Brendan O’Connell – Sporting Director
Brendan is a former English professional footballer, who made 451 game appearances and scored 79 goals in the Football League as a midfielder for a number of clubs including Exeter City, Burnley and Barnsley. After suffering a career-ending injury, Brendan retired from the game he loved but went on to coach Wigan Athletic’s youth and reserve teams.
Since moving to Calgary, Brendan has been very involved in the Calgary soccer community. He is the current Head Coach of the University of Calgary men’s soccer team, as well, he has held coaching roles with both the Villains and Foothills Soccer Clubs. Brendan has also been a lead boy’s coach with the Alberta Soccer Association’s Regional Performance Centre.
Brendan has his UEFA A Coaching License, The FA Youth Award (Modules 1-3).
Brendan’s experience as an ex-professional and his current university coaching position will help guide Calgary Blizzard to develop their game and expand their playing opportunities utilizing his contacts within Europe and the university system in North America.
Craig Angus – Boys Technical Director and Foundation Phase Director
Craig is our Foundation Phase Director and is responsible for overseeing the development of the U4-U8 Roots Phase programming and our U9-U12 Core Phase programming. Craig comes to Calgary Blizzard from Vancouver Whitecaps FC where he spent five years with the MLS Club. Prior to Whitecaps, Craig was Lead Development Coach with the New York Red Bulls Regional Development Schools between 2007-2012.
Craig is highly qualified with many credentials to his name including his UEFA A License (Part One), UEFA B License, The FA Youth Award (Modules 1-3) and USSF National Youth License.
Diogo Raposo – Girls Technical Director and Head of Soccer Operations
Diogo Raposo joined Calgary Blizzard Soccer in the Fall of 2016 after his move to Calgary from Edmonton, where he had just won the Canada Soccer U18 Nationals with his former club. Since being with Calgary Blizzard, Diogo has served as the club’s Goalkeeper Coach, Academy Coach, Head of Soccer Operations and Girls Technical Director.
Diogo currently holds his Canada Soccer National B License, United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA) National Diploma and Goalkeeper Diploma. He is an assistant coach for the University of Calgary Women’s Soccer, Academy Coach at Edge School and Coach for the Whitecaps Alberta South REX.