United, and got his professional debut under Bobby Robson, playing alongside legends like Alan Shearer, Shay Given, and Gary Speed.

In his time at St. James’ Park he was part of a club playing Champions League matches against the likes of Inter Milan and Barcelona. But it wasn’t all matches at the San Siro and Camp Nou. He had several loan spells to lower league sides before becoming an automatic on the team sheet. Even then, that didn’t come until he moved on to Newcastle’s arch-rivals Sunderland. Caldwell’s career trajectory was never straight to the top, and they rarely ever are. Steven can speak to the agony of relegation, and the absolute thrill of captaining his Burnley side to Premier League promotion in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley. Along the way, Caldwell managed to find time for 12 Scotland International Caps in two World Cup Qualification rounds before ending his career captaining Toronto FC.

Now that he has hung up his boots, and he’s allowed to plot out his own future, he wants to use his experience to help a next-generation cut their own path. He has been named to the Canadian Men’s National Team as an Assistant Coach and joined Blue Devils FC in the early stages to help build the organization. There was no secret to his success. Determination and work ethic is what got him as far as he did.

“We want to improve the entire program not just tactically and technically, but psychologically as well - teaching these young players across Ontario what it really means to be a professional football player. How much intensity it takes in training, and how much focus and dedication is needed.”

Part of Steven’s decision to come on board with Blue Devils FC was because of the ambitious group that he will be working with. “I am joining an already successful team of qualified and experienced individuals in Duncan, Billy and Shen and I will look to lend my support in all areas of the soccer club.”

Blue Devils FC Head Coach Duncan Wilde is a product of first the City and then United Academies in his native Manchester. His counterpart on the touchline is another Scotsman – Billy Steele, who plied his trade with Norwich City in the ’70s. Caldwell believes it is the sum of that whole which will work together in the clubs efforts to provide young athletes in Southern Ontario with the greatest possible opportunities.

“Through our vast list of contacts both in North America and Europe and some unique ideas in grassroots soccer, we hope to take an already outstanding program even higher and become a leader in soccer throughout Canada.”

While Steven’s connections from his playing days will be an asset to the team, possibly his greatest contributions will happen in the boardroom. Upon his retirement from playing the game, Steven moved into the role of Director of Corporate Development with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. “My experience at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment allowed me into all sides of the game, not just the playing side and the technical side of it. Obviously, a lot of my work was with partnerships, ticket sales, community, everything that goes into Toronto FC, and the successes that they’ve had.”

All of these experiences will prove valuable as Blue Devils FC continues to build the organization in Ontario and beyond. “I’m very excited about what’s to come. We have a long road ahead of us, and a lot of difficult jobs, but we feel we are creating something very, very unique in Canada.”

Brett Mosen has over 35 years of coaching experience ranging from Grassroots to the Professional level. Brett has been with the Blue Devils since 2014 and is currently the Club’s Technical Director.

Brett started his professional coaching career in 1995 when appointed Head Coach for the Nashville Metros in the United Soccer League’s A League. Other Head Coaching appointments within the USL included the Atlanta Silverbacks, Lincoln Brigade, Southwest Florida Manatees, Hamilton FC, K-W United and Hampton Roads Mariners (Assistant Coach). Brett also has extensive experience coaching women’s programs including Head Coach appointments for the Toronto Lady Lynx and K-W United competing in the United Soccer League’s W League. Brett also served six years as Head Coach for the Women’s program at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Before moving to Canada Brett spent 16 years coaching in the United States enjoying positions such as State of Tennessee Director of Coaching, Olympic Development Program Regional Coach, USSF State Coaching Instructor for Tennessee, Nebraska, Virginia, Texas and Georgia.

Brett has also been a Coerver Coaching Licensee since 1994. The Coerver teaching method is recognized as the ‘Worlds #1 Skills Teaching Method’ and supported by FIFA and many leading clubs and associations around the globe.

Brett is passionate about player development and has enjoyed watching many of his players go on to play at the international, professional and collegiate levels. Some have also gone on to coach at a senior level including National and MLS professional teams.

Brett’s coaching credentials include the following:

Canadian National A License
United States Soccer federation National A License
UEFA B Coaching License
National Soccer Coaches Association of America Advanced National Diploma
National Soccer Coaches Association of America Director of Coaching Diploma

Brett’s energy, passion and leadership are one of the cornerstones of the Blue Devils program. Widely respected as one of the best technical minds in the game, Brett is focused on ensuring the Blue Devils is one of the best development programs for young Canadian players in the country.

Blue Devils FC Head Goalkeeper Coach Glenn McNamara’s playing and coaching career has spanned more than four decades and two continents.

In the early 1980s, Glenn played with York University where he was named first team CIAU All Canadian. Following his graduation in the late eighties, Glenn was signed with Clube Desportivo Nacional da Madeira in Portugal. This team won promotion to Primeira Liga in Portugal to play against the likes of Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto, and Benfica. Nacional is famously known as the club where a young Cristiano Ronaldo began his youth career. Glenn played first team games over the course of three seasons with Nacional. Coached by Paolo Atori, who went on to coach Benfica, Glenn played with famous players such as William who also played center back for Benfica.

Following his pro career in Portugal, Glenn moved back to Canada where he played with the likes of Dynamo Latino (formerly Toronto Blizzard), and the North York Rockets, two professional clubs in Canada of the 1980s.

When his playing career ended, Glenn turned to coaching, helping to shape young goalkeepers. He has has coached with Duncan and Billy for more than 15 years, starting with the Toronto Lynx and then subsequently joining the Blue Devils to help launch the club. Glenn is the Club's Head Goalkeeper Coach and primarily works with the first-team keepers for League1 Ontario men’s and women’s teams, while also lending his expertise to the Academy players and helping to mentor the Blue Devils Academy coaches.

As a former Scholarship Director for the Toronto Lynx, Glenn has helped to place hundreds of youth players into scholarship programs in the USA and Canada. Many of his former goalkeepers today are playing around the world in professional leagues.

To his friends, Glenn is known as Mr. Fish, as he imports seafood products for Aquastar Canada.

Glenn has four children, all of whom played with the Toronto Lynx/ Blue Devils FC, including previous Club Captains Taylor McNamara and his younger brother Konner McNamara, both League1 Champions who led the Blue Devils to the first-ever berth in history for a League1 Ontario team in the Canadian Championship.

Jeff Bookman has over 50 years of playing and coaching experience at the highest levels of the game in the UK. As a schoolboy he played for Arsenal, before joining his beloved Chelsea where he played regularly in the Youth and Reserve teams. While still at school, Jeff also had the honour of captaining the England U18 National Schoolboys Team.

Although not making it as a pro, Jeff played for many years at the highest level of semi-pro soccer with clubs including, Barnet and Ilford FC where he played in the last-ever Amateur Cup Final to be played at Wembley stadium.

When he retired from playing, Jeff quickly rose through the coaching ranks and became a UEFA A license coach, before progressing to an English FA Coach Educator. On achieving this status, Jeff was the first appointed coach of the David Beckham Academy when it opened in London, and was recruited to return to Chelsea FC as Head Coach of the U-13 Academy team. He remained at Chelsea Academy for 10 years, and in the final year became the Head of International Youth Technical Development, where he travelled to the United States to oversee the growth and development of Chelsea’s affiliate partner clubs.

During this time, Jeff also founded the online coaching resource, Inside Soccer, which meant him traveling the world to work with major clubs including Inter Milan, Sporting Lisbon, Ajax, Flamengo, Santos, Boca Juniors, River Plate and Valencia. It also meant him introducing many of these club coaches to grassroots clubs in the USA & Canada – a project which he still continues to this day.

The rapid rise and growth of the game in the United States lured Jeff to leave Chelsea and remain in the USA for eight years, during which time he became the Technical Director of New York Soccer Club, working alongside Claudio Reyna, the former National Technical Director, before co-founding his own player development program, Next Gen USA.

Family ties eventually led Jeff to return to the UK, where he is now semi-retired, but working as a consultant to pass on a lifetime’s knowledge and experience of working alongside some of the world’s most talented youth development coaches.

Natalie Bukovec leads the women’s program for Blue Devils FC. She is the Head Coach of the Blue Devils League1 Women’s team and is a driving force behind the Blue Devils Girls Academy.

With the explosion of the women’s game in Canada and around the world, Natalie’s focus and drive is helping to propel the Blue Devils women’s program to new heights by shaping the development and careers of a new generation of young players.

Bukovec was named the Head Coach of the Ryerson University Rams women's soccer program in December of 2018 after having served as interim head coach for the 2018 season. Prior to her stint as interim head coach, she served as an assistant coach at Ryerson for two seasons.

Bukovec played five seasons at McMaster University from 2010-15 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, specializing in Social Psychology, and a Certificate in Leadership and Organization. She has also recently completed a certificate in Human Resources Management and is now working towards obtaining a Master’s in Coaching and Sport Performance.

After her university career, Bukovec played in semi-professional leagues in North America such as League 1 and W-League and was a member of the Croatian women's national team player pool.

Bukovec's coaching career began in 2015 as an assistant coach at McMaster before joining Ryerson's team in 2016. She hold a Canadian National B License.

In 2018, Bukovec was one of five female coaches selected across Ontario to be a part of the Ontario Female Mentorship Program run by the Canadian Soccer Association.

Outside of her roles with the Blue Devils and Ryerson University, Bukovec also works with the Ontario Provincial Projects with the 2005 girls age group as an assistant.

Natalie’s passion for the game and for developing Canada’s next generation of young female players is an inspiration to everyone at the Blue Devils who has the opportunity to work alongside her and play under her guidance.

Kim Brassor is a strong and motivating force in Canadian women’s soccer. As the Director of the Blue Devils Junior Girls Academy and a co-founder of Future Girls Soccer, Brassor has devoted her passion and energy into developing the next generation of female Canadian soccer players.

Soccer has always been a part of Brassor’s life since she was young, starting at the Scarborough United Girls Soccer Club where she played for eight years, and eventually leading to her playing with the Oakville Impax at the World Masters Games. She is an experienced coach and certified personal trainer and has built a remarkable presence in the women’s game.

Her passion to grow the women’s game extends beyond her playing and coaching into every facet of the game. She has served on the Ontario Soccer Association Women’s Committee Executive, eventually serving as the committee’s Chair in 2014-15 and has authored a book aimed at young female soccer players Reaching for the Rings: A Young Girl’s Guide to Growing Her Game.

Her relentless energy and drive helped her to successfully launch Future Girls Soccer in 2015 – a soccer development program for young girls led by an all-female coaching staff – in a market crowded with major competitors and where, at the time, only 2% of its leaders were women

As the Director of the Blue Devils Junior Girls Academy, Brassor’s extensive experience both on and off the pitch as a player, coach and entrepreneur has been a consistent source of inspiration for all of the young female players that have a chance to play for her.

Michele Houchen has been a fixture in the Canadian soccer landscape for many years. During her years from 1986-1991 as a striker for the Canadian Women’s National Team, she was a fearless competitor known for her intensity and athleticism. Houchen's killer instinct and work ethic have earned her several appearances with Canada's national soccer team, MVP status for the Canadian National Team Women’s Tour Team from 1987-89, led her to three national championships, five provincial championships, three most valuable player awards for Ontario and a gold medal at the World Master's Championships.

Houchen secured her place in Oakville sports history when she was inducted into the Oakville Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. Houchen, the first black female to be inducted into the Hall, started playing soccer when she was 15 in her hometown of Scarborough, Ont. She's been living and breathing the game ever since.

While Houchen's honours and awards are impressive and well deserved, what is most fascinating about this woman is her ability to pass on her love for the game and inspire others.
Since her playing career ended, she has put her time, energy, blood, sweat and tears into developing the next generation of young, aspiring female players.

She's one of a handful of female coaches in the province to have earned a Provincial B-Level coaching licence from Ontario Soccer, has won OYSL Coach of the Year, and continues to apply and pass along her knowledge of the game to players and coaches.

"Soccer has been such a strong force for me," she said. "It's always been an important and large part of my life, and it always will be."

Those that have played, coached, or trained with Houchen know the reason why. It's what she calls the fire in her belly. It's that will and determination – the same will and determination she works so hard to pass on to future generations of young girls as the Head Coach of the Blue Devils FC Junior Girls Academy and as a co-founder and Head Coach of Future Girls Soccer.

Emily Porteous is a passionate young coach with a strong background in soccer. Having played with academies during her youth career such as Bryst and the Toronto Lynx, Porteous has created a well-rounded portfolio for her soccer career. In 2016, she was selected to attend the Super Y Olympic Development Program at the IMG Academy in Florida. Emily was also part of the 2016 Toronto Lynx U21 Women's North American U20 Super Y Championship team. After receiving offers from several schools including West Virginia University, the University of Colorado Boulder, and Miami University, Emily accepted a full Division 1 scholarship to Canisius College. Porteous is now continuing her education at Ryerson University, studying for her Bachelors in Human Resources.

Emily plays for the Blue Devils FC women's League1 team. She is currently earning her coaching licenses and brings an enthusiastic and contagious energy to her role with the Blue Devils Academy teams. Emily is currently earning her C Licence through the League1 Women’s Coaching Mentorship Program, while working alongside Blue Devils FC Women's Head Coach Natalie Bukovec. Porteous hopes to build a career in professional coaching, have the opportunity to increase the love for soccer in young women, and believes Blue Devils FC is a perfect place to achieve her ambitions.

Shelby Steward is a dynamic young coach who has been playing soccer her entire life. Coming up through clubs such as the Brantford Rockets, Oakville and the Toronto Lady Lynx, Shelby quickly gained recognition as an elite player.

In her U16 year, she was one of two players selected by the Toronto Lady Lynx coaches to attend an Olympic Development Program Training Camp in Florida. Not long after, she received scholarship offers from schools such as Brown University and Hawaii Pacific University. She eventually played for the Brock University Women’s Soccer team where she earned a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Bachelor of Education. This was followed by two years with the Bedwell Rangers Women’s Team in England, an affiliate of Arsenal Ladies.

Since then, Shelby has continued to play the game she loves while earning her coaching licenses and helping to develop young aspiring players. Her passion for teaching has led her to a wide variety of experiences from: coaching at the youth level; to leading a professional development course for over 100 teachers and coaches in El Salvador on how to use sports (with a focus on soccer) to develop life skills; and hosting the Jumpstart Games in St. Catharine’s, using sport and games to promote life skills. She also ran a sports day for Right to Play at Fort York in Toronto and, during her time in England, served as a Junior Girls and Senior Girls’ soccer coach at Marriotts School.

Shelby now brings that love for learning to the Blue Devils as she works with young players in the Blue Devils Junior Girls Academy.

Alexia Rhooms is a coach who brings a combination of different experiences to her role in the Blue Devils Junior Girls Academy. She has played soccer for much of her life, beginning at Erin Mills as a youth, and then playing in the OYSL and the NECSP University Showcase Program.

Alexia attended Western University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honors Specialization) in Kinesiology, making the Dean’s Honor List along the way. In addition to playing soccer at an elite level, Alexia has been active throughout her coaching career, working in the Oakville Soccer Camp, Glen Abbey Recreational Basketball Program, and the Future Girls Soccer programs.

Alexia has earned her Speed and Agility Certification from the National Sports Performance Association (NSPA) and combines that in her role as the Head Fitness Coach of the Female Soccer Fitness Company.

Alexia brings an immense passion for the game of soccer and for the athletic foundation needed to play the game at a high level to her role as an Academy Coach in the Blue Devils Junior Girls Academy.

Born in Jamaica, Dino Lopez grew up in Mississauga and now currently resides in Oakville. Dino enjoyed a successful eight-year professional playing career that included the Toronto Blizzard and Montreal Impact. He also represented Canada on the national team.

Following his playing career, Dino embarked on a coaching career, working with both male and female players of all ages for more than two decades. He holds a USSF A License and B License, and is a former Coach and Technical Director at Oakville SC. Dino developed and coached in the Toronto FC Juniors and Pre-Academy Program (U6 to U13). Following his time launching Toronto FC Juniors, he worked as an Assistant TFC Academy coach for U15 and Senior Academy, and then serving as TFC Head Coach U19 and TFC Assistant Academy Director.

Dino believes in training that leaves players smiling and sweaty. Hard work and enjoyment need to go hand in hand. He holds a strong belief in age-appropriate player development that prioritizes game realism and promotes technical/tactical problem-solving based on the constraints of time, space and personal attributes. Dino will be serving as a Program Advisor for the Blue Devils.

Soccer is the most played sport in the world with over 4 billion followers, and Mauricio Flores had the great fortune of being born, raised, and educated in a country where soccer is deeply ingrained in the culture. Originally from Mexico, Mauricio has accomplished much in the sport he loves, including playing professionally for 11 years. That experience has given him first-hand insight into, as well as a profound respect for, the beautiful game.

After his professional career came to an end, coaching came naturally for Mauricio. He now holds a USSF National A licence and has spent the last 16 years of his life learning, breathing, and living soccer in some of the most renowned soccer clubs across the globe. This has given him a unique perspective, and has been a driving force in his continual development as a mentor and a coach.

As Mauricio says, “Soccer is my life and passion! My goal is to pass along all my years of acquired knowledge to help guide young players who have aspirations to pursue a future career in soccer, as well as to provide a safe place for players to nurture their love of the game. I hope with all my heart that we can create a great soccer culture for all the new generations to come - uniting people through the beautiful game of soccer.”

Sinisa Ninkovic has had a successful career in football as both a player and a coach.

Sinisa’s playing career began in his native Serbia where he played in the First League of Serbia and Montenegro, Second League of Serbia and Montenegro. While playing in the First League, Sinisa won the Serbia and Montenegro Cup in 2002-03. Sinisa’s playing career then brought him to Canada where he played for the Serbian White Eagles of the Canadian Soccer League, capturing the International division title and a postseason berth in his debut season. Sinisa also played for the Serbia national U21 football team.

Following his playing career, Sinisa embarked upon a career in coaching. He holds a USSF National A license as well as a Canadian National B license. Sinisa has owned and served as Technical Director for youth clubs (SA Energy Toronto and Fogo FC), and coached at various youth levels including OPDL. He has also coached at the professional level with Serbian White Eagles where he was selected as the head coach for the International Division squad for the CSL All-Star match.

Sinisa is excited to be part of the Blue Devils FC team and working with the players to further their development.

Shiquan “Shaq” Lowe is an Academy Coach in the Blue Devils Academy, and also plays for the Blue Devils League1 Ontario men’s team.

Shaq recently returned to the Blue Devils after a stint with Vaughan Azzurri. During his playing career in League1 Ontario, Shaq has won the League1 Cup and the League1 Ontario championship. He has also been named a League1 All-Star and competed in the Canadian Championships in 2018.

In addition, Shaq played with Seneca College for two years, earning MVP and All-Star honours in 2015. After Seneca, Shaq moved to NIagara University in NCAA D1 where he captained the squad.

Shaq is a committed and energetic young coach. He is passionate about development and enjoys working with the young Academy players.

Sergio Velastegui has had a long and distinguished career in soccer both as a player and a coach.

In 1977, Sergio became a Canadian champion as a part of Team Ontario, while also winning the Ontario Cup that same year. In the ensuing North American Championships, he earned a bronze medal. The following year in 1978, Sergio was selected to the Canadian National Youth Team and was selected for the Olympic roster. In college, Sergio played for Kent State University in Ohio and then for the University of British Columbia. Following college, he joined Toronto Croatia in the National Soccer League.

Following his playing career, Sergio moved into a long and successful coaching career. Some highlights include: Mississauga Soccer Club (Ontario Cup Champions 1991); Dixie Soccer Club (South Region Soccer League and Cup Champions, three years undefeated seasons including tournaments 2000-2002); Brampton East Soccer Club (Ontario Cup Champion 2011); George Brown College OCAA (All Ontario Indoor College Champions 2005); Ontario Futsal Cup Champions; and Brampton Huskies 2006.

Sergio now brings his experience, enthusiasm and love for the game to Blue Devils FC, where his son David has also played for the Blue Devils League1 men’s team, winning a League1 Ontario championship in 2015.

Coaching qualifications:

• Provincial B License
• National Coaching Certification Program Level 3
• Headway in Soccer
• Respect in Soccer
• CPR Certification

Colin Pryce has always had a deep love for soccer. He played the game at a high level and, as a coach of young players, is a gifted teacher of the technical and fine points of the game.

Colin grew up playing youth soccer for Mississauga Soccer Club, and then attending Seneca College and St. Mary’s University as a young adult. His senior soccer career included suiting up for a number of clubs including Nacional (LUSO League), Independente (LEFA Spanish League), Toronto Italia (NSL), Brampton City and Sora Lazio (OSL), and Scarborough Azzurri (OSL) where his team won the National Championship in 1987 and finished as runners-up in 1988 and 1991.

Starting in 2000, he served as a Head Coach for the Mississauga Soccer Club Falcons for nearly a decade. During his tenure in Mississauga, he coached the Falcons ‘90 boys’ teams to three Ontario Cup finals appearances, and one Ontario Cup title. The team was always ranked in the top 5 in the province, while a number of players have gone on to scholarships in the US, with a few others playing at the professional level - two notable examples being Blue Devils Academy Coach Kyle Porter (DC United, Vancouver Whitecaps, etc.) and Ashtone Morgan (Toronto FC).

After a brief stint at North Mississauga SC, Colin joined Duncan Wilde and Billy Steele at the Toronto Lynx Academy. He coached the 2013 U16 Toronto Lynx Boys to a Championship in the Needham Tournament in Boston and went to the USL National Championship Semi-Final in Florida where the team lost on penalty kicks.Following his time with the Lynx, Colin joined Oakville SC for several years.

He has returned to work alongside Duncan and Billy, bringing his years of experience and gift for teaching to the Blue Devils Academy.

Karl Manzi Bicamumpaka brings a strong combination of playing and coaching experience along with expertise in sports psychology to his role at Blue Devils FC.

While at McMaster University, Karl served as captain of the varsity team, winning the OUA championship in 2012, and finishing as runner-up in the USports National Championship in 2014. Karl also earned his Bachelors Degree in Kiniesiology with a Minor in Psychology.

Following his time in Hamilton, Karl moved to the University of Ottawa where he earned a Masters in Intervention Consultation in Sport. During his time in Ottawa, he played for Ottawa Gloucester Celtic, winning the Ontario Cup in both 2021 and 2022, and capping it off as Challenge Trophy national champions in 2022.

Karl now holds his Mental Performance Consultant (MPC) designation, supporting the development of optimal mindset, mental health, and mental skills in performers of all ages and various sports.

As a coach, Karl has had many years of experience coaching youth players at different age groups. He holds his Canada Soccer C license and brings his unique skill set and background to Blue Devils FC.

Lucas Birnstingl is an Head Academy Goalkeeper Coach with the Blue Devils Academy and has also played for the Blue Devils League1 Ontario men’s team. Lucas brings a wealth of experience both as a player and as a coach.

His early playing career as a youth included playing with the National Champion Oakville Blue Stars and with the Toronto FC Academy, while also playing in the Provincial program. He progressed into a senior career that included playing in the Scottish Premier League at Dundee FC, Kilmarnock, and Hamilton Accies. While in Scotland, he also played for Queens Park FC, Clyde, Airdrie and Montrose.

Upon returning to Canada, Lucas had two short stints at other League1 Ontario clubs before assuming the starting goalkeeper duties for the Blue Devils. He also began pouring more of his time and energy into coaching and helping to develop young players. Lucas has served as a Goalkeeper Coach for Ginga Soccer Academy, Flamborough Dundas Soccer Club, Mt Hamilton Youth Soccer Club, East Hamilton, and Toronto Skillz. He is a committed and professional coach for the Blue Devils who loves the game and enjoys watching the young goalkeepers in his charge continue to grow and develop.

Khody Ellis is the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Blue Devils
FC. Khody has had a long association with the Blue Devils having won two League1 Ontario Championships (2015, 2017) and the 2015 Inter-Provincial Championship as a key player with the League1 Blue Devils men’s team. Khody has enjoyed incredible success with the Blue Devils including being named a four-time League1 Ontario All-Star and earning a spot on the League1 Ontario All-Time Best XI, while also helping the team make history as the first-ever League1 Ontario team to compete in the Canadian Championship.

Prior to his playing and coaching career with the Blue Devils, Khody studied kinesiology at Parkland College from 2010-2012 where he also played soccer and was named Midwest Athletic Conference 2010 First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Regional.

He followed up at Sheridan College in 2014-15 where he earned his Fundamentals of Fitness Leadership. During his time at Sheridan, he helped lead the Bruins to the 2014 National Championship while also capturing Male Athlete of the Year honours.

Khody Ellis is a Strength and Conditioning Coach and Fascial Stretch Therapist at Peaks Lifestyle away from the pitch, and brings the lessons he’s learned professionally to the Blue Devils FC club he knows so well. “For me, it’s about helping all the Academy players develop a strong educational foundation in safe and effective movement, and mental performance. I can’t express enough how vital strength training is for the development of young athletes, and I am looking forward to being the person to bring this to the club that I love and have dedicated so many years to.”

Mark Heathcote is a key Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Blue Devils Academy and the Blue Devils League1 Ontario team. He has been in the fitness industry for over 30 years (injury free the whole time). He has participated in local and provincial body building competitions (pics available upon request lol). Mark has been trained under the John Cardillo personal training system. Over the course of his career, he has worked with many competitive athletes physically, mentally and with their dietary needs.

Mark joined the Blue Devils Senior Coaching Staff in 2017. He works with the players in the Senior Academy group running sport-specific fitness sessions. He has helped Blue Devils athletes set individual goals with weight loss, strength gain and endurance. Mark is also instrumental with pre-game, in-game and post-game fitness preparation and monitoring.

Mark is an outstanding and important member of the Blue Devils team and utilizes his tremendous knowledge and passion for strength and conditioning to Blue Devils players of all ages.