Meet Our New Technical Staff!
Bart Choufour
Q: Welcome to Sherwood Park! What was it that drew you to our program?
A: Conversations with Martin and the direction that the club is going in. Creating the best possible environments for young players/people where they feel safe to learn and improve and not [be] afraid to make mistakes. I really believe in kids and the potential that they all have. Helping them to be their best at all levels concerns and excites me.
Q: Tell us about Bart. Any hobbies or interests you want to share?
A: Originally from Holland. Met my wife traveling in Canada in 1984. We have two boys, good soccer players but even better artists. Our oldest one is a wildlife photographer and our youngest one is a fine artist (painting, sculpting, virtual art) and also a very creative cook. I have many interests, reading and learning new things, gardening, cooking, juggling (balls and clubs), biking, pickle ball, video editing, public speaking, smart curriculum development, hiking
Q: Do you have a favourite soccer team?
A: It has also been Ajax Amsterdam. I experienced their prime (the Johan Cruyff days) live and in person and I love their creative and attacking style. Johan Cruyff is definitely a player and coach I learned a lot from. I like Total Football. It's not only more fun, but very effective when employed properly. Taking it a step further, I would say I believe in teaching a Universal game, teaching all elements and scenarios and playing it with purpose.
Q: Is there a favourite position on the soccer field?
A: It used to be midfield, but now I prefer the position as a coach
Q: What is a quote you try to live your life by?
A: Improving a little every day! "Win forever" as Pete Carroll likes to say.
Josh Pynten
Q: Welcome to Sherwood Park! What was it that drew you to our program?
A: Coming from Calgary, but have lived in the western provinces growing up in B.C. Conversations with Dhee [Govender], Martin [Dugas] and Bernie [Soto] on the direction the club is going and the environment that is being created. Being a part of something player centric is what encouraged me most to come to SPDSA. My community nursing background leads me to believe that we need to meet people where they are at, create a safe environment that allows for individual potential to come to fruition and at the heart, helping all levels to be proactive in long term health, both physical and mental. I believe we will and are creating this at this club.
Q: Tell us about Josh. Any hobbies or interests outside of soccer?
A: Outside of soccer, spending time with my family is number one. I also enjoy the outdoors (hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, climbing and etc.), I am an avid reader and when I can find someone to play, I will break out a chess board to help keep the mind sharp.
Q: Do you have a favourite soccer team?
A: Arsenal fan for as long as I can remember. But I enjoy sport in general, having had the opportunity to play a variety in my youth.
Q: Is there a favourite position on the soccer field?
A: I would say Centreback, as defending is what I enjoy most, also was the position played most once I settled into an area in my later youth.
Q: Favourite part of Sherwood Park so far?
A: So far, being closer to family and being in a learning environment within the club. I look forward to getting to know the community and the families that we have the pleasure of joining in their journey through life and sport.
Thiago Silva
Q: Welcome to Sherwood Park! What was it that drew you to our program?
A: I was born and raised in Brazil, where I played professionally for couple years before moving to North-America on a soccer scholarship. I have been involved with many soccer clubs in Edmonton and Calgary. My last position was at FC Edmonton, where I was the manager of partnership and fan engagement for the club. What drew me to SPDSA was the possibility to build a new platform for youth soccer development in Alberta. My goal at SPDSA is to create a strong soccer culture and passionate relationship between SPDSA members, the game of soccer and the community. I will strive to bring a bit of Brazil's soccer culture and passion to our community at SPDSA.
Q: Tell us a little more about Thiago. Any hobbies or interests outside of soccer?
A: I love skiing and spending time with my family.
Q: Do you have a favourite soccer team?
A: My soccer team is Flamengo from Brazil. Best team in South America.
Q: Is there a favourite position on the soccer field?
A: My favorite position was/is left-mid in a diamond or square midfield shape with a 4-4-2 formation.
Q: Favourite part of Sherwood Park so far?
A: Thus far the best part is definitely the freedom and encouragement be creative and innovative, plus building relationships within the community.
Vikram Kaushal
Q: Welcome to Sherwood Park! What was it that drew you to our program?
A: Prior to joining SPDSA, I was with FC Edmonton for the first two seasons of the CPL as part of the technical team. My focus included pre-match and training activation and exercises, opposition analysis and attacking set pieces. This opportunity with FC Edmonton allowed me to get strong understanding of the caliber of a CPL player and I hope to apply this knowledge when working with the Phoenix athletes. I was also the North Regional Coach for 3 years with Alberta Soccer and was responsible for the execution of the Regional Excel Program (REX) and the Provincial Team Program. As the REX head coach, I really enjoyed working with the athletes as they made their way into youth National Team camps and onto Super REX environments.
What drew me to SPDSA was Martin’s vision of how soccer could be offered in Sherwood Park and in Alberta at large. I wanted to be part of the change needed in our sport. My values align with Martin’s long-term vision and so I came on board. He’s also been able to add some individuals to the team that I am excited to work alongside and help improve the landscape of soccer.
Q: Tell us a little more about Vikram. Any hobbies or interests outside of soccer?
A: For the past few years, I have been really enjoying riding my bike through our beautiful river valley and city. It’s been a great way for me to get some exercise and maintain a level of fitness. I average about 50 kms per ride and been able to get 4-5 rides in a week. Maybe my competitive juices will have me entering a competition soon! Besides riding I have been busy with my family and two young kids, a boy who’s turning 5 and my baby girl that’s almost two. Football is the most played sport in the Kaushal household.
Q: Do you have a favourite soccer team?
A: I’m a Madridista! Can’t remember when they became my team, I think it was during the Zizu era, but I always try and watch as much Madrid as I can. Outside football, I enjoyed watching Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. He was my favorite athlete growing up.
Q: Is there a favourite position on the soccer field?
A: I played as a central midfielder and my best position was probably the 6 so I have a soft spot for midfielders but coaching has made me appreciate all the positions on the pitch. Midfielders are still the best though right??
Q: Favourite part of Sherwood Park so far?
A: I really am excited to work with the team that Martin has assembled at SPDSA. Lars Hirschfeld was a big reason I joined the organization because I wanted to be working with individuals that could drive the change needed in our sport. The existing team the new additions I know will bring a fresh approach to how we administrator and offer soccer and so looking forward to playing my part in that!
