ABOUT US
Chinooks FC is a non-profit organization focused on soccer player development through premier soccer training in the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
At Chinooks FC we believe that soccer is for everyone regardless of person’s culture, colour, ancestry, nationality, age, political beliefs, religion, family status, physical or mental disability, gender or sexual orientation. We want to make our Chinooks community stronger through inclusivity by welcoming players and families from all different backgrounds with our staff being on the forefront of ensuring this ethos is pushed down to all members of the club.
The philosophy of Chinooks FC is to use both personal and soccer development to build a positive community with families in Calgary.
VISION
To be an excellent soccer community for players seeking personal enjoyment, challenge, and growth.
MISSION
To prepare players for life by giving them the opportunity to participate in an inclusive team environment that focuses on providing high quality individual education and growth. The Chinooks Football Club builds and fosters a vibrant community dedicated to a lifelong passion for the game of soccer.
VALUES
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of individuals through the sport of soccer. Chinooks FC embraces the following core values – what we call The Chinooks 4Cs
The Chinooks 4Cs
CULTURE
COMMUNITY
We believe in building strong communities as they are an important source of social connection and a sense of belonging. Participating in the Chinooks FC community means being bonded together by shared attitudes, values, and goals which we believe is an essential ingredient to enjoying your soccer playing experience and further to achieving a fulfilling life. Chinooks FC builds a community of like-minded members that are positive contributors to our club and that reaches further to the communities around us.
COMMITMENT
We are committed to creating an environment that develops a source of meaning and purpose in our members lives through experiences that provide opportunities to learn, grow and be challenged while being active in the sport of soccer. Our members share that same commitment individually by valuing the experiences we have as individuals and that we share together on our teams and as a community.
CHARACTER
We are committed to providing our players character building experiences to achieve individual growth, development and challenges in a competitive environment.
CLUB HISTORY
Minor soccer in Calgary was first organized in 1964 with the formation of the Calgary Minor Soccer Association (CMSA). The Chinooks Soccer Club was founded in 1974 as one of the six zoned teams in the city along with the Blizzards, Eagles, Eastside, Celtics, and Foothills. Prior to 1974, the club represented the western boundary up to 37th street S.W. and later occupied the entire south west following its merger with the Tornadoes (that occupied west of 37th street S.W.). Initially, the zoned teams were for the Under 16 and 18 Boys categories while the communities managed the younger age groups.
In the late 1970’s, CMSA added a Under 14 Boy’s programs followed by the introduction of the Girl’s program. The club grew exponentially during the 1980’s and 1990’s with the addition of adult programs in Men’s and Women’s leagues, supporting 24 teams with over 400 members parallel to the growth of the city. In early 2000’s, CMSA decided to lift the zoned restrictions allowing players to play with any club in the city. In 2006, the club formed the Under 10 and Under 12 programs, which grew to club to 34 teams with 600 members by the 2007 Outdoor season.
Today, Chinooks FC continues to support the city with programs from the Grassroot level (ages 4-8) to the youth (ages 7-19) and adult (ages 19+) levels.
CHINOOKS TEAM
Chinooks FC is led by a qualified team of experienced individuals with established careers in Calgary soccer. The group will be working together to oversee both the boys and girls programs, observe and respond to player and parent challenges, and ensure an impactful approach to player development is taken at all levels of play within the club.
If you have questions, or need support from the club, please make note of the staff roles below:
CLUB OPERATIONAL STAFF
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
RHYS EVANS
As the club’s Technical Director, Rhys is responsible for designing, developing and delivering our Chinooks technical programming. Rhys works cooperatively with Chinooks’ staff, head coaches and our Director of Operations to ensure the successful organization, coordination, and delivery of this programming.
Rhys also works closely with Chinooks’ Board of Directors to obtain and maintain our CSA licensing. He is responsible for all soccer program decisions, including but not limited to: player evaluations, player selection, team formation, coach selection, team placement, and technical staff recruitment and training.
Rhys graduated with first class honours in Football Coaching, Development and Administration BSc at the University of South Wales. During this time he also completed his UEFA B licence.
Rhys has a wealth of experience, having coached at Cardiff City FC and having played and coached all around the world.
Learn more about Rhys below
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
JESSICA ARCHAMBAULT
As the club’s Director of Operations Jess works cooperatively with our Technical Director and Executive Director, ensuring that the club budget, strategic and operational plans are met each season. Jess represents Chinooks at ASA and CMSA administrative meetings and works with the Board of Directors on club events, marketing, fundraising, licensing, and other committee work. She is the main point of contact for all member questions and concerns.
Jess has a Bachelor of Management and has been involved in CMSA Club management Minor Soccer clubs since 2018.
TECHNICAL STAFF COACHES
LEAD TECHNICAL COACH
ALESSANDRO PAPPALARDO
Ale is a lead head coach and technical trainer focusing on the U10-U19 age groups. Ale runs the Chinooks Video Analysis Program.
LEAD TECHNICAL COACH
SKILLS CENTRE COORDINATOR
MITCHELL GIBBS
Mitch is a lead head coach and technical trainer and leads the U7-U9 Skills Centre. Mitch works closely with the Grassroots program to ensure that Chinooks’ community grassroots players experience a smooth transition into CMSA soccer.
LEAD TECHNICAL COACH
STEPHEN GOUGH
Steve is a lead head coach and technical trainer that focuses on the U13-U19 age groups.
CLUB HEAD COACHES
CLAUDIO GORSEDIN
SALVATORE DELUCIA
SAMUEL MCCALLUM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
STEPHAN HORBAY
As the Executive Director, Stephan guides the Technical Director and Director of Operations ensuring that the club budget, strategic and operational plans are met each season. He works with the Board of Directors on club events, fundraising, licensing, and other committee work.
REGISTRAR / BOOK KEEPER
URSULA TABSH
Ursula works closely with the Director of Operations and Club treasurer to ensure the proper accounting and bookkeeping of the club.
CLUB PRESIDENT
ASHLEY GIBBS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chinooks Soccer Club is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors who are responsible for setting the mission and strategic director of the organization. The Board is also charged with overseeing the finances, operations, enforcing the Bylaws, and creation & implementation of policies for the club.
The Board of Directors is made of devoted volunteers.
BOARD EXECUTIVES
PRESIDENT / DIRECTOR – ASHLEY GIBBS
VP ADMINISTRATION – Stefan Kalyniuk
VP OPERATIONS – TAREK JAYOUSSI
SECRETARY – NEIL YOUNGER
TREASURER – CHRIS LEWKOWICZ
DIRECTOR – Nancy Bains
DIRECTOR – MIKE BROWN
DIRECTOR – ANN MACINTOSH
DIRECTOR – LARISSA MELECA
DIRECTOR – SARAH WUNTKE
DIRECTOR – JENNIFER YOUNG
DIRECTOR – ALESSANDRA DECIANCIO