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Staff Announcements

By Rich Hirst, 08/17/19, 7:15PM EDT

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Welcome to FCD Liz, Ron and Cameron

August 17, 2019

OSHAWA, ON

As part of FC Durham Academy's 2020 strategic planning, we are excited to announce the hiring of three new professional roles effective October 1, 2019. This decision is being made to evolve our operational structure as we continue to strengthen our position as leaders in the Ontario Soccer's landscape. These positions include Executive Director, Technical Director and Marketing & Communication Manager.

We have selected Elizabeth McCaw to take on the Executive Director role starting this Fall. This position will work closely with FC Durham Academy ownership to elevate the organizations overall day-to-day operations. McCaw comes to us with an extensive background in strategic planning, operations, event planning and program management. She holds a diploma in Sports Management from Durham College and had a successful soccer career in her youth at the OYSL, OFSAA and Post Secondary level. Her professional career includes time with the Toronto Lynx Soccer Club, Basketball Ontario, Parkinson Society Canada and Oshawa Kicks Soccer Club. 

On the technical side, we are excited to welcome Ron Clarke as our Technical Director. Ron has worked to become one of Ontario's technical leaders at the Ontario Soccer club-level and brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of standards-based technical programming. His vast technical background includes US club, collegiate, League 1 Ontario and all levels of Ontario Soccer club play. He currently holds his Canada Soccer National A License and is completing the newly launched National Children's License this summer. Clarke will work with our existing Technical Staff to enhance the programming offered for LTPD and High-Performance.

You may have noticed our new brand announcement from earlier this month. The imaging and new website branding was the brain-child of newly hired Marketing & Communication Manager Cameron McCrae. Cameron's eye for brand management, marketing and digital communications is a key piece of the academy's strategic direction. Cameron, he too, a graduate of the Sports Management program at Durham College brings with him a exceptional skill set in graphics, digital marketing, communications and branding. 

With the full support of our partners the Oshawa Kicks Soccer Club board of directors, the three hires will continue their roles at the community club in addition to the newly created roles with FC Durham Academy. As we strengthen our professional operation structure, we look to these positions to be more part-time in capacity allowing for flexibility. We believe this best suits the academy's current professional staff needs.

Along with Co-Founders and High-Performance Managers Tom Croft and Rich Hirst, current administrative staff (Amy Hirst, Debbie Croft, Jim Webster and Diane Wiltshire), lead technical staff (Sylvia Forbes and Steve Simmonds) remain for the 2020 season! We strive to create an environment where every academy player can thrive to achieve their personal goals. This is a natural next step for the organizations development off the pitch!