Coaches and Staff

Steve Weston

Technical Director & Head Coach

BIO

Coaching Philosophy:
At all times to keep soccer fun and enjoyable, as well as install good discipline and strong work ethic.

All players must continually work on the technical ability and ball control. Players need to enjoy having the ball.

Without the volunteer club coach, the player cannot play and cannot develop. All coaches need to be in an environment where they can learn, grow and be constantly supported by their club and the club’s Head Coaches & Technical Director.

Experience:
Over 35 years of coaching experience both in England and Canada. Over 12 years as a professional soccer coach.

Qualifications:
Canadian Soccer Association National B License
Technical Director Diploma
Canadian Soccer Association National A License – in progress

Previous Coaching Roles:
Surrey Youth Staff Coach
Douglas Park Soccer Head Coach
BC Soccer Provincial Coach

Present Coaching Roles:
Head Coach and Technical Director, Vancouver Athletic FC
BC Soccer Coach Certification – Learning Facilitator

Lauren King

Head Coach U11-U18 Girls

BIO

Background:
Lauren has extensive soccer experience, playing from age 5 through to playing at GVSU a top DII school in the States, where she graduated with a bachelor in Health Sciences.

Upon moving to Canada, she began her Canadian coaching career in Whistler. In her move to Vancouver, she has coached for the Whitecaps Academy, NSGSC, and VAFC player development sessions. She was also the assistant coach for the TSS Rovers during the 2023 League 1 BC season. She is now on the VAFC staff full time as the Girls Divisional Head Coach and Assistant Technical Director.

Canadian Soccer Association Qualifications:

Canadian Soccer Association National B License
Canadian Soccer Association Children’s license
Canadian Soccer Association Provincial B License
Canadian Soccer Association Youth License
Respect in Sport – Active Leader Program
BC Soccer – Technical Director Diploma

Previous Coaching Roles:
Whistler FC Coach
Sea to Sky Whitecaps Academy Coach
Whitecaps Academy Coach
Assistant coach, TSS Rovers; League 1 BC
VAFC development sessions, camps & team training

Present Coaching Roles:
VAFC Head Coach Divisional U11-U18 Girls

Steve Hood

Head Coach U11-U18 Boys

BIO

Background
Steve has over 25 years of coaching experience having worked as a coach and technical leader, in
England, Wales, the US and Canada.

Before moving to Canada Steve worked at several professional clubs in the UK within their development
center and community scheme programs. During the summer months Steve would travel across to the
US and work as a soccer camp director for Challenger Sports.

Steve moved to Canada in 2003, where he worked as a coach at European Football Schools, before
becoming the Program Director for the North Shore Soccer Development Center which provided
technical support to the 4 Soccer clubs on the North Shore. After his time on the North Shore, Steve
spent 2 years as the Technical Director at Prince George Youth Soccer Association, before returning back
to the lower mainland to take on the role of Technical Director at Richmond FC.

Qualifications
CSA National B License
CSA Children’s License
BCSA Technical Director Diploma
BCSA Goalkeeping Diploma
BCSA Provincial B License
NCCP Learning Facilitator
NCCP Coach Evaluator
NCCP Master Coach Developer
Science Of Soccer (HND) University of South Bank (London UK)
FA Level 2 (London UK)

Previous Roles:
Richmond FC – Technical Director
PGYSA – Technical Director
NVFC – Program Director
North Shore Development Center – Program Director
BC Soccer – Grassroots Tutor
Mountain FC – Staff Coach
Whitecaps FC – Assistant Prospects Coach
European Football Schools – Staff Coach
Challenger Sports – Soccer Camp Director/Coach (US)
Cardiff City, Fulham FC, Millwall FC, Wimbledon FC – Community Scheme Coach (UK)

Present Coaching Roles:
BCSA Learning Facilitator
VAFC Head Coach Boys