Cavan FC Long Term Player
Development Overview
Maple Leaf Cavan FC’s Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) Program provides young athletes with a positive and structured environment where they can develop their soccer skills while building confidence and a love for the game. The program is designed to support players at an important stage of their development, helping them build strong fundamentals that prepare them for future opportunities within the club’s competitive pathway.
Our approach emphasizes development over results, ensuring that players learn the game in a supportive and enjoyable setting while gradually increasing the level of challenge as they grow.
Program Philosophy
The Cavan FC LTPD Program focuses on creating a player-centred learning environment where development, enjoyment, and participation are the priority. The program follows the principles outlined by Canada Soccer and Ontario Soccer’s Long-Term Player Development framework, which promotes age-appropriate training and competition.
Players participate in sessions designed by qualified coaches who focus on building well-rounded athletes through a balanced approach to development.
Training incorporates the Four Corners of Player Development, which guide how players grow within the game:
- Physical - Improving coordination, balance, agility, and movement patterns appropriate for each stage of growth
- Technical - Developing comfort with the ball through dribbling, passing, receiving, and finishing
- Social - Promoting teamwork, communication, respect, and a positive sporting environment
- Psychological - Encouraging confidence, creativity, decision-making, and resilience
By focusing on these four areas together, players gain a strong foundation that supports both their athletic development and personal growth.
Learning Through the Game
A key element of the LTPD program is game-based learning. Players spend a significant portion of training engaged in small-sided games and activities that simulate real match situations.
This approach helps players develop technical ability and tactical awareness while making the learning process fun and engaging. By allowing players to experiment, solve problems, and make decisions during play, they build confidence and creativity that will benefit them as they continue to progress in the sport.
Player Pathway
The Cavan FC LTPD Program serves as an important step within the club’s overall player development pathway. Players who continue to progress in their development may have opportunities to move into the club’s Youth Competitive teams beginning at U14.
Participation in the program requires commitment and a positive attitude toward learning and development. Players do not need to have previously played with Maple Leaf Cavan FC to be considered. Interested players can attend player identification sessions or orientation opportunities offered by the club.
Training and Competition
Players in the program typically participate in:
- 2 training sessions each week
- Development games or league matches in addition to training
- Training schedules that vary depending on team and age group
- 2-4 weekend travel festivals per summer
This structure allows players to build consistent habits, develop their skills, and apply what they learn in appropriate competitive environments.
Want to Learn More?
For additional information about the Cavan FC Long-Term Player Development Program, including upcoming player identification opportunities and program details, please contact LTPD Director, Kristin Rose.
Maple Leaf Cavan FC is proud to provide a development environment where young athletes can grow as players, build friendships, and develop a lifelong connection to the game, while adhering to the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards. For more information on the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards, please click here. Our alignment to this can be found here.
Head Coach: Paul Hunter
Coach's Bio:
Paul brings more than 24 years of coaching experience across community sport, sport
development and high-performance environments. His soccer coaching experience includes working as a Community Coach with the Scottish Football Association, coaching through Active Schools programs, and supporting player development programs.
This will be Paul’s first season coaching with Cavan FC. His goal is to create a safe, positive and enjoyable environment where every player feels welcome, can build confidence, make friends and develop a love of sport.
Paul believes that how we coach is just as important as what we coach. At U7, the focus will be on meeting each player where they are, introducing foundational soccer skills through fun and engaging activities, and helping the girls become confident in their own abilities.
Most importantly, success will be measured by whether the players enjoy being part of the team, grow throughout the season, and want to come back and play again next year.
Head Coach: Akeem Irwin
Coach's Bio:
I have been playing soccer for as long as I can remember, I started my soccer journey in Jamaica. When coming to Canada I began to play for Peterborough City. I was able to receive a scholarship for soccer in the states and played for Michigan State for a 3 years. When returning back to Peterborough and attending Fleming College, I was able to join their team and became their poster player. I have since continued to play for the Peterborough FC Men's travelling team as well as KSSL.
I have been coaching for many years before having my own children and have since dedicated my time to supporting my oldest in developing his love for the game.
I am a big family person with 3 wonderful children that keep me very busy. I have a lot of understanding for those with special needs as my one children is on the spectrum.
Dream big, train hard, and Never give up. Play with your heart and let your feet do the talking.
Head Coach: Calvin Lopers
Coach's Bio:
After an incredibly successful first season of coaching the 2019 Girls at Maple Leaf Cavan FC, the club is excited to have Coach Calvin back again for the 2027 season. Calvin looks forward to building on that experience and continuing to grow alongside his players.
Calvin believes in creating a positive and encouraging environment where players can learn, have fun, and grow both individually and as a team. His focus is on helping each player build a strong foundation, develop a love for soccer, and being part of the Cavan FC community.
Head Coach: Gary Wall
Coach's Bio:
I have played and loved recreational and competitive soccer, "footy", my whole life. I began formally coaching and taking courses in England whilst completing my degree in Sport and Exercise Science, coaching boys u15 and girls u18 for a full season. As part of my job I was
doing strength and conditioning, coaching cross country, playing both competitive soccer and field lacrosse - the latter being my competitive university sport at the time. All in all, I have played soccer in Ireland (where I am from), England, Scotland, Belgium, and now Canada.
I have gotten involved with Cavan FC with toddler/kinder house league, and now coaching the u8 boys. I am delighted to share my enthusiasm with them, as well as a few traces of footy wisdom. I love to keep it simple but really keep the kids moving with a ball at their feet as much as possible, they do not want to stand still. Strong encouragement with their
skills and effort is a priority, but through clear communication making sure the kids actually realize how skillful they are and how fit they are is very important, so they can feel their confidence in the game grow. I plan to see the boys become determined, tough, team-working, footy loving players.
I hope that every kid I coach can enjoyably kick a ball around now, and wherever they end up in 20+ years from now.
Head Coach: Angela Lunn
Coach's Bio:
My love for soccer began as a player and continued through outdoor and indoor leagues into young adulthood. I have always loved the competitive spirit, teamwork, and determination that soccer brings out in every player. Coaching has allowed me to bring that passion back to the field while helping young players develop their skills, confidence, and understanding of the game.
The most rewarding part of coaching is watching a player master something we have practiced and then confidently apply it in a game.
My coaching philosophy is centred around development, effort, teamwork, and creating a positive environment where every player has the opportunity to succeed. I want the players to become comfortable with the ball, learn to make their own decisions on the field, understand how to work together as a team, and develop the confidence to challenge themselves and try new things.
My plan for the team is to continue strengthening each player’s individual skills while developing a greater understanding of positioning, spacing, attacking, defending, and playing together as a team. As the season progresses, I want the players to become more
confident and independent, communicate with one another, and make their own decisions on the field. My goal is to develop skilled, competitive players who work hard, support their teammates, and continue to grow their love for the game. Looking ahead, I hope to build on the progress we have already made by creating new experiences and opportunities that will challenge the players and prepare them for the next stage of their soccer journey.
Head Coach: Larissa Nicholson
Coach's Bio:
Entering my 5th year with Cavan FC and 3rd coaching LTPD Rep, I bring a lifelong passion for soccer to the pitch. A former regional and provincial player who was invited to try out
for the Canadian Women’s National Team, I focus on strong technical development,
tactical awareness, and proper fundamentals. Mentored by my late father, Coach Lorne Nicholson, I honor his memory by coaching with leadership, humor, and heart—teaching our players that with focus, proper technique, and teamwork, anything is achievable.
Head Coach: Kristi Graham
Coach's Bio:
My name is Kristi Graham, and I am honoured to be the Head Coach of the Cavan FC 2017 U10 Girls team for the upcoming 2026–2027 season. This will be my third year coaching with Cavan FC, and I’m excited to continue sharing my love of the game with the next generation of players.
From a young age, I have loved everything about soccer. I grew up playing competitive soccer, and my passion for the sport has continued throughout my life.
I am especially passionate about supporting girls in sport and creating an environment where young female athletes feel confident, supported, and empowered to develop and grow. For me, coaching is about more than just developing soccer skills—it’s about helping girls develop a genuine love for the game. I want them to experience what it means to be part of a team, build friendships, and confidence, while creating positive memories that they will carry with them for years to come.
I believe soccer can be a lifelong sport. My hope is to help each player build a strong foundation of skills and, most importantly, develop a passion for soccer that stays with her throughout her life. I’m looking forward to an exciting season with the Cavan FC 2017 U10 Girls and to helping each player thrive, have fun, and reach her potential both on and off the field.
Head Coach: Kristin Rose
Coach's Bio:
Kristin is entering her fourth season with Cavan FC and brings six years of coaching
experience, working with players from U6 through U15 across grassroots, district and iModel programming. Soccer has been a lifelong part of her life, beginning as a competitive player at a young age and continuing through adult leagues before shifting her focus fully toward coaching and player development. She holds her Ontario Soccer Grassroots Coaching Diploma and a Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion, with a background in athletic development and sport-specific training. She also brings more than 12 years of experience in athletic development, including working with college-level athletes.
Kristin’s coaching is grounded in long-term player development. She believes every player’s pathway is different and that meaningful development takes time. Her focus is on developing technically strong, confident and intelligent players who understand the game,
make decisions and are continually challenged to improve. She believes in focusing on the process, how we train, how we play, how we support one another and how we improve every day, trusting that when we trust the process, the results will follow. She is committed to creating high-quality, positive development environments where players feel supported, challenged and motivated to reach their potential.
Head Coach: Devon Stillwell
Coach's Bio:
Devon Stillwell has been the head coach of Cavan FC's 2016 girls since 2023. Prior to coaching in the LTPD program, she coached both her kids in the house league program starting in 2019. Devon grew up in Scarborough playing soccer with the West Rouge Soccer Club. She played recreationally as a university undergraduate at Lakehead University and
continues to play soccer today. Her interest in coaching stems from a professional background in education and a love of the sport; her coaching motivation also stems from a belief in the long-term value of creating a positive environment focused on progress over perfection. While a soccer program should develop technical skills and game knowledge, her larger goals are to promote teamwork, resilience, and a growth mindset in young female players. Devon is extremely fortunate to work with coaches Karla Winters, Ryan
Wilson, and Glenn Gaffney, who bring a wealth of experience and dedication to the team.
Head Coach: Brittany Bruce
Coach's Bio:
My love for soccer began when I was eight years old. I grew up in a soccer family and played at the competitive rep level through my early teenage years, as well as throughout high school. After suffering a significant knee injury, I stepped away from the game for a few years before eventually returning to play in various women’s and mixed recreational leagues. Soccer has always been more than just a sport for me. My mom coached me when I was growing up, and the game became something that we could share and bond over. Now, I have the privilege of sharing that same love and passion for soccer with my own son.
I have always been involved in my children’s sports, from U4 and up, whether coaching, managing or supporting their teams. My passion for the game and my desire to share that passion with young athletes naturally led me to coaching. My philosophy is simple: I want my players to first and foremost fall in love with the game. From there, I want to help them develop their skills, confidence, understanding of the game and ability to work as part of a team. I believe in challenging players to push themselves, while creating an environment where they feel supported, valued and excited to come to the field.
As I look ahead to the 2027 season, I want to continue building a team culture based on hard work, accountability, communication, respect and a genuine desire to improve. I want to help each player reach their individual potential while also developing strong teammates and, more importantly, good young men both on and off the field. My goal is for every player to leave each practice and game having learned something, challenged themselves and continued to grow—not only as a soccer player, but as a person. Most importantly, I want them to look back on their time playing soccer and remember how much they loved
being part of the game and part of their team.
Head Coach: Corrie McInroy
Coach's Bio:
I’ve been involved in sport for most of my life, playing soccer since the age of four and competing in a variety of sports from recreational through to the provincial level. Over
the years, I’ve participated in soccer as a player, referee and coach, with many years of coaching athletes of different ages and abilities. I began coaching my own kids when they started house league and have thoroughly enjoyed coaching the Cavan FC 2015 Girls since 2026.
As a coach, I want to help players build strong technical skills, confidence on the ball, game awareness and decision-making, while learning to compete, work hard and continually challenge themselves to improve. I also believe some of the most valuable lessons in sport extend well beyond the field—developing resilience, perseverance, teamwork and respect. Most importantly, I want our girls to love the game and be proud of how they play it, while knowing they are part of a team that challenges, supports and celebrates one another—both on and off the field.
Head Coach: Louise McLeod
Coach's Bio:
This will be my 5th year as Head Coach of the 2015 Boys teams and I am excited to move to 9v9. My focus is on learning and developing skills in a fun and engaging environment. I encourage my players to challenge themselves individually and as a teammate. My own soccer journey began 40+ years ago in Scotland. I don't remember a time that I was not kicking a 'football' around my backyard. I played for my school teams throughout Elementary and High School as well as for the University of Glasgow. Women's soccer was nowhere near as popular then so we often had only 1 or 2 parents watching for our whole team. I love seeing the support our kids have now! In addition to being the 2015 Boys Coach
I am the Head Technical Trainer for the club where I am responsible for organizing our
Winter and Spring Technical Programs, our Grassroots Development and Future Stars Programs. On a personal note I have a son and a dog, and a husband who has found himself tied to soccer for life!
Head Coach: Derek Abrams
Coach's Bio:
Hailing from a small rural community in South Glengarry County with deep soccer roots,
Derek’s journey began on the house league pitches at just six years old. Spending his formative years developing his skills, his hard work culminated in earning a spot on his first competitive rep team at age 16.
Taking his talents to the next level, Derek played for the Trent University Men's Soccer program. His time as a University student-athlete was foundational, teaching him the importance of discipline, high-level tactical execution, and balancing academics with elite competition. Even as an adult, Derek has kept his cleats laced up, playing recreationally with various men’s teams in the Peterborough area.
Derek’s understanding of soccer extends far beyond playing and coaching. He took the
field as a referee and successfully rose through the ranks to the Provincial Level with the Ontario Soccer Association (OSA). During this tenure, he had the unique opportunity to referee and train alongside several FIFA-level officials giving him an elite, comprehensive perspective on the rules and flow of the game.
Derek began his coaching career with Cavan FC in 2017, starting in the house league
program. He has been at the helm as the Head Coach of the 2014 Girls team since they first came together as an Under 8 squad. Coach Derek remains thankful for the seasons of support from the families and team staff that make up the 2014 Girls Cavan FC Soccer Family. He is eagerly looking forward to the upcoming 2027 season as his team enters their final year of grassroots development, where he remains committed to nurturing and instilling a love of the “beautiful game” in the players he coaches.
Head Coach: Blendi Çuli
Coach's Bio:
I started playing soccer on the streets of my neighborhood with my childhood friends at the age of 5 or 6 years old. My uncle noticed my interest in soccer and took me to the stadium to watch professional players playing this wonderful game.
The rest is history.
Here I am after so many years, continuing to have the same passion playing soccer, refereeing and coaching.
As if that is not enough soccer, on weekends I watch 4-5 games from Premier League, Serie A and La Liga.
Soccer background.
My soccer background consists of personal involvement in playing soccer since childhood.
I have coached several different age group teams of House League in Peterborough and now I am coaching for Cavan FC.
My idea of soccer is very simple.
"Football, like life, is filled with ups and downs, and the most important thing is to keep moving forward and never give up"
-Diego Armando Maradona
Hands down the best player ever to have played this wonderful game.
2026 Season League and Head Coaches
Team | League | Girl's Team Head Coach | Boy's Team Head Coach |
|---|---|---|---|
U7 (2019) | ECDSL | Calvin Lopers | Gary Wall |
U8 (2018)
| ECDSL | Angela Lunn | Larissa Nicholson |
U9 (2017) | ECDSL | Kristi Prince | Kristin Rose |
U10 (2016) | DRSL | Devon Stillwell | Adam Goyne |
U11 (2015) | DRSL | Corrie McInroy | Louise McLeod |
U12 (2014) | DRSL | Derek Abrams | Blendi Culi |
U13 (2013) | DRSL | Derek Andreoli | Erin Naylor |
“LTPD is about putting the player first and offering age-appropriate opportunities for kids to enjoy the game of soccer. Making the game fun is key in teaching and coaching, so that players will continue in the game and may even coach or referee as they get older.”
(Ontario Soccer)
PLAYER PATHWAY
Your soccer playing journey, from first touch to provincial stage
At Cavan FC, we believe every player deserves a clear, supportive route to grow — one that mirrors the Ontario Soccer pathway and gives players the training, game experience, and opportunities they need at each stage. Our pathway is built to be simple, transparent, and flexible so every player can progress as far as their dreams and dedication will take them.
House League / Recreational → Development Programs → Rep / Competitive → High-Performance / Provincial Opportunities -- we offer optional add-on programs- Grassroots Development Program, Future Stars and Cavan FC Performance Institute so players and families can choose the level of commitment that fits their goals and lifestyle.
Thank You To Our 2026 Rep LTPD Sponsors!
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
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Bronze Sponsors
Gelky Management Corp
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