2027 Cavan FC Competitive Teams
Information for competitive teams
Maple Leaf Cavan FC proudly adheres to the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards. For more information on the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards, please click here
Head Coach: Derek Andreoli - Grassroots Diploma Student (Completing Fall 2027)
2027 League - Central Integrated Soccer League (Formally called IMODEL)
Coach's Bio:
I’ve always believed that if you want to make a positive impact, you have to get involved.
This drive to contribute and support others is what lead me to join the Cavan FC coaching team—and to many other rewarding endeavours in my life.
My coaching journey began in high school as a way to achieve my community service hours by giving back to the community I loved. Learning from my dad, who set a high bar for what great coaching looks like, I began coaching U8 boys' and U12 girls' house-league teams. During those years, I also played for the St. Peter’s Saints and later in the local men’s league while home from university. After a brief pause as I started my career, I found my way back to the pitch to coach my daughter’s U6 house-league team. I stayed with it as our family transitioned into the Cavan LTPD program at U9, stepping in as an Assistant Coach. Working alongside two incredible, non-parent, young women coaches taught me so much, and my wife and I have
proudly remained in team leadership roles ever since. Returning to coaching completely rekindled my own passion for the sport—so much so that I joined the local over-35 men’s league and relish my weekly games! My coaching philosophy is simple: support the
development of players not just as athletes, but as people. I aim to challenge and grow character through competitive athletics and the diverse life lessons the sport provides. To me, the beauty of soccer lies in its simplicity, which creates endless opportunities for growth both on and off the pitch. I embrace learning through success, through adversity, and most importantly, through our mistakes. I strive to lead by example for the incredible, potential-rich, athletes I have the supreme honour to coach.
Head Coach: To be announced (currently interviewing)
2027 League - Durham Region Soccer League
Head Coach: Erin Naylor- Grassroots Diploma Student (Completing October 2026)
2027 League - Central Integrated Soccer League (Formally called IMODEL)
2026/2027 Indoor League - Provincial Indoor Soccer League (PISL) 6v6
Coach's Bio:
My love for soccer began at a young age and has remained a constant throughout my life. Growing up, I played rep soccer for Peterborough City and West Rouge, capturing multiple league championships and tournament titles. In high school, I served as team captain and leading goal scorer, guiding my squad to back-to-back OFSAA gold and bronze medals. I went on to play at the university level for both the University of Ottawa and Trent University, highlighted by a national runner-up finish. As a young adult, I spent several years with the
Peterborough City Women's team, winning league titles, leading the league in scoring, and earning selection to the OWSL All-Star team for two consecutive years.
My coaching journey spans over 20 years, beginning with the U16 and U18 Peterborough City Girls teams. As my own children grew into the sport, I coached their house league teams and helped build foundational skills in Cavan FC’s Future Stars program. In 2022, I transitioned to leading the 2013 Boys LTPD program, where I have had the privilege of developing exceptional young talent. Parallel to club soccer, my role as a high school educator has allowed me to coach numerous boys and girls teams to multiple Kawartha and COSSA
Championships, as well as four OFSAA appearances.
My soccer coaching philosophy centers on a holistic, player-centered approach. As a transformational leader, I try to motivate players through positive role modeling, creating a safe space where they feel empowered to express their creativity and learn from their mistakes. By cultivating strong relationships with players, parents, and fellow coaches, I build a genuine sense of belonging and community. Ultimately, my goal is to teach players how to communicate effectively, think critically, and execute smart, synchronized decisions on and
off the field.
Head Coach: Jamie Zerf - Soccer for Life Trained
2027 League - Durham Region Soccer League
Coach's Bio:
Jamie is a coach with Cavan FC’s 2013 Boys District League program and has been coaching with the club since 2024. A lifelong soccer player, Jamie has always enjoyed being involved in sports, but soccer has remained his number one passion.
As a coach, Jamie values the connections he builds with his players and takes pride in helping them develop their skills, confidence, and love for the game. He strives to create an environment that is fun and enjoyable while also encouraging commitment, focus, hard work, and a competitive mindset. His goal is to build strong, competitive teams where players are motivated to learn, develop, and work together.
Jamie continues to develop his own knowledge of the game and is currently working toward completing his advanced competitive coaching course.
A centre defender at heart, Jamie has passed his love of the game on to his two children, who both play in Cavan FC’s competitive program and, for now, are following in his defensive footsteps.
Outside of soccer, Jamie is an Ironworker by trade, working throughout the GTA. Whether on the field or on the job, he values teamwork, dedication, and putting in the work to achieve a common goal.
Head Coach: Janet Heeringa - Soccer for Life Trained
2027 League - Durham Region Soccer League
2026/2027 Indoor League - Provincial Indoor Soccer League (PISL) 6v6
Coach's Bio:
I am Your Ted Lasso With a Muay Thai Twist!
I dove into soccer and coaching as the 2012 girls’ manager for the 24/25 season, and
somehow, I found myself stepping up as head coach for the next couple of seasons.
For my coaching style, think Ted Lasso, but with a Muay Thai background and a national
title tucked away somewhere under my tracksuit. I’m lucky enough to share the sideline with Ryan Flagler, our assistant coach and technical trainer extraordinaire. Ryan’s got more football wisdom than anyone I know, and while he keeps our technical training sharp, I focus on keeping our team physically and mentally fit while handling the background noise.
My coaching philosophy centres on player development, loving the game for the long haul, and making smart decisions on and off the field. Our goal is to build a strong foundation for all our players to carry into whatever their future holds.
Additional Team Information:
- Practice twice a week over the winter. One being a fitness session and the other being a technical session. No extra charges as I run the fitness sessions and Ryan runs the technical sessions.
- We do 3-4 tournaments during the season with one being an overnight or away tournament. This past season we did the Kingston tournament and had a team dinner at Boston Pizza!
- Next season we want to do more team bonding such as laser tag, roller skating, etc.
- We are registered for the Ontario Indoor 6v6 league and are going to hold tryouts for the winter team at the same time as the 2027 season team.
Head Coach: Greg Element - Grassroots Diploma Student (Completing October 2026)
2027 League - Durham Region Soccer League
2026/2027 Indoor League - Provincial Indoor Soccer League (PISL) 6v6
Coach's Bio:
I have been coaching for over 12 years of various levels of soccer from U5 to U15. My coaching philosophy is simple - to create an environment that encourages young athletes to learn and develop on and off the pitch, and to create a positive learning environment that fosters enjoyment and a life-long love of the game.
I recognize that coaches create opportunities for young players to develop fundamental soccer skills, confidence and self-esteem. I take my role as a coach very seriously and have always been able to maintain an atmosphere that promotes learning and development, good sportsmanship and respect for everyone involved, including coaching staff, other players, parents, referees and the opposing team. I lead by example and I am proud of the positive and enjoyable environment I have been able to create with my teams year to year
Additional Team Information:
- Team is playing in a lifetime experience tournament in Portugal, July 2027
- Practice twice a week over the winter, one session on turf in Hastings, and one at Crestwood/St Petes
- We are registered for the Ontario Indoor 6v6 league and are going to hold tryouts for the winter team at the same time as the 2027 season team.
Head Coach: Laura Richardson - Grassroots Diploma Student (Completing September 2026)
2027 League - Central Integrated Soccer League (Formally called IMODEL)
2026/2027 Indoor League - Provincial Indoor Soccer League (PISL) 6v6
Coach's Bio:
I am a grade 7 teacher at Crestwood Intermediate. I played OUA soccer at Brock University for 5 years; have a daughter who played OPDL for 4 years and now plays University soccer at Nipissing University and OPL in the summer. I have various coaching experiences throughout my years of teaching and have also been an assistant coach for Peterborough City Soccer
organization and FC Cavan. This year I have taken over as head coach of the U15 I model Girls team and am currently completing my Grassroots Soccer Diploma.
Additional Team Information:
- Practice twice a week over the winter, one session on turf in Hastings, and one at Crestwood
- We are registered for the Ontario Indoor 6v6 league and are going to hold tryouts for the winter team at the same time as the 2027 season team.
- Currently first place and undefeated in C2 with aspirations to make C1 in 2027!
Head Coach: To be announced
2027 League - Durham Region Soccer League
Head Coach: Hugo Lehman
2027 League - OSL - Regional Central East Division
Trials held throughout the year - for information email administrator@cavanfc.com
Head Coach: Nikki Legault
2027 League - OSL - Regional Central East Division
Trials held throughout the year - for information email administrator@cavanfc.com
Head Coach: Alex Penello
2027 League - OSL - Provincial East Division
Trials held throughout the year - for information email administrator@cavanfc.com
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 Competitive Sponsors!
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