Diogo Raposo – Sporting Director; Girls Technical Director

Diogo Raposo has recently been appointed a new senior role within CBSC as Sporting Director. Diogo will be providing the Technical Leadership and Coaching Staff with ongoing leadership and oversight in order to achieve the Club’s strategic and operational objectives including but not limited to planning and execution of the CBSC Player Pathway, identifying and attracting highly qualified and experienced coaches to the club, enhancing our Coaching Development Pathways and High Performance Stream, creating parity within our Soccer Programs and implementing a comprehensive Integrated Support Team (sport science, sports medicine, performance analysts etc.).

Under his leadership, he has led countless athletes to their collegiate goals, succeeded in multiple provincial competitions, led the Edmonton Internazionale SC U18 Girls to a Canada Soccer Club National Championship in 2016, the overall 2006 AYSL Female league title in 2021 and most recently has led our U15 Girls to a bronze medal in the Canadian National Championships this season. Through these accomplishments he has been a champion for development excellence and an advocate for Fair Play and the Blizzard organization as a whole.

Diogo has spent the last 5 years at CBSC as the Girls Technical Director and in addition to his leadership role at CBSC, also leads the University of Calgary Dinos Women’s Soccer Team as one of the Head Co-Coaches. Diogo holds his CSA National B License, Canada Soccer Youth License and Goalkeeper Diplomas.

Licenses:

  • Canada Soccer National B License – Certified;
  • Canada Soccer Youth License – Certified;
  • Canada Soccer Children’s License (In Progress);
  • United Soccer Coaches National Diploma;
  • United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeper Diploma.
Ramon Mifflin – Boys Technical Director

As a youth player, Ramon was part of the United States Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program and represented California on their state team. He then went on to play NCAA Division 1 soccer at the University of San Francisco. After college, he played professionally in the US and Peru. His father, Ramon Mifflin Sr., played professionally for 18 years and represented the Peru National Team in the 1970 FIFA World Cup.

Ramon has been a fixture in the Calgary soccer community for the past 12 years. In his previous club, he led 7 Tier 1 teams to Provincial gold medals and furthermore, 6 national medals. Ramon has also secured a professional contract for Calgary standout, Caniggia Elva, 6 years ago at VFB Stuttgart. He is a staff coach with Whitecaps FC Alberta Academy and an assistant coach with the Mount Royal University Mens team. His collegiate experience and relationships in Canada and the United States, offer a unique collegiate pathway for our players looking to take their game to the next level.

Licenses:

  • FPF-CSF A License 2006-2008;
  • CSF-Conmebol A License Sports Studies;
  • Canada Soccer National B License – Certified;
  • Alberta Soccer Learning Facilitator:
  • Canada Soccer Youth License – Certified
Cedric Bovon – Girls Technical Director

We are elated to announce the appointment of one of our own, Cedric Bovon, as our new Girls Technical Director. Cedric joined Calgary Blizzard in the Fall of 2020 and has played a key role in the development of our Boys Core Program, as our Boys Core Development Manager.

While working with our Boys Program, Cedric also had the opportunity to be mentored by our previous Girls Technical Director and recently appointed Sporting Director, Diogo Raposo. Cedric is also currently on the Coaching roster with Mount Royal University Women’s Soccer Team (MRU WSOC).

Cedric has shown an interest in the development of Reach Phase athletes which closely mirrors and compliments his current development interests with the MRU WSOC Team. With his experience working alongside those athletes, along with the continued support and mentorship of Diogo, Cedric will bring a wealth of knowledge, dedication and experience to our Girls Program.

His passion for development in these groups supports his key role in the continued growth, for a love for the game, in the Reach Phase ages. Cedric will be dedicating his efforts to the development of our U14-U17 aged female athletes, while providing both collegiate and soccer for life player pathways.

Licenses:

  • Canada Soccer National B – Part 2 Trained;
  • Canada Soccer Youth License – Certified;
  • Canada Soccer Children’s License – Trained;
  • Alberta Soccer Learning Facilitator
Tayla Cowan – Foundations Phase Lead

Tayla is a homegrown player who joined Calgary Blizzard in the Spring of 2021. She is a Health and Physical Education graduate from MRU and currently holds her CSA C-Licence. Tayla was the grassroots director at her former club and is known for her enthusiasm and vibrant character when working with the youngest of players.
Although Tayla excels within the grassroots department, the experience of being a competitive female athlete herself has generated a deep passion for supporting other female athletes throughout their sport journey; striving to help them conquer their goals (both on and off the field) and establish their desire to play for life.
Tayla’s experience, dedication to long-term player development, and passion for keeping players in sport, will make her an exceptional asset to the growth of our technical team and our Root’s program at Calgary Blizzard.

Licenses:

  • CSA C-License – Certified
  • CSA Children’s License – In progress
Stu Baker – Girls Core Development Manager

In 2016 Stu joined Calgary Blizzard as a technical coach and has since changed roles with the club in 2020.

Prior to his experience at Blizzard, Stu played youth, Senior and master’s football in Australia and Canada for various clubs at the state and provincial level, as well as playing for SAIT in Calgary.

As the interface between the future generation of players and their love of the game, Stu’s objective is to develop a player’s responsibility, respect, confidence and courage, while using various teaching methodologies
to improve players technically and tactically.
Stu is our Girls’ Core Development Manager who will be dedicating his efforts on developing our U10-U13 tier I -IV Core age girls.

Licenses:

  • Canada Soccer National B License – Certified;
  • Canada Soccer Youth License – Certified
  • ASA Learning Facilitator
Logan Ellis – Reach Development Manager

Logan joined Calgary Blizzard in the Spring of 2021 and is a U13-U16 Blizzard Alumni. Logan is a former U Sports player and Kinesiology graduate of UBCO. After graduating, Logan had the opportunity to join UBCO as goalkeeper coach, while coaching youth players in the Okanagan. Logan moved back to Calgary in 2017, and currently holds his CSA Children’s license and National B (Part 1). He is currently completing his CSA Youth License and National B part 2. Outside of the youth game, Logan assists with the SAIT MSOC program.
Logan is responsible for the development of our U13-U17 Tier 2-4 male & female players as well as the coaching clinics for coaches for these teams. Having a qualified and dedicated technical staff dedicated to these teams helps Calgary Blizzard players to be promoted to higher levels aligned with team specific tournament opportunities and post-secondary opportunities.

Licenses:

  • CSA Children’s License; 
  • CSA Youth License – Certified
  • National B License Part 1 Certified; 
  • National B License Part 2 (in progress); 
Daylan Cato-Meyer – Core Phase Development Manager

I grew up playing at the highest level in Calgary winning provincials almost every season during youth soccer and went on to win a u18 national championship. These experiences were important in my development as a player in the game.

I then went on to play semi-professionally with FC Edmonton in 2010 in their NASL debut season (2 years). During this time, I assisted with FC Edmonton youth summer camps ages 10-14.

After the 2 years in Edmonton, I came back to play at Mount Royal University here in Calgary while completing a bachelor of management/ finance at MRU. At the same time I also played for Calgary Caledonian FC in the AMSL (highest level men’s league in Calgary) where we were national contenders 2 years in a row.

Daylan is responsible for the development of our U10-U13 Tier 2-4 and Development/Recreational male & female players. Having a dedicated technical staff focused on the development of these teams ensures Calgary Blizzard players have access to development pathways.
Kirsty Linnett – Academy 67 Director

We are elated to announce Kirsty Linnett as our new Academy 67 Director. Kirsty’s role will oversee our Skills Development Program and further development opportunities and initiatives for our athletes including development camps, skills clinics and team skills programming.

My name is Kirsty Linnett and I am really excited to be joining this amazing club and be a part of the Calgary Blizzard team. I am inspired by the aspirations of the program which has been a major driver in my decision to join.

I’m a recently retired professional footballer from England and I have just recently finished my playing career with Liverpool FC. I played there for four seasons in the WSL as a midfielder/forward. I have previously played for Arsenal, Reading and Birmingham City in the top flight of the English women’s Premier League. Some of my career highlights include reaching a Champions League semi-final and multiple league cup finals. I have represented England at all youth levels including a youth World Cup and European Championship. I have always coached throughout my playing career with youth development programmes. Since retiring it has given me the chance to finish my UEFA B license and coach at an international boys academy and Leicester City academy.

Licenses:

  • UEFA B Licenses
  • Youth module 1& 2
Jordan Santiago – Goalkeeper Academy Coach

Jordan went through the ranks of Calgary Youth Soccer, with Calgary Blizzard Soccer Club, and then played up to the Canadian U20 team.When he was 15 years old, Jordan received his first opportunity to play professionally with Reading FC in England. Jordan was offered a 2-year apprenticeship with Cardiff City FC in December of 2007 and went on to play for SC Veendam in the Netherlands as a goalkeeper.

He retired as a player and moved into a coaching role when he was approached by West Ham United in the English Premier League for the 2013-2014 season. Jordan is the current Cavalry FC Goalkeeper coach here in Calgary!

Jordan Santiago will be supported by current Cavalry FC goalkeepers, Marco Carducci & Niko Giantsopoulos as well as current University of Calgary Dinos WSOC Goalkeeper and Calgary Blizzard Alumna, Lauren Houghton.

Operations & Administration

Nathan Cicoria, Executive Director 

Nathan@calgaryblizzard.com

Jackie Martin, Marketing & Communications Director

Jax@calgaryblizzard.com

Lucy Woo-Leong, Membership Services Coordinator

Lucy@calgaryblizzard.com

Karly Sawatzky, Sport Operations Coordinator (U10-U17 Boys)

Karly@calgaryblizzard.com

Logan, Sport Operations Coordinator (U10-U17 Girls)

Logan@calgaryblizzard.com

Jackie Martin, Sport Operations Coordinator (U3-U9 Foundations)

Jax@calgaryblizzard.com

 Board of Directors

(As elected December 2021)

Our Board of Directors is responsible for developing and implementing the purpose, vision, values and strategic priorities for the Club. The Board is made up of dedicated volunteers who meet on a monthly basis to oversee the direction of the Club.

Name

Position
Ron Girvitz President
Vacant Vice President
Justin Sharma Secretary
Jan Hulme Treasurer
Shane Campbell Director at Large
Arliss Szysky Director at Large
Carson Ackroyd Director at Large
Andriy Szkwarek Director at Large
Scott Cripps Director at Large
Annual General Meeting

The Club holds its Annual General Meeting in November or December of each year and all Club members are encouraged to attend.  New Board members are elected at this time, the prior year is reviewed and future initiatives are discussed.  If you are interested in joining the Club’s dynamic board please do not hesitate to contact Club President, Ron Girvitz at president@calgaryblizzard.com to discuss further.

 Blizzard Soccer Club Bylaws

The Club’s bylaws can be viewed and downloaded through this link.

Calgary Blizzard Club Bylaws