Welcome to the District Development Centre. An introduction to our coaches...
Shel Brodsgaard
Shel founded Island Keeper Clinics in 1993 following an extensive professional playing career with experience in North America and Europe. Shel had the distinction of working for the Canadian Soccer Association as the National Teams Goalkeeper Coach from 2000-2006. Shel currently holds a NCAC National B License and graduated from the University of Victoria in 1998 with a Bachelor’s Degree. His most memorable coaching moments include a second place finish at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Championships in 2002 and a fourth place finish in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2003. His playing highlights include playing professional soccer in Denmark with Hvidovre, FC and trying to “nutmeg” the locals in community soccer on Denman Island where plays every Sunday! Shel’s most memorable IKC moment is and when people mention that he looks like “Mel Gibson!”
Holds a B National Licence
Bill Merriman
Brings 27 years of coaching experience ranging from Mid-Isle Youth and Ladies Premier League teams to Metro & Selects All-star, BC Summer Games, Inter-Provincial League and European touring teams. Bill has received much recognition for his coaching over the years, including NDYSA Coach of the Year. But, nothing has been as meaningful as the success of players he has coached. Many of Bill’s former players have gone on to university, provincial and national team programs. Bill has also built strong relationships with many recognized coaching associates from around the world, who welcome the opportunity to be involved in Merriman Soccer coaching programs. Bill is also the current head coach for UVI Mens Soccer, has coached with Provincial teams programs, and has firm established relationships with connections at the Universtiy of Montana, Arsenal FC in the UK as well as many, other long term coaching programs.
Currently holds a B Provincial Licence
Bob Hutton
Has coached for over 30 years in Nanaimo. Bob has coached groups from club, Metro, Super Y and IPL. An avid coach, Bob focus is primary focus is on the fundementals of player development. Also known for his coach mentor ship skills, Bob is constantly used as a resource for coaching the coach. Bob understands all aspects of the game from the international level to the basic every day player.
Currently holds a B-Provincial Licence
Sian Bagshawe
Current keeper for the Vancouver Whitecaps, Sian has played at the National and International level in women’s soccer. Played in Canada National program, Sian has taught keepers at all levels, and continues to develop her game. Sian is active currently in North Shore, Richmond, and Delta Soccer Academy as a coach and a mentor coach. Sian brings passion, a great understanding of the game at all levels from club to the highest international level. Not to leave Sian in the box of just a goal keeper coach, she also offers experience coaching players from all ages from 6 to 30 and again at the club and the international level.
Currently holds a B-Provincial Licence
Geoff Whiting
A player his entire life, inside the club system through to playing with Nanaimo United, Geoff brings a vast knowledge of players, and player development and how to ensure players are moved into proper development for their age and ability. Geoff is currently working towards his B-provincial and only has 1 course left to move into this certification. Geoff is a fantastic coach; he understands the game and the players.
Currently holds – CCC/CCY/CCS and Goal Keeping certifications
Craig Glennie
You will not find a coach in Nanaimo with as much passion for soccer as “Glennie”. Currently the coach of the U14 girls metro team, Craig is also still an active player with Nanaimo United. Since his playing career Craig has played at the highest level of soccer in Canada, and at one time represented BC with Gorge FC in the Canadian National finals for men’s soccer. Craig understands how to get players passionate about soccer, he understands player development and what it takes to play at the highest level the players can reach. A constant teacher and always willing to learn more and more, Craig understands all aspects of how the game works, and is able to teach at the same time.
Currently holds – CCC/CCY/CCS and Goal Keeping Certificates
Ken Garraway
Ken Garraway played 22 ’A’ internationals for the Canadian national soccer team. A forward, Garraway was a regular in the Canadian line-up from 1983 to 1985. Despite his 22 appearances however, he failed to score any national team goals. Garraway was also a member of the Canadian Olympic team that reached the quarter-finals of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, playing in 8 qualifying games. He scored once in qualifying in a 1-2 away loss to Mexico.
Garraway played the summer of 1985 with the Victoria Riptides in the Western Soccer Alliance Challenge Cup. Garraway has been a long-time youth soccer coach in Campbell River, British Columbia. He was head coach of the British Columbia Soccer Association’s Provincial Under-15 girls team in 2005-6.Garraway played his youth soccer with the Lakehill Soccer Association in Victoria, British Columbia. Ken has been involved in the BC Soccer Provincial program for 5 years now, and is currently the head coach for the U14 Girls Provincial Program going into the 2009/10 season.
Currently holds – B-National Certifications
James Merriman
Currently the DDC head coach for the U6 to U10 program. Jamie completed playing at the highest level of soccer in Canada. Part of the Canadian Soccer Associations national program, Jamie participated at all ages in the national pool. After his soccer locally, Jamie went on to complete his business degree at the University of Denver where he was offered a full ride scholarship for his playing ability. As a starter for Denver, Jamie went on to play in the PDL, the US National pool, ODP selection, as well as a recent indoor session for the professional team based out of Denver Colorado. Since his return home, Jamie is now the assistant coach with UVI United, has run private sessions for players locally, as well as helped with player development, playing and recruiting for the Victoria Highlanders. Currently pursuing a career in coaching, Jamie will be working towards completing his Masters in Coaching through the University of Victoria. Understanding the game, the intensity to play at the highest level and commitment to excellence are just many skills that Jamie brings to the field.
Shawn Fiddick
Currently the Executive director for NYSC, Shawn has pursued his passion for coaching since his return to BC 9 years ago. Since then has been an active coach at all levels from club to Metro, to currently coaching U17 Girls Metro and as an assistant coach for Nanaimo United. Integrating the science and long term player development model into the learning’s has helped Shawn understand what it takes for players to play at the highest level they can. A great understanding of how players develop, what happens at different development stages and focusing on how players develop is key to his instruction to players. Being a local mentor coach as well, allows Shawn to work with local coaches on their development with the understanding that making better coaches, makes better players.
Currently holds – CCC/CCY/CCS/B-Prep/Goal Keeping certifications. Will be completing B-Provincial in November, and also holds certifications from the NCCP in level 1 and level 2. As well as correspondence with the FA (England’s football certification)
