MEET THE COACHES

---

Co-Founder & Sporting Director & 2015  Boys Head Coach

Coaching Philosophy:

• Love for the Game -Passion & care for each player
• Development First - Skills, confidence, understanding of the game
• Stepping Stone Mentality - College, pro, national team goals
• Student-Athlete Balance - Excellence in sport & academics
• Mental Toughness - Resilience under pressure 

Career Achievements: 

• Burlington Youth Soccer Club - (1996-2000)
• 6 x Ontario Cup Champs
• 3 x Canadian National Champs
• OYSL Coach of the Year (1996)
• Developed 10+ NCAA D1 players, 5 + pros
• Designed High Performance Programs
• Led Juve Niagara 2015 Boys to Top 4 finish in Youth Super League 2025. 

Playing Career Highlights 

• Bethany College (USA) 
• 4 x Conference Champ 2 x NCAA Elite Eight 
• All-Conference first team ( 1998 & 1999 )

Co-Founder & Club Director & GK Technical Lead + Assistant Coach 2015, 2016 APEX FC 1. 

Coaching Philosophy:

• Start With Why - Develop Champions on & off the field
• Individualized GK Development - No One-Size-Fits all approach
• Core Focus - Technical Mastery, mental toughness, leadership 

Career Achievements: 

• Brock University Men's GK Coach ( 2023-2024)
• Technical Lead - Niagara FC & OPDL Program ( 2021-2025 )
• Club Roma Wolves U10 - Head Coach
• Niagara Falls Titans - Assistant Coach ( 2022-2024)
• Niagara Juventus Academy 2015 Boys - Assistant Coach ( 2025) 
• APEX FC ( Boys 2014 & 2015 ) Assistant Coach (2025 )
• Niagara Sport Wall of Fame 

Playing Career Highlights 

• National Champion - Brock University ( 2002)
• Team Canada - World University Games, South Korea ( 2003)
• 2x Ontario Cup Champion (1998 & 1999)
• U20 & U23 Canadian National Team Trialist 
• OSL League MVP ( 1999 )
• Brock University - 1st Team OUA ( 2002) 2nd Team All-CIS ( 2002) 2nd Team OUA ( 2003 )
• Played in England - Durham City ( Conference League ) 
• Trials with English Clubs - Newcastle United , Middlesbrough , Hartlepool 

2014 Boys & 2016 APEX FC 2 Head Coach. 

• Former Pro Player - Brazil & Honduras
• Coach, Mentor, Developer of Talent 
• Known for High Energy, player focused Training 

Coaching Philosophy:

• Creativity, Precision , Football IQ
• Meet the Players where they are - Then Push them further
• Love for the game - Drives every session. 

Playing Career Highlights 

• Santa Cruze SE ( Brazil ) - Pro Experience
• Honduran Liga Nacional de Ascenso 
• Developed Strong tactical & technical foundation in global football environments 

2017 Boys Head Coach 

2016 Boys 2 Assistant Coach

• Canada Soccer C License ( B License in progress) 
• 10 + Year Coaching Experience 
• Known for technical detail, leadership and Passion

Coaching Philosophy:

• Tech.Proficiency + Tactical IQ + Mental Strength 
• Builds Confidence, character and life skills through soccer
• Believes in Purpose-driven player development at all levels 

Playing Career Highlights 

• Niagara University ( NCAA D1 )- Full Scholarship ( 1995-1998)
• MAAC Academic All-Star 
• Ontario Selects All-Star Team  - 1993
• Club Italia Juventus - Junior & Senior Teams 

Coaching Experience: 

• Niagara FC ( OPDL) - Assistant Coach Girls, U13&U14 ( 2021-2022)
• NRSP - U14 Girls Head Coach 
• Niagara United - LTPD Director ( 2013-2017)
• Brock University Women’s Soccer - Assistant Coach ( 2012-2013) 

2016 Boys 1 - Head Coach  

APEX FC is proud to officially introduce Coach Mario Elia to our growing coaching staff — and we couldn’t be more excited to have him with us.

“I am extremely excited and honoured to be a part of this APEX coaching staff!”

Coach Mario’s journey began right here in Niagara Falls with the Niagara Falls Soccer Club. At just 18 years old, he was selected to represent Team Ontario at multiple tournaments — a testament to his talent and dedication.

That same year, he achieved a dream many young athletes chase — earning a Division I scholarship to Cleveland State University in Ohio. During his four years there, he lettered every season and earned All-Tournament honours at the University of Akron Soccer Tournament.

After completing his collegiate career and earning his teaching certification, Coach Mario returned home. He continues to compete locally with Club Italia Juventus and has dedicated over 25 years to education.

Since beginning his coaching journey in 2010, he has made a significant impact — including leading his son’s Empire United U14 team to a 3rd place national finish in the United States in 2020.

Now, he brings that experience, passion, and leadership to APEX FC.

“The environment here is outstanding. I’m looking forward to what the future holds with APEX. FORZA APEX!”

Welcome to the family, Coach Mario. 💙⚽️ the field.

 2020-2019 PRE-ACADEMY LEAD

2015 /16 GIRLS ASSISTANT COACH

INTRODUCING APEX FC NEW COACH: DAWN CURRIE 

Soccer has shaped my entire life. As a lifelong competitive player, the game has built me not only as an athlete, but as a leader and coach. I bring a deep understanding of the technical, tactical, physical, and mental demands of the game — and a genuine passion that shows up in every training session.

As a teacher and mother of four, I know every athlete learns differently. Some need technical detail, others tactical clarity, and some need confidence and belief. My strength is recognizing what each player needs — whether it’s ball mastery, game awareness, speed, or mindset — and helping them grow in a way that truly connects.

Coaching at a competitive level demands leadership, accountability, and trust. I set high standards while creating an environment where players feel supported, prepared, and empowered.

I chose APEX FC because of its strong values and commitment to excellence. For me, coaching is about more than soccer — it’s about building confident, resilient athletes who believe in themselves long after the final whistle.

Welcome to the family, Coach Dawn Currie! ⚽🔥

2015 /16 Girls Head Coach 

2018 Boys Head Coach 

Coaching Credentials & Education

• UEFA B Diploma: Holds a verified UEFA B coaching qualification.
• Scottish FA: Earned a Diploma in Talent Scouting  
• Sports Management through the Scottish Football Association.
• Academic Qualification: Holds a BSc (Hons) in Football Coaching, Development, and Administration.

Career Overview

• Early Career in Zimbabwe:
  • Began his football journey as an academy player with the Dynamos Football Academy.
  • Transitioned into coaching through grassroots football projects in Epworth.
  • Worked with the Legends Football Academy in Eastlea.
  • Served as an assistant coach at CAPS United Football Club.
  • Coached at Avondale Athletic Club.
• International Development:
  • In 2021, began an extensive professional development program in the United States.
  • Gained coaching exposure and experience through major football organizations, including:
    • LA Galaxy
    • FC Barcelona’s U.S. programs
    • Portland Timbers
• Everton Football Academy:
  • Selected by Everton FC, alongside fellow Zimbabwean coach Tafadzwa Leslie Lee, to headline international summer soccer schools.
  • Has traveled across multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces, including British Columbia and Manitoba, delivering high-level youth football clinics.

Community & Youth Development

• Uses football as a tool for social development and positive youth engagement.
• Places a strong emphasis on helping young people avoid drug abuse and other social vulnerabilities.
• Combines football coaching with mentorship and personal development to positively influence the next generation