York Region Soccer Association

Vince’s journey in soccer began like many parents—just wanting his child to play a sport. Being Italian, soccer was the natural choice. His son started at age five and is now celebrating his 50th birthday, and Vince’s volunteer career is still going strong. Vince started with Concord Jets, later Vaughan Soccer, as a reporter and photographer, eventually serving as club president for nearly 19 years. During that time, he worked at the District, Regional, and Provincial levels to help grow and modernize the club. After being elected to the Ontario Soccer Board, he stepped down from the Club and joined Canada Soccer’s Competition Committee, where he led national tournaments across the country. Today, Vince continues to serve as District Vice President, supporting the game’s evolution and development. Soccer has become a lifelong passion for Vince, and his contributions have played a meaningful role in shaping its development in Ontario and beyond.

Dr. Robert Gringmuth is an Assistant Professor and long-time Primary Clinician at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), where he served for 35 years. He also directed a multidisciplinary sports injury clinic at the Ontario Soccer Centre. A graduate of CMCC, he holds fellowships in both Sports Sciences and Rehabilitation, and is board-certified in rehabilitation by the American Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board. Dr. Gringmuth has coordinated sports residency and master’s programs, and continues to mentor future sports specialists. He’s been a key figure in Ontario Soccer for over two decades, serving as Medical Advisory Chair and injury data coordinator, while also supporting Canada Soccer teams internationally. His work spans professional soccer clubs including the Toronto Blizzard, Lynx, and TFC. A published author and media contributor, he’s written for Inside Soccer, The Team, and Ontario Soccer’s medical blog. With a career rooted in evidence-based care and athlete development, Dr. Gringmuth remains a respected leader in sports chiropractic.

Erin Mills Soccer Club

Alex has been a cornerstone of Erin Mills Soccer Club for 25 years, currently serving as the Competitive Program Manager. Holding Canadian National B, UEFA B, and Polish National A licenses, Alex began as a volunteer and rose through the ranks as a coach, mentor, technical director, and club head coach. A former professional player in Poland, Alex brought his passion for the game to Canada, focusing on developing the person before the player. He helped launch the Mississauga Eagles FC in 2010 and pioneered Ontario’s first student exchange program. His influence has shaped the careers of national team players like Kadeisha Buchanan, Ashley Lawrence, and Raheem Edwards. Alex also founded the All Abilities program and Eagles Soccer School, making soccer accessible to all. He’s led teams on European tours, secured scholarships for countless athletes, and partnered with elite clubs like West Ham and Feyenoord. Alex’s dedication to removing barriers and creating lifelong opportunities truly embodies the spirit of Soccer for Life.

Peel Halton Referee Association

Garen Khoudigian began refereeing in 2012 at just 13 years old with Burlington Soccer Club, quickly developing his skills under the guidance of strong mentors and coaches. He has since progressed through Ontario Soccer’s Regional Upgrade Program, officiating in League1 Ontario since 2019, where he was appointed to the League2 Finals in 2024. His experience includes major tournaments such as the Player Development Program (2025), Ontario/Quebec Series (2024), MilkUP Ontario Cup Finals, Gary Miller Charity Shield, and the Ontario Summer Games (2022), all of which provided invaluable growth/learning opportunities. A proud member of the Peel Halton Referee Association, Garen was also the recipient of the 2017 Tim Jones Award for integrity and professionalism on and off the field.

Garen’s main goal is to create a welcoming and positive environment within the referee community. With the support of Ontario Soccer and its dedicated staff, he looks forward to growing and reaching higher levels within the referee world.

Eastern Ontario Soccer

Donia had a distinguished refereeing career, officiating at numerous provincial championships, including 14 gold medal games and semi-finals across OUA, OCAA, Ontario Cup, U21, and U18, as well as 10 national competitions including Canada Summer Games, USports, and the Futsal National Championships. Today, she continues to lead as a developer of Match Officials across multiple roles including assessor, instructor, and referee coach with Ontario Soccer and Canada Soccer, most recently supporting the launch of the Northern Super League. Donia has a special interest in empowering other female match officials and ensuring they have the tools and confidence to perform at a high level. Beyond officiating, she gives back to the game through her volunteer role as Treasurer for Eastern Ontario Soccer, where she combines her professional expertise as a CPA with her passion for soccer.

East Central Ontario Soccer Association

Michael first played soccer at school in Bermuda before immigrating to Canada in 1974, where his passion for the game continued in Peterborough, playing for over a decade. In 1987, he became a certified referee, starting as a Grade 3 (now District) and advancing to Grade 2 (Regional) in 1994. Over ten years, he officiated high-level matches including OCAA, OUA, Ontario Cup, and Nationals. He served as DOCC for ECOSA from 1994 to 2013 and was the local referee scheduler for Peterborough for 14 years. Since 1995, he’s been an Ontario Soccer Instructor, mentoring new referees and helping them reach higher levels. Appointed as ECOSA’s District Referee Coordinator in 1999, a role he still holds today, he remains deeply committed to the development of referees and the growth of the game. His dedication has made a lasting impact on soccer in his community and beyond.

Pickering Football Club

Dave Lord has served as the Recreational Administrator of the Pickering Football Club for over a decade. Under Dave’s care, thousands of City of Pickering residents have had the opportunity to participate in recreational soccer year after year. He spends countless hours guiding parents through the registration process, organizing hundreds of volunteer coaches, scheduling match officials and providing day-to-day support to make every child's soccer experience special. 

Dave has seen the recreational program grow to over 1800 players in 2024. Expanding the number of fields across the City of Pickering breaking down barriers of participation and making soccer more accessible.

Dave’s commitment goes beyond organizing the Indoor and Outdoor Recreation seasons; as he has spearheaded the ongoing development of youth match officials piloting an Ontario Soccer body camera program to provide valuable data regarding Match Official safety. He has enabled the Pickering Football Club to be recognizedprovincially as a leader in match official development and recruitment with our most talented young ref’s working their way up the soccer ladder and ensuring young female match officials get an equal opportunity to be seen. He also leads the organization’s discipline department as the Club’s Discipline Chair. 

Through his leadership, Dave has not only enriched the lives of countless young athletes but has also strengthened the sense of community in the City of Pickering and throughout Ontario Soccer, demonstrating how one person's passion and vision can inspire and uplift entire neighborhoods.

Cavan FC

Angela was one of the original founding board members of Cavan FC when the club formed in 2007, after merging with Maple Leaf recreational soccer club, to become Maple Leaf Cavan FC.

Angela was integral in building both a recreational and a competitive stream with Maple Leaf Cavan FC.

She has been the Maple Leaf Cavan FC Club administrator since and has served as a manager of many Cavan FC competitive teams, most recently their Ontario Soccer Men’s team playing in the Provincial Division

Angela currently sits on the board of directors of the East Central Ontario Soccer Association, where she has developed and ran the district run FUNdamentals age group (U7 and U8). As Club teams Play out of District into Durham starting at U9, this has been a crucial developmental step for the District to have an entry to competitive soccer stage of development play.

Angela recently was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal for her outstanding volunteerism presented to her by Jamie Schmale, MP in March of 2025.

Scarborough Soccer Association

Jim Barnes has been involved in soccer for close to 40 years. He first became an Assistant Coach with Clairlea-Westview Soccer Club when asked by the head coach of his son’s U-6 team, Yvette Carrington. Jim and his wife Julie were blessed with a large family of six, all of whom played for Clairlea-Westview.  Jim became active in all aspects of the club: coaching, refereeing, convening, serving on the Executive committee and creating an Under-twenty-one Co-Ed league that ran for many years. He was elected to the Scarborough Soccer Association Executive committee eventually becoming President, a position he has held for many years. 

Currently Jim has worked with the Scarborough, North York and Toronto District representatives in creating an amalgamation agreement to form one District. This merger has been approved by the members of all three Districts and will become a reality in the very near future.

Jim would like to pay tribute to two individuals who were lifelong mentors and inspirations in his years of soccer involvement – Jim McPherson (General Manger of Clairlea-Westview Soccer Club) and Tom Gribilas (President of Olympic Flame Soccer Club). 

He had the enormous privilege of working with youth, met so many individuals who became life-long friends and was taught by the very best the importance of giving back to the community. These many blessings are humbly received and forever treasured. He asks God’s blessings on all who have shared in his soccer journey.

Ottawa South United

Peter Menyasz has coached and promoted inclusive player development for more than 25 years with clubs in the Ottawa area. Currently in his fifth year with Ottawa South United, his journey has included competitive teams with Ottawa Internationals Soccer Club (Coach and Boys' Staff Coach), Carleton Place Soccer Club (Club Head Coach), Nepean Hotspurs Soccer Club, and West Ottawa Soccer Club. Off the field, he was a Learning Facilitator and Long-Term Player Development Champion for Ontario Soccer and has served on the boards of the Eastern Ontario District Soccer Association, the East Region Soccer League, and the Club Head Coaches & Technical Directors Forum of Eastern Ontario.

Greater Sudbury Soccer

Joe was born to Slovenian immigrants in Kitchener and raised in Sudbury. He began playing soccer when he was eight years old, after being encouraged to try out for a team, where his friend’s father was the coach. At the age of 16, he joined the Sudbury competitive men’s league, where he played for the Croatia Adria Soccer Club, also serving on its board of directors, as a young adult.

Joe received an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Administration from Laurentian University, during which time he began coaching youth soccer. Joe became a teacher and having taught all ages/levels, he now finds himself working as a Special Education elementary classroom teacher. After returning to Sudbury, he began coaching with the Greater Sudbury Soccer Club (GSSC Impact), joining its board as Technical Director in 2014, and then being elected President in 2016, where he still holds this position. Joe has continually been involved with the Beautiful Game – he continues to coach and play the sport he loves and he recently became certified as a referee.

Hamilton United

Sam Di Santo has been a dedicated contributor to soccer for over 50 years—as a player, coach, referee, and executive leader. His strategic insight and professionalism have helped build strong community partnerships and promote safe sport across Ontario.

Currently President of Mount Hamilton United Soccer Club, he’s also led Saltfleet SC, Saltfleet Stoney Creek SC, and Hamilton United SC, where he was a founding member. His leadership has guided several successful club amalgamations and earned him the Hamilton Soccer Bill Rutlidge President’s Award.

At the provincial level, Sam contributes to the OPDL Advisory Focus Group, helping shape high-performance youth soccer. For Sam, soccer is more than a sport — it’s a lifelong passion that promotes joy, health, and unity across generations and cultures. His impact continues to resonate through every level of the game.

Saltfleet Stoney Creek

Phil is a passionate advocate for women’s soccer and a dedicated coach who began his journey by coaching his three daughters from age three through competitive levels. He championed equal opportunities for women at Saltfleet Stoney Creek Soccer Club, placing teams in the OWSL and enabling international competition, including representing Saltfleet Stoney Creek and Canada at the Lazio Il Calcio è Rosa tournament in Italy. Phil was instrumental in launching key programs for women at the club, including the O35 Women’s League, female goalie and development coaches, and a female lead trainer. His commitment extended beyond coaching—he helped secure exclusive rights to Sherwood Park, home to Hamilton’s only sand-based field, and worked closely with the city to preserve and maintain it. Phil’s vision led to the creation of a dedicated Board position for field operations, ensuring long-term sustainability. His legacy is one of inclusion, excellence, and tireless dedication to the growth of the game.

Brams United Soccer Club

Akeelah has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the field. She has earned multiple Player of the Match honors at FTF Hamilton events, five MVPs at Team Combines, and First Team selections at both Spring and Fall FTF Showcases in 2024. Her team accomplishments include an undefeated OPDL U17 season, a League Cup Championship with Markham City FC, and an Ontario Cup title in 2023. She was also named to the FTF Top 60 All-Star list and invited to the Provincial Excel program.

Academically, Akeelah has been on the Honour Roll from Grades 9 to 11 and was accepted into the SIUE Honours Program. She’s actively involved in her community, volunteering with Brams United Soccer Club as a referee, assistant coach, and event helper. She’s contributed to initiatives like the Dr. Simones Food for Children Drive and the Peel Regional Police’s Giving Back for School Event.

Certified as an Entry Level Referee since 2021, Akeelah continues to officiate across multiple clubs. She has also committed to playing NCAA Division 1 Women’s Soccer at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, making her a standout nominee and a true role model for youth in Ontario.

NorWest Optimist Community Soccer

From overcoming fear to becoming a leader, Ambreena has shown remarkable growth through soccer. Her journey began when she was mistakenly invited to tryouts while watching her brother—an invitation she bravely accepted despite being afraid of the ball. She soon stepped up as goalkeeper when no one else would, showing early signs of courage and commitment.

During the pandemic, she realized how vital soccer was to her mental and social well-being, a realization that fueled her passion. At just 15, she became a certified coach and referee, mentoring young girls through the She’s Got Goals program. She’s a vocal advocate for keeping girls in sport, personally reaching out to those at risk of dropping out.

In 2024, she led her club’s participation in the Same Game Gender Equity Challenge and launched Charity Kicks, a fundraiser in memory of a classmate lost to intimate partner violence—raising $500 for Anova Women’s Shelter and sparking community dialogue. With nine years at the club, she’s now a lead in gender equity, a certified referee, and a driving force behind programs like Girls Play Soccer London and She CAN Coach. She is pursuing an Undergraduate Degree in Medical Sciences at Western University with the long term plan to become a Medical Doctor. Her dedication to sport, equity, and community makes her a truly deserving nominee.

Oakville Soccer Club

Michela has been a part of the Oakville Soccer Club since the age of 3, growing through the ranks from House League to the Advanced Development Program and finally the Representative Development Program. Her dedication didn’t stop as a player—she’s since become a standout coach and mentor. In 2024, she was named House League Coach of the Year for her work with the Girls U13 team and has been a vital staff coach and facilitator in programs like Lil’ Oscars, Active Start, and Skill Development.

Michela holds both her Active Start and FUNdamentals licenses, earning the latter while on crutches—showcasing her unwavering commitment. She also holds her Game Leader certification. Known for her energy, leadership, and problem-solving, Michela is a role model to players, parents, and peers alike. Off the field, she’s a consistent honourroll student with a 93% average and has earned multiple academic and athletic awards. With aspirations to become a teacher, Michela is already shaping the next generation—on and off the pitch.

Thunder Bay Chill 

Prestyn Popovic is a standout midfielder for the Thunder Bay Chill and a committed NCAA Division II athlete at Thomas More University. His soccer journey began at age three and has grown into a lifelong passion. Prestyn has played with the Chill for over 15 years, captaining the Reserve Team for the past two seasons and volunteering with younger age groups—coaching, officiating, and mentoring players to foster a love for the game.

He’s been a consistent starter on his high school soccer team since Grade 9, earning the High School Coaches Award and being named Athlete of the Year. Prestyn was also invited to the Ontario Xcel Program three years in a row, recognizing his provincial-level potential. Academically, he maintains a 4.0 GPA and has been on the Honour Roll throughout high school, demonstrating discipline and excellence both on and off the field.

Prestyn’s leadership, dedication, and impact make him a truly deserving recipient. 

Petawawa Minor Soccer Club

Piper has dedicated 14 years to soccer, building a foundation of resilience, leadership, and determination. Starting at age three, she’s competed at both school and club levels, earning titles such as EODSA League Champion, Gael Cup Champion, and an OFSAA Antique Bronze medalist. She’s also mentored younger athletes, coaching a U10 girls’ team and helping foster their love for the game.

Beyond the pitch, Piper is a committed student, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at the University of Ottawa. She’s maintained a strong academic record, earning Honour Roll status, Highest Standing awards, and recognition as a Lifelong Learner.

Her leadership shines through organizing events like the Terry Fox Run, which raised over $12,000, and leading school-wide initiatives including athletic banquets and dodgeball tournaments. She’s also deeply involved in her community, volunteering during the pandemic and supporting local fundraisers and events. Piper’s ability to balance academics, athletics, and service makes her a truly deserving winner.

Vaughan Soccer Club

Selena Lancaster is a dynamic and hardworking midfielder who has played with Vaughan Soccer Club since the age of four. Her commitment to the game has led her to compete at the highest levels, including representing Dominica’s U-20 and Senior Women’s National Teams in Concacaf tournaments. She currently plays for Vaughan’s League2 Reserve and OPDL U17 teams, and has committed to Dalhousie University for NCAA soccer in September 2025.

Selena has earned multiple Player of the Match honors at top showcases like FTF and FC Durham, and was selected for the Ontario Provincial Xcel Team, making the starting 11. Her tournament success includes podium finishes at the FTF Showdown, Blue Chip Showcase, and Ontario Soccer Cup.

Off the field, Selena is equally accomplished—earning Honour Roll status every year of high school and receiving awards in Physical Education, Social Science, and Drama.Selena’s talent, discipline, and international experience make her a standout athlete and a strong role model for aspiring players.

Brams United Soccer Club

Olivia Francis is a standout student-athlete who has committed to play NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer at St. Peter’s University in New Jersey. A dedicated player since childhood, Olivia has earned numerous accolades, including Rookie Athlete of the Year at St. Marguerite D’Youville SS, multiple Player of the Match honors at FTF Combines, and top rankings in the FTF Class of 2025. She’s also been invited to the Provincial Excel Program and was called up to the Philippines U17 Women’s National Team in 2024.

Olivia’s leadership extends beyond the pitch—she’s a certified referee, a volunteer coach for girls aged U6–U12, and an active mentor through programs like BMO Girls Play On. She’s also involved in school life through the Athletic Council, Yearbook, and Newspaper Committees, while competing in multiple sports including soccer, basketball, and track.

With a strong academic record and a passion for empowering others, Olivia is a well-rounded role model and a truly deserving winner.