Board of Directors/Staff
Austin Benevides
Club Coordinator
Austin has been the Club Coordinator at FC Northwest since the 2023 One Season. Austin has represented FC Northwest as a goalkeeper throughout his full youth career, winning multiple WYSA League Championships, 2x MSA Cup Finalists, and 1x MSA Cup Championship. Austin has coached at the High School soccer level since 2015 and won over 30+ League/Playoff Championships with both the Boys/Girls West Kildonan Programs. Austin has also coached at the club and provincial level, leading the Girls Winnipeg Region to a Soccer Bronze Medal at the 2024 Manitoba Games as well as leading the U17 Boys to MSA Cup Finalists in 2024. Austin has achieved a Bachelor of Kinesiology Degree and a Bachelor of Education Degree. In terms of coaching qualifications, he is trained with a C-Licence, as well as his NSCAA Goalkeeping Level 1 Diploma, NSCAA Foundations of Coaching Diploma, and Celtic Soccer Academy Coaching Fundamentals Modules 1-6. In addition, he has completed multiple University courses in Sport Psychology, Advanced Resistance Training, Scientific Principles of Fitness & Conditioning, and Principles of Coaching.
clubcoordinator@fcnorthwest.com
Serhiy Zan
Technical Lead
Serhiy moved to Canada from Ukraine and has been a dedicated youth soccer coach in Winnipeg for many years. A lifelong competitor, Serhiy played at a high level throughout his career and spent time as a professional goalkeeper in the top two professional divisions in Ukraine before transitioning into coaching. In addition to his extensive on field experience, Serhiy brings strong academic and teaching credentials to his work with young athletes. He holds a university degree in Human Kinetics and Physiology and has strengthened his coaching expertise through respected certifications, including the Ukrainian National C License and the UEFA B License. Serhiy has contributed to several elite coaching environments in Canada, including three years with the Whitecaps Academy in Winnipeg, where he supported the growth and development of promising young players. He also served as a coach for the Manitoba team at the Canada Games. Passionate about developing athletes and growing the game, Serhiy continues to make a meaningful impact on players at all levels within FC Northwest.
tl@fcnorthwest.com
Adam Hajkowski
Academy Coach
Adam grew up in the Maples in a family that lived soccer every day, and that early passion shaped his entire path in the sport. From Maples Community Centre to FC Northwest, he rose through Manitoba soccer with determination and pride, competing in MSA Cups, earning spots on provincial teams from thirteen through seventeen, and serving as a captain at the 2005 Canada Games. His playing career carried him across Canada and the United States, highlighted by sixteen MSA Cup finals and ten national championship appearances with the Winnipeg Lions. Now back with FC Northwest, Adam brings energy, experience, and a deep love for the club that helped raise him. He recently completed his C Diploma and continues to push his coaching education forward. Adam is proud to be a product of Manitoba soccer and is driven to help young players grow, compete with purpose, and create their own unforgettable moments in the game.
academycoach@fcnorthwest.com
Robert Walden
Vice President
Rob Walden has been involved in soccer his entire life, bringing playing and coaching experience from both Ontario and Manitoba. He played at a high level in Ontario before moving into coaching, where he led Nepean High School to an Ottawa championship title. After relocating to Winnipeg for work, Rob continued his involvement in the game and is now an active coach with FC Northwest. With six years of coaching experience, Rob is committed to long term player development and creating positive learning environments. He is scheduled to complete his Canada Soccer C License in 2026 and continues to build his coaching knowledge to better support players at all stages of development.
vicepresident@fcnorthwest.com
Ashley Morrison
Member at Large
Nelson Benevides
Member at Large
Denise Duchnycz
Member at Large
Denise has been a member of the FC Northwest board for just over a year. Both her son and daughter play for Northwest, and she also manages each of their teams. Denise enjoys being part of the Northwest family and is committed to helping make every players and parents soccer experience the best it can be. She comes from a fastball background, so joining the soccer community has been a learning curve, but one she has fully embraced. Over time, she has grown to love the sport, and there is nothing she enjoys more than watching her children play.
Sara Oleschak
Member at Large
Thomas Bielawny
Member at Large
Tomasz has been a dedicated member of the Manitoba soccer community since his youth. He began as a recreational player with Vince Lean CC before joining Maples CC, where he proudly represented Manitoba at the Youth Nationals. At the senior level, Tomasz competed in the Molson Super League with the White Eagles and later with Polonia SC. In the final stage of his playing career, he served as player-manager for Sokol SC, guiding the team to a bronze medal at the Canadian National Club Championships in Quebec City. Since 2018, Tomasz has been coaching with FCNW, working with the U9 boys program and continuing to nurture young talent. Alongside coaching, he has been a certified Manitoba Senior Soccer Referee for over eight years and remains active in officiating matches today. Tomasz's coaching philosophy is the belief of building confidence through solid teamwork and to create long lasting friendships going beyond soccer careers.
Dale Carriere
Program Administrator
Dale played his youth soccer in Winnipeg before moving to British Columbia, where he continued his development. After returning home, he began his Premier career with the St. Boniface/St. Vital Flames, later joining South End United and eventually finishing his youth career with North West. During this time, he represented Manitoba at Club Nationals and was selected to Team Manitoba for the U16 and U17 National All Star tournaments. As an adult, Dale competed in the Manitoba Major Soccer League with Hellas, AFF, and Roma. In recent years, he has dedicated his time to coaching and supporting youth development at FC Northwest. His greatest satisfaction now comes from watching his son grow in the sport and contributing to the development of young players across the club.
programadmin@fcnorthwest.com
