Meet The Team
General Manager
Ryan was born in Northern Ireland but grew up in Kitchener playing soccer as early as he can remember. After university, Ryan went on to complete his MBA and work in the financial sector for 10 years, before following his passion back to soccer fulltime in 2020. Ryan co-founded Xtra Time, a skills development centre in Kitchener-Waterloo that fosters the growth and development of the next generation through the sport they love. Ryan has coached kids of all age groups, from U4 to U18, and focuses his personal learning and development on coaching, business in sport, and leadership.
Ryan's vision is to help create as many opportunities for kids to play the beautiful game as possible, while growing the sport of soccer in Canada to be the #1 game of choice by boys and girls. In his personal time he likes to spend as much time with his family as possible, including his two kids, Leo and Malia, and travelling to authentic, 'off the beaten path' destinations around the world.
Foundation Phase Manager/Technical Lead
(U8 - U10 Competitive programs)
Brogan has been with BVB IA Waterloo for 3 years now. Previously, she has worked with Arlington Soccer Club in Boston for 5 years.
She graduated from Edinburgh University with B.A. (Hons) in Business and Enterprise in Sport and has a diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion from Conestoga College.
Brogan has her Canada Soccer Childrens Licence, C Licence and has gained her 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 coaching certification from the Scottish Football Association (SFA).
Brogan likes to spend time with her family and friends, she stays active by going to the gym, playing soccer or going out on hikes with her dogs. Brogan likes to attend live sporting events and watch soccer on the tele.
Brogan wants to share her love for soccer, get the best out of players by having fun and the development will follow. She wants to help them increase their confidence, and inspire them as they grow as individuals and team players on and off the pitch. Brogan's best friend likes to say “confidence is key”, and she thinks it is important to reiterate that with any team or individual she works with.
Development Phase Manager/Technical Lead
(U11 - U13 Competitive programs)
Gearoid has been with BVB IA Waterloo for three and a half years.
Before joining the club, Gearóid coached in his home country of Ireland. He also spent a number of years coaching in clubs across America. Gearóid has a bachelor’s degree in Business (Hons) in Recreation & Sport Management from Waterford Institute of Technology in Waterford, Ireland.
Qualifications:
- C License Certified
- Children's License Certified
- B Diploma (in progress)
Gearóid is originally from Ireland. In his spare time, he likes to go hiking and biking. Gearóid wants players to enjoy the game. He wants to ensure that the Skill Centre program provides players with a platform to develop and grow as a player on and off the field.
High Performance Technical Lead
(U14 - U18 OPDL/Competitive programs)
Melanie boasts an impressive 5 and a half years of dedicated service with BVB IA Waterloo. With over 17 years of coaching experience, she has left an indelible mark on the women's soccer scene in Kitchener-Waterloo. Currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Sport Management at Humber College in her final semester, Melanie's educational journey also includes a Diploma in Carpentry from Conestoga College, showcasing her diverse interests and skills.Beyond the soccer pitch, Melanie's passion extends to the trades and projects, accumulating three years of experience in automotive electrical work.
Qualifications:
- C CSA License Certified
- Youth CSA License Certified
- B CSA Diploma Certified
- A License Candidate
Within BVB, Melanie plays a pivotal role in the high-performance OPDL Program, and Regional/District Programs. As the head coach of both the U14G and U17G OPDL teams, she exemplifies leadership and expertise. Melanie has not only been a stellar representative for BVB IA but has also led the School of Excellence in Dallas and contributed to the staff of the School Of Excellence female team in Germany.
Melanie believes in the essence of coaching, stating her favourite quote, "Coaching isn't depositing more knowledge in an athlete's brain. Coaching is helping athletes extract as much value from themselves and their environment as they possibly can. Coaching isn't telling; coaching is helping people do!" – Dan Abrahams.
With an unwavering commitment to making an impact at BVB IA Waterloo and contributing to the women's game, Melanie looks forward to the exciting journey ahead.
High Performance Manager
Keyshia Martin, BVB IA Waterloo's High Performance Manager, predominantly supports the club’s OPDL, League1 and League1 Reserve programs, while she also develops the field schedules across all technical programs.
Keyshia has been with the club since September 2019. Keyshia graduated from Conestoga College with a diploma in Recreation & Leisure Services.
Away from the club, Keyshia enjoys participating in various physical activities, but loves to play and coach ringette in particular.
Inspirational quote: “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” – James Keller. Keyshia recognizes how influential sports have been in her life and she values her opportunity to play a role in fostering a rewarding experience for others.
Match Official Manager
Fernando became the club’s Match Official Manager in 2023. He is the point of contact for referee-related matters, engaging with parents, coaches, and managers as necessary. Under the guidance of the Executive and Technical Director, Fernando leads programs in line with Ontario Soccer’s Long-Term Officials Development model. As the Head Referee, Fernando monitors all aspects concerning club referees, ensuring their recruitment, education, retention, development, and training within the Club.
Fernando commands a wealth of knowledge and experience in the soccer industry as a referee, and also as a coach.
- Active referee with experience in different categories ( KDSL, OPDL, Regional, District, OUA and OCCA)
- Experience as Coach and assistant coach in the Waterloo Soccer House League
- Brings 18 years of experience as a Network Administrator at Blackberry
- Proud Military Veteran, serving 19 years in the Colombian Forces
- Holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration
Club Administrator
Teddy has been with BVB IA Waterloo for three years, and previously assumed the role of League1 Administrator, at the club. Prior to that, he was a Project Coordinator at Milton Youth Soccer Club.
He graduated from Conestoga College with a B.A. in Public Relations. He is a qualified Learn To Train Coach, and is C-License Trained.
In his spare time, Teddy likes to watch soccer, and when tempted, occasionally shows off his impeccable tekkers on the field.
He believes that what goes around comes around, so we should help people. Teddy’s passion for soccer drives his commitment to delivering quality service to club members.
Finance Administrator
Luz Thomas, BVB IA Waterloo's Finance Administrator, handles all financial records such as monthly budget reports, AR & AP and payroll.
Luz has been with the club for seven years. Prior to that, she spent more than 10 years as an accounting supervisor of a large manufacturing and advertising company in the Philippines.
Luz graduated from the Philippine School of Business Administration with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting.
Luz likes swimming, and she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Luz believes that you reap what you sow; do to others as you would have them do to you. Luz wants to contribute to the Club, to the best of her abilities, by providing accurate and transparent financial records.