Technical Coaches
Our technical Coaches
SWU Technical Coaches provide an enjoyable & inclusive experience. Ensuring that safety, organization, structure & enjoyment exist for both players and coaches.

Club Technical Director
Chris McKaig
Chris McKaig is SWU Technical Director and some of his duties are delivering academies, mentoring coaches and Head coaching teams.
Chris started coaching in Scotland and has continued his coaching career in North America. He has coached with Calgary Villains, Vancouver Whitecaps, Mount Royal, Canadian REX, Alberta Boys Head Coach Summer games 2019 and Alberta Soccer Association. Formerly the Technical Director of Springbank Soccer, He is now is bringing his experience to SWU.
Chris has many Qualifications including Canada National B License, Canada Childrens’ License, Alberta Provincial B license, NCCP Coach Developer, USSF F, E, D and C license and MA (Hons) Environmental Science. He is also currently studying his Canadian Youth License.

Manager of Developmental Programming
Jesus Melo
Business Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with over 15 years of experience
- Client Application Support (2011-2017)
- Software Development (2008-2011)
- Software Analyst (2006-2008)
- Application Support (2003-2006)
- IT Specialist (2000-2003)
Soccer Experience
- CSWU Grassroots Director (2017-Present)
- Whitecaps Academy Centre Trainer (2018-Present)
- CSWU Staff Coach and Academy Trainer (2014-2017)
- Various youth teams Coach (2011-2014)
- Canada Soccer Children’s License (2019)
- Soccer Community Coach LF Training (2108)
- Provincial C License (2017)
- Active Start (NCCP Community Stream) (2016)
- Soccer for Life (NCCP Community Stream) (2016)
- Learning to Train (NCCP Community Stream) (2016)

Manager of Performance Programming
PavLE Popara
Business Experience
- Bachelor of Sport Management 2018
Soccer Experience
- Calgary South West United Soccer
- Alberta Youth Soccer League (AYSL) Lead (2021-Present)
- SDS Serbia Technical Director (2018-2021)
- UFEA A Coaching License (2018)
- UFEA B Coaching License (2017)
- Professional Player – played over 250 games in six different countries (2004-2018)
- Barcelona Academy Calgary (2018-2019)
- Various youth teams Coach (2018-2021)

Camp Coordinator/Academy Trainer
Francisco Peixoto (Kiko)
Professional Experience
- Private Personal Trainer – Soccer and Fitness (2002-2021)
- World Health Calgary Personal Trainer (2016-2020)
- Keep in Shape Gym Owner, Brazil (2013-2021)
- Post-Graduation in Personalized Training, University of Camilo Castelo Branco, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil (2006-2008)
- Bachelor’s Degree in physical education, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil (2001-2006)

Academy Coach
Jose Escalante
