Our Coaches


 

                                                                                                                                                        

  Ivan Nikolov 

 Head Coach • Technical Director

Playing Experience
Ivan enjoyed a successful professional playing career with over 360 appearances across four countries. 

Coaching Experience

  • Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks Men's Team (formerly Lethbridge College)
    • Assistant Coach (2025 - current)
  • Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks Women's Team (formerly Lethbridge College) 
    • Assistant Coach (2025 - current)
  • Whitecaps East Kootenays Academy
    • Academy Centre Staff Coach (2021-2025)
    • Interim Head Coach - (2024-25 Season)
  • Team BC U16 Boys - Head Coach (2022-2023)
    • Gold Medal - 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Halifax
  • BC Summer Games - Kootenay Zone 1 U15 Boys
    • Head CoachBronze Medal - 2024 (First-ever medal for the Kootenays since competition inception)
  • Kootenay Rovers - Head Coach U17M, U13 (2020-2025)

  • Previous international coaching experience:
    • Academy Coach, FK Borec (2005-2007)
    • U9 Volunteer Coach, FC Panetolikos (2008-2009)
    • Volunteer Staff Coach, FC Vardar (2009)
    • Academy Coach, FC Bokelj (2013-2014)
    • Interim Head Coach, FK Babuna Senior Team (2015)

Major Licensing & Coaching Education

  • Concacaf Canada Soccer B Licence
  • UEFA C License
  • UEFA B License (in progress)
  • BC Soccer Technical Director Diploma
  • BC Soccer Learning Facilitator
  • Football Association of Wales Level 1
  • NCCP Learning Facilitator


Media Publications

https://www.cranbrooktownsman.com/sports/cranbrook-coach-leads-team-bc-to-soccer-gold-at-naig-5380739

https://stories.ourtrust.org/indigenous-youth-go-the-distance-to-take-charge-of-their-futures/

https://www.myeastkootenaynow.com/37290/news/kootenay-soccer-team-wins-bronze/

https://gokodiaks.ca/sports/msoc/coaches/Ivan_Nikolov

Coaching Philosophy

Ivan is a visionary and transformational leader in Canadian grassroots soccer. His coaching philosophy is centered around long-term player development, inquiry-based learning, and inclusive, culturally responsive coaching. His programs integrate the Canada Soccer LTPD model and the Gold Standard European UEFA Grassroots Model, the Eskilment approach, transformational coaching, and environmental design to nurture adaptable, creative, and tactically intelligent players.

A firm believer in community building through sport, Ivan is also a mentor, educator, and advocate for Indigenous youth, using soccer as a bridge for reconciliation and cultural understanding. His work has elevated the Kootenays on the provincial and national soccer map, and he continues to inspire both athletes and coaches with his relentless drive, professionalism, and deep care for player development.


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Moe Huska                                                                                                                      

Staff Coach

Playing Experience

  • Current player at Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks

Achievements

  • Team CaptainGold Medalist - BC Provincials U18 (2025)
  • Bronze Medalist - BC Provincials U17 (2024)

Moe is a high-level student-athlete and rising coach who leads by example. His strong tactical understanding and leadership experience at the provincial level make him a natural mentor for youth players.

A generational talent and one of the most impactful youth players to emerge from the Kootenays in recent history. As team captain, he led the Kootenay R. U18 team to a historic gold medal at the 2025 BC Provincials - the first in the region's history. The year prior, he helped the U17 squad claim bronze, beginning a new era of success for Kootenay soccer.

Recognized for his leadership on and off the field, Moe inspires with his discipline, humility, and unwavering work ethic. His calm presence, tactical intelligence, and ability to rally those around him make him a natural mentor and an exceptional coach.

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Orien Domin

Staff Coach

Coaching & Playing Experience

  • Current player at Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks

Coaching & Playing Achievements

  • Bronze Medalist - BC Provincials U17 (2024)
  • Assistant Coach, Kootenay Zone 1 - Bronze Medal at 2024 BC Summer Games (first-ever medal for the Kootenays since 1978)

Orien Domin is widely recognized as one of the most hard-working and dedicated athletes in the entire Kootenay region. Known for his relentless drive and elite-level commitment, Orien has built a reputation rooted in professionalism, discipline, and attention to detail.

 

His playing journey is a testament to perseverance and high performance — helping lead the Kootenay U17 team to a provincial bronze medal in 2024, and later joining the coaching staff of the Kootenays Zone 1 team at the 2024 BC Summer Games, where history was made with another bronze medal for the region. His rapid transition from elite player to respected coach speaks volumes about his leadership and football intelligence.

 As a mentor, Orien brings unmatched intensity and focus to every session. He serves as a living example of what it means to lead through effort, earn respect through action, and never stop striving for excellence. His impact on the PE Soccer Academy is felt both on the pitch and in the mindset he helps instill in every player he works with.


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Ryker Dunn

Staff Coach

Playing Achievements

  • Bronze Medalist, U17 - BC Provincials 2024
  • Gold Medalist, U18 - BC Provincials 2025

Ryker Dunn has always stood out — not just as a player, but as someone destined to lead from the sidelines. From an early age, Ryker was consistently recognized by coaches and mentors for his natural coaching instincts, maturity, and ability to read the game at a deeper level. Even during his early playing years, his leadership in training and support of teammates reflected a mindset well beyond his age. A true example of what a team player should look like. 

 A product of the Kootenay system, Ryker played key roles in the back-to-back medal-winning U17 and U18 squads, contributing to historic provincial success for the region. Now transitioning into coaching, he brings the same calm, thoughtful, and detail-oriented approach that made him a standout on the pitch.

 Ryker’s coaching style is focused on development, inclusion, and building confidence — making him a perfect fit for working with younger players and those just beginning their competitive journey.


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Zoubair Elouazzanni  

Staff Coach - Skill Development

Playing Experience

  • Former Semi-Professional Player - Morocco

Zoubair Elouazzanni brings a rich footballing background and a deep love for the game to the PE Soccer coaching team. Born and raised in Morocco, Zoubair played at the semi-professional level, where he developed a strong foundation in technique, tactical awareness, and football culture. His international experience brings a global perspective to training and player development.

Zoubair is known for his technical detail, calm demeanor, and player-first approach. His sessions are designed to inspire creativity, improve confidence on the ball, and elevate players’ understanding of space, rhythm, and decision-making. Whether working with young athletes or more advanced players, Zoubair’s patient and passionate coaching style helps unlock their full potential.

Beyond the pitch, he is a trusted mentor and role model who values discipline, respect, and continuous improvement. His ability to connect with players from diverse backgrounds makes him an integral part of the academy’s inclusive and development-focused environment.