Diogo Raposo – Sporting 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 U17 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 6 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 Head Coach. Diogo holds his CSA National B License, CSA Youth License and CSA Children’s License.
Licenses:
- Canada Soccer National A Licensee – In Progress;
- Canada Soccer National B License – Certified;
- Canada Soccer Youth License – Certified;
- Canada Soccer Children’s License – Certified;
- United Soccer Coaches National Diploma;
- United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeper Diploma.
Cedric Bovon – Girls Reach Technical Director
We are elated to announce the appointment of one of our own, Cedric Bovon, as our new Girls Reach, 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 – Certified;
- Canada Soccer Youth License – Certified;
- Canada Soccer Children’s License – Trained;
- Alberta Soccer Learning Facilitator
Ramon Mifflin – Boys Reach 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.
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:
- Canada Soccer C-License – Certified
- Canada Soccer Children’s License – Certified
- Canada Soccer Youth License – Certified
- Canada Soccer B License – In Progress
Stu Baker – Coach Development Technical Director
Stu joined Calgary Blizzard as a technical coach in 2016, 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.
Licenses:
- Canada Soccer National B License – Certified;
- Canada Soccer Youth License – Certified;
- ASA Learning Facilitator
Logan Ellis – Reach Phase 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:
- Canada Soccer Children’s License – Certified
- Canada Soccer Youth License – Certified
- National B License Part 2 – Certified
Vacant – U12-U13 Core Phase Technical Director
Andriy Szkwarek – U10-U11 Core Phase Technical Director
We’re thrilled to announce that Andriy Szkwarek has been selected to lead our U10-U11 Core program effective March 10th, 2023. For this role, we sought a technical lead that would continue to represent CBSC’s values, enhance the development of our U10-U11 Core athletes and uphold its reputation as one of the best in the country.
Andriy is a Canada Soccer National B and Youth License certified coach. Andriy has been with CBSC since 2020. Prior to joining CBSC, Andriy was a staff coach with the Barcelona Academy in both Calgary and Virginia. Andriy’s playing career saw him compete in the Canadian Professional Soccer League with the Ottawa Wizards as well as in the National Premier Soccer League with the Seattle Inter-United FC.
We look forward to seeing Andriy’s expertise and passion shine through in the development of our Core athletes.
Licenses:
- National B License – Certified
- Canada Soccer Youth License – Certified
Kevin Adama – Technical Coach & Operational Staff
We are excited to have Kevin join our team from his previous role with 1UP! Kevin brings a wealth of cultural experience and playing styles from three different continents. His love and passion for the game is unquestioned. His dream is to instil the love of game into players and inspire the new athletes in Canada, to be creative and diverse in the way they express themselves on the field.
Kevin is a natural born leader, a great communicator and an individual who loves to work with youth players. He leads his coaching style by following his main guiding principle: “The ball is your paintbrush and the pitch is your canvas, use your skills to paint whatever you want the world to see.”
Playing Experience – DTFA (Dana Cup Youth Tournament 2012 – Denmark), Virginia Tech Soccer Club, Rospack FC (Ghana Division 2), Callies FC (Alberta Major League)
Licenses:
- Canada Soccer C License – Certified
Cody Cook – A67 Technical Director
Cody Cook joins us from another club within Calgary, where he focused his efforts developing athletes as a Technical Coach. Cody’s passion grew from a young age where he had opportunities with FC Sachsen Leipzig, FC Energy Cottbus as a National Team contender and eventually with Team Canada in the 2014 FISU games in South Korea. Cody spent time playing with Vancouver Whitecaps PDL team where he lead the team with 14 goals into the Western Conference as finalists.
Cody has a passion for player skill development and you can see his ability to connect with the players on the pitch. Athletes from around the city currently work with Cody to get the best possible individual skills training available of their athletes. As our A67 Technical Director, Cody will be working with athletes across Calgary, providing a challenging and professional learning environment to allow players the opportunity to maximize their potential.
The program will be run separately from Calgary Blizzard Soccer Club and is led by Cody Cook and his support team.
Licenses:
- Canada Soccer C License – Certified
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
Jackie Martin, Executive Director
Jax@calgaryblizzard.com
Lucy Woo-Leong, Membership Services Coordinator
Lucy@calgaryblizzard.com
Caitlin Purcell, Marketing and Events Coordinator
Caitlin@calgaryblizzard.com
Karly Sawatzky, Sport Operations Coordinator (U10-U17 Boys)
Karly@calgaryblizzard.com
Logan, Sport Operations Coordinator (U10-U17 Girls)
Logan@calgaryblizzard.com
Tayla Cowan, Sport Operations Coordinator (U3-U9 Foundations)
Tayla@calgaryblizzard.com
Board of Directors
(As elected December 2022)
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 |
| Jason Ingimundson | Secretary |
| Amanda Hart | Treasurer |
| Arliss Szysky | Director at Large |
| Nathan Cicoria | 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.