Srdjan Djekanovic joins KPU as new head coach of the men’s soccer team

For immediate release

February 7, 2013

Srdjan Djekanovic joins KPU as new head coach of the men’s soccer team

(Metro Vancouver, BC) - Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Eagles athletics program is pleased to announce that Srdjan Djekanovic has been named the head coach of the men’s soccer program.

Djekanovic, a University of British Columbia (UBC) graduate and former starting goalkeeper for the UBC Thunderbirds, moved to BC from Belgrade, Serbia, in the early 1990’s. Graduating with two degrees from UBC (arts, education), he holds a USA Soccer Federation “B” National License and currently works as a teacher within the Coquitlam School District.  

In his youth, Srdjan was a member of the BC Provincial Team program at the U-14, U-15 and U-17 level(s). Prior to starting his coaching career, he celebrated much success as a player. From 2001-2003, he was a member of the Canadian U-20 National Soccer Team. In 2005 he was the starting goalkeeper for the UBC T-Birds, and assisted the team in winning their first CIS national championship since 1994. In 2006 he was named CIS All-Canadian 2nd Team and Canada West 1st Team after leading the conference with a 0.78 goals-against-average and a 0.851 save percentage. In 2007, he was a member of the UBC T-Birds men’s soccer team that won the CIS Championships, with a 2-1 win over Laval. In 2010, he was a member of the Canadian National Team.

Srdjan was the first professional soccer player to have played for all three Canadian professional soccer teams (Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto FC and Montreal Impact) and won championships with two of the three clubs (Whitecaps in 2006, Montreal in 2009).
“I am excited to join KPU’s athletics program,” said Djekanovic. “I look forward to working with the players to make the Eagles men’s soccer program one of the top programs in the country.”

“As a student-athlete, professional athlete and coach, Srdjan brings a vast amount of experience to the Eagles, which is a great asset for our players in their development,” said Elise Le Brun, director, athletics and recreation, KPU. “His passion for the game and his firm belief in the importance of lifelong learning makes him a great fit for KPU’s Eagles program.”

Srdjan’s coaching career began in 2006 when he was a student-athlete on the UBC Thunderbirds men’s soccer team, assisting head coach Mike Mosher with the delivery of UBC soccer camps. Since 2009, Srdjan has held the role of assistant coach with the UBC men’s soccer team (2012 CIS gold medallists); head coach of the Fusion FC U-17 boys coach and U17-18 girls, head coach of the Revolution FC All-Stars; USL Super 20’s and Central City Breakers boys U-18.  He is also the director and head coach of Primo Sports, Soccer Academy.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For further information on KPU Athletics contact:
Elise Le Brun
Director, Athletics & Recreation
604.599.2005
elise.lebrun@kwantlen.ca

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Cara Johnson
Media Specialist
Tel: 604.598.6196
cara.johnson@kwantlen.ca