Biography

Neil Sedgwick is entering his eighth year as the Head Coach for the University of Northern British Columbia, and has led the program to new highs at the Canada West level. Neil is also a co-founder and Director of Youth Development for EPIC Sport, and is the Head Coach of the Victoria Highlanders FC of League 1 BC.

After spending eleven years coaching in the NCAA Div I and Div II, Neil Sedgwick returned to Vancouver Island. Sedgwick spent the last seven years prior to his return to Vancouver Island in April 2011 as head coach of The University of Montana women’s soccer program, leading the club to the Big Sky Conference tournament in 2004, 2006 and 2008. Prior to this, Sedgwick spent two years as The University of North Dakota's Head Coach, then three years as the Associate Head Coach at The University of Southern California.

Upon returning to Canada, Neil quickly connected himself once again with the National Team Program, helping as a Technical Assistant in Canada's U17 Women campaigns toward World Cup qualification in 2012 and 2013.

While in the US, Neil added USSF (United States Soccer Federation) 'A' Licence certification to the Canadian Soccer Association 'A' Licence and Level Five certification.  He then went on to coach at the Olympic Development Program (ODP) level in both Southern California and Montana and was called upon in all three states (ND, CA, MT) to be part of their coach education programs.

Following his graduation from the National Coaching Institute - Victoria (1996) and his Masters of Education (Coaching Studies) from the University of Victoria, Sedgwick returned to Halifax to assist Neil Turnbull, then the head coach of the Canadian national team, with Dalhousie University's women's team. This led to Sedgwick becoming part of that national women's team staff for the next three years.

During this time, Sedgwick returned to British Columbia in 1997 and took on the position of Head Coach/Director of the Upper Island Regional Soccer Center based out of Nanaimo for two years. Here he established his many positive contacts on Vancouver Island while administering the coach, player and referee development programs in the areas of Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni, Courtenay/Comox, Campbell River and Powell River.

A native of Sackville, Nova Scotia, Sedgwick was a three time CIAU (Now CIS) All Canadian (once at Saint Mary's University and twice at Dalhousie University), and was selected fifth overall in the 1990 CSL (Canadian Soccer League) draft by the Winnipeg Fury.  He continued his career in the CSL by playing for his hometown team the Nova Scotia Clippers and later the Montreal Supra. In 1993 Sedgwick represented Canada, while playing at the World University Games. During his time on Vancouver Island Sedgwick competed with the Victoria Athletics, Victoria United and later Nanaimo United. He now plays for the University of Victoria Alumni when in Victoria.

Coaching

• Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC)

Certifications

• Canadian Soccer Association ‘A’ License
• National Coaching Certification Program Level Five
• Diploma in High Performance Coaching - National Coaching Institute Victoria
• United States Soccer Federation ‘A’ License
• Certified as Level 1 and Level 2 NCCP Theory Instructor/Presenter

University experience

• 2016-Present - University of Northern British Columbia (Head Coach)
• 2004-2011 - University of Montana (Head Coach)
• 2001-2004 - University of Southern California (Associate Head Coach)
• 1999-2001 - University of North Dakota (Head Coach)
• 1996-1997 - Dalhousie University (Assistant Coach)

International experience

• 2013 Canadian Women's National Team U17 Technical Assistant (CONCACAF Silver Medalists)
• 2012 Canadian Women's National Team U17 Technical Assistant (CONCACAF Silver Medalists)
• 1999 Pan Am Games Women’s Assistant Coach
• 2000 Technical Assistant at Algarve Cup, Portugal
• 1997-1999 Canadian Women’s National Team Staff Coach leading up to 1999 World Cup, USA
• 1997-2000 Developed comprehensive at-home conditioning and technical development plans for national team members.
• 1997 Developed assessment plan and at-home conditioning plan for CSA's National Level female officials.

Provincial and club

• 2009-2011 Served as Technical Director of Missoula Strikers SC (Missoula, Montana)
• 1999-2000 Presenter of USSF Coach Certification in North Dakota
• 1997-1999 Head Coach / Coordinator for Upper Vancouver Island Regional Soccer Centre