Staff Coaches
Neil Sedgwick – Head of Coach Development
Neil Sedgwick joins the Peninsula Soccer Association in the position of Head of Coach Development. Neil is a highly accomplished and dedicated soccer coach with an extensive background in both coaching and player development. With a Master of Education in Coaching Studies from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Education from Dalhousie University, Neil has built a robust foundation of knowledge and expertise in the field. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through his certifications, including the Coaching Association of Canada Level Five Certified Coach, both the Canadian and U.S. Soccer Federation ‘A’ Licenses, and has traveled to a number of work-weeks presented by FC Evolution, a world wide coach education program.
Throughout his career, Neil has held several prestigious university coaching positions, most notably as the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at the University of Northern British Columbia, the University of North Dakota and the University of Montana. His coaching prowess has also been recognized internationally, where he contributed to the Canadian Women’s National Teams Program in various capacities, including preparation for the World Cup and Pan American Games. His experience in high-performance coaching is matched by his ability to develop long-term athlete development programs, which have been integral to the success of the teams and players he has mentored.
In addition to his university and international coaching experience, Neil has been a driving force behind the growth of soccer on Vancouver Island. As the Founder and Head Coach of Vancouver Island FC and the Victoria Highlanders FC’s Women’s Program, he has created opportunities for women to play at the highest levels in British Columbia. His leadership has led to the recognition of Vancouver Island FC as a top-tier team, earning accolades such as Pacific NW Conference Franchise of the Year and Coach of the Year.
Neil’s contributions to youth development are equally impressive. As the Director of Development for Timberwolves FC and Founder of EPIC Youth Development, he has designed and implemented programs that support the holistic growth of young players. His work with Whitehorse United FC, Prince George Youth Soccer Association IMPACT and other organizations demonstrates his commitment to nurturing the next generation of soccer talent, ensuring that they have the skills, knowledge, and support to succeed both on and off the field.
Steve Simonson – Head of Club Development
Steve Simonson joins the Peninsula Soccer Association as the new Head of Club Development, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong academic background in soccer coaching and player development. With a Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria, where he focused his thesis on “Motivational Climate in Elite Youth Soccer,” Steve combines a deep understanding of sports science with practical coaching expertise.
Steve also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Leisure Service Administration from the University of Victoria. His academic achievements are complemented by his National A License from the Canadian Soccer Association and an Advanced Coaching Diploma (NCCP Level 4 Certification) from the National Coaching Institute.
In his current role as the Head Coach of Men’s Soccer at the University of Northern British Columbia, Steve has been instrumental in building competitive teams and fostering a culture of excellence resulting in being named coach of the year in 2022 in the Canada West Division as well as USports Coach of the Year. His previous coaching experience includes stints with prestigious clubs and organizations such as Victoria Highlanders FC (BC League 1 and USL Premier Development League), Vancouver Island Wave (BC Soccer Premier League), and the Canadian Soccer Association, where he served as Assistant Coach for the Women’s National Team during the Futbol Internacional Tournament in Alabama.
Steve’s career also includes a pivotal role with Vancouver Whitecaps FC as Women’s Assistant Coach and Head of Female Development, as well as serving as Technical Director for Langley United Youth Soccer Association. He has coached at the Royal Military College of Canada and contributed to the development of elite players as part of the Provincial Team Staff with the British Columbia Soccer Association (BCSA). His leadership at the PacificSport Regional Soccer Centre – Upper Vancouver Island as Head Coach and Coordinator further highlights his commitment to nurturing soccer talent.
With his extensive coaching background and dedication to player development, Steve Simonson is poised to make a significant impact at Peninsula Soccer Association, driving the club’s growth and success at all levels.
Katie Kraeutner – Lead Coach of Female Soccer, Peninsula Soccer Association
Katie Kraeutner brings her passion for soccer and a wealth of experience to her new role as Lead Coach of Female Soccer at the Peninsula Soccer Association. A local standout, Katie began her soccer journey with Peninsula Soccer Association, laying the foundation for a remarkable playing career that saw her reach the highest levels of the sport.
Katie’s exceptional talent led her to the NCAA Division I level, where she played for the University of Nebraska, showcasing her skills on a national stage. Her accomplishments at the collegiate level earned her a spot on the U20 Canadian Women’s National Team, where she represented her country with pride and distinction. Katie’s soccer career continued in Europe, where she played professionally for three years, gaining invaluable experience and exposure to different playing styles and cultures.
Transitioning from player to coach, Katie has become a highly respected figure in youth soccer, known for her ability to connect with young athletes and help them reach their full potential. She specializes in individual and small group training, offering personalized coaching that hones technical skills and fosters confidence. Katie has previously assisted with the Vancouver Island Wave program and has coached at various youth club academies in both Victoria and Europe, further enhancing her coaching credentials.
Katie’s return to Peninsula Soccer Association marks a full-circle moment in her career, as she now brings her expertise and passion back to the community where it all began. As Lead Coach of Female Soccer, Katie is dedicated to developing the next generation of female soccer players, fostering a positive and empowering environment where young athletes can thrive. Her deep understanding of the game, combined with her commitment to player development, makes her an invaluable asset to the club.
Michael Henman – Technical Staff Coach at Peninsula Soccer Association
Michael Henman brings extensive experience and success to the Peninsula Soccer Association as a Technical Staff Coach. His soccer journey began at the Abbotsford Soccer Association, where he started as a silver-level player. After a move to Vancouver Island Michael joined the Peninsula Soccer Association and made his first jump to the gold team, what is now known as Tier 3 soccer. Through his effort and great persistence he made the jump to the top tier of youth soccer on Vancouver Island playing for the VI Wave, and the u18 Victoria Highlanders under Steve Simonson. Michael is a graduate of Reynolds Secondary School where he attended the well known Centre for Soccer Excellence.
Michael’s playing career continued to flourish with the Victoria Highlanders, where he competed across U21, Division 1, Division 2, and League 1 BC levels. He later played varsity soccer at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) within the highly competitive Canada West division of USports. During his five years at UNBC, Michael established himself as one of the top players in Canadian university soccer, breaking records and earning numerous accolades.
Michael’s on-field achievements include being named the League 1 BC Men’s MVP (2023), Canada West Men’s Soccer Player of the Year (2022), and a finalist for the BC Post Secondary Athlete of the Year Award (2023). He tied the Canada West record for most goals in a single season (2022) and set records for the most hat-tricks in a season, leading the country in goals and points during that year. His consistent performance earned him multiple selections as a Canada West First Team All-Star (2022) and USport First Team All-Canadian (2022). He also holds the title of UNBC Athlete of the Year (2022) and set multiple program records, including the most goals scored, game-winning goals, and points in UNBC history.
In addition to his success at the university level, Michael was a standout player for the Victoria Highlanders FC, where he was the top scorer for two consecutive seasons (2022 & 2023) and earned the People’s Choice Player of the Year in the Men’s Division (2023).
Michael’s coaching career began at the Lakehill Soccer Academy, where he developed young talent and instilled a passion for the game. He also served as an Assistant Coach for the Junior and Senior Girls teams at Brentwood College. As a Lead Technical Staff Coach at Peninsula Soccer Association, Michael Henman is committed to using his extensive playing experience and his passion for teaching to inspire and develop the next generation of soccer talent. His dedication to the sport, combined with his proven track record of success, makes him an invaluable asset to the club.
Kieran Large – Technical Lead, Male/Female Oversight for Peninsula Soccer Association
Kieran Large brings a wealth of coaching experience and a deep understanding of player development to his role as a Technical Lead for the Peninsula Soccer Association. With a young coaching career starting in 2016, Kieran has already earned himself a place at the forefront of youth soccer development on Vancouver Island.
Kieran’s coaching journey includes roles as Head Coach of the Vancouver Island Wave 2010 Girls and Assistant Coach for both the 2006 and 2009 Girls teams. His expertise extends to the Lower Island Tier 2 2007 Girls team and an assistant coach position with the Victoria Highlanders Men’s BC League 1 squad, showcasing his versatility in working with both male and female athletes across different age groups and competitive levels.
In addition to his work with these teams, Kieran has served as a Coach and Technical Staff member for the Lakehill Soccer Association, coached at the Trident Youth Academy under Pacific Football Club, and contributed his skills to EPIC Sport Management. His experience also includes leading the Senior Boys soccer program at St. Michaels University School in 2021, demonstrating his ability to guide young athletes in both school and club environments.
Kieran’s dedication to coaching is matched by his commitment to continuous professional development. He is a Canada Soccer C License Trained & Certified coach, currently working towards his Canada Soccer B Diploma. He has also completed Sport for Life certifications in Physical Literacy and Long-Term Development in Sport and Physical Activity, underscoring his holistic approach to player development.
Kieran’s playing background is equally impressive, beginning at Prospect Lake Soccer Club and progressing through the Vancouver Island Wave, the BC Provincial Team program, and the Victoria Highlanders U18s. His playing career culminated in earning a place at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) in Canada West, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the athlete’s journey from grassroots to elite levels.
As Technical Lead, Kieran is excited to bring his extensive experience, passion for the game, and commitment to developing both male and female soccer players to the Peninsula Soccer Association.
Cody Gysbers – Technical Lead (Male)
Cody Gysbers brings over a decade of experience and a deep passion for soccer to his role as Technical Lead. Completing the Master of Education in Coaching Studies program from the University of Victoria (UVic), and a CONCACAF B-License from Canada Soccer, Cody’s commitment to player development is matched by his expertise in the game. His 13 years of academy coaching experience include stints with EPIC, Northern Whitecaps, Lakehill, Gorge, Highlanders FC, and the Prince George School District. He has also demonstrated his leadership as the Head Coach for Gorge U21, U17, and Tier 2 teams, and has shaped the next generation of players at Brentwood Bay and Royal Bay Schools.
This past summer Cody served as Assistant Coach for the Dakota Fusion of the NPSL, the largest national league in the US soccer pyramid. His blend of academic knowledge, coaching licenses, and hands-on experience make him a vital asset to any soccer program.
Cody’s understanding of the game is rooted in his extensive playing career, which spans seven years in USports and semi-professional environments. He honed his skills with UNBC and the Victoria Highlanders (PDL/League 1), earning recognition as a Canada West First Team All-Star in 2023. Cody’s defensive abilities were consistently acknowledged, being named Defensive Player of the Year three times during his time with UNBC. Most recently, he was a key member of the Victoria Highlanders League 1 B.C Squad, which qualified for the Canadian Championship.
Cody Gysbers’ combination of coaching acumen and on-field experience positions him as a leader capable of guiding the development of male players at all levels of the game.
Avery Nystedt
Avery Nystedt began her soccer journey playing youth soccer with Peninsula Soccer Club before advancing to Prospect Lake and eventually joining the VI Wave. She also played for the Victoria Highlanders, further honing her skills and gaining valuable experience at a higher competitive level. Her commitment and talent on the field were evident early on, as she quickly became a key player in every team she joined.
During her time at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), Avery’s impact on the women’s soccer program was undeniable. Over five years, she established herself as a defensive powerhouse, earning the Best Defensive Player award in both the 2021-2022 and 2023-2024 seasons. Her excellence was further highlighted by the prestigious Green & Gold Award in the 2022-2023 season, recognizing her contributions both on and off the field. Simultaneously, she completed a degree in Environmental Engineering, exemplifying the true spirit of a student-athlete.
Beyond her playing career, Avery has also made significant strides in coaching. C License trained, she has dedicated extensive time to coaching at EPIC Academy and Timberwolves FC Academy in Prince George. Her coaching experience reflects her deep understanding of the game and her commitment to developing the next generation of soccer talent.
Daniel Zadravec – Head Goalkeeping Coach, Peninsula Soccer Association
Daniel Zadravec brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as the Head Goalkeeping Coach for the Peninsula Soccer Association. Currently, Daniel is goalkeeper with Pacific FC in the Canadian Premier League, making three appearances so far in the 2024 season.
A standout player during his five-year tenure with the UNBC Timberwolves, Daniel earned multiple 2nd Team Canada West All-Star awards, a testament to his skill and consistency between the posts. He continued to build his impressive resume as the starting goalkeeper for the Victoria Highlanders, where he played a pivotal role in leading the team to the League1 BC League title in 2023.
In addition to his playing career, Daniel has dedicated himself to developing the next generation of goalkeepers. He has honed his coaching abilities with Keeper Culture, the leading goalkeeper training program in Victoria, BC. His deep understanding of the position, combined with his hands-on experience at various competitive levels, makes him an invaluable asset to the Peninsula Soccer Association.
Daniel is passionate about helping young goalkeepers reach their full potential, and he is excited to contribute to the development of talent within the Peninsula Soccer Association.