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​Vasco Nunes Ph.D. Technical Coach Director

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Vasco Nunes – Co-Founder & Technical Coaching Director, SDMA T/A Halton Hawks FC

With over 35 years of coaching experience across South Africa, Switzerland, and Canada, Vasco Nunes brings a global perspective to youth soccer development. A former professional player from South Africa, Vasco has worked with players at the youth, provincial, and national levels.

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As Co-Founder of Halton Hawks FC, he leads the club’s technical direction and long-term player development pathway. He holds multiple advanced coaching licenses from Europe and Canada, reflecting his commitment to coaching excellence.

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Vasco is a certified Life Coach and a longtime advocate of the Soccer Development Model (SDM) pioneered by Professor Horst Wein. In 2002, he introduced the SDM and Xcel Coaching® Model to North America, establishing himself as a leader in progressive player development.

Beyond the field, Vasco has authored 22 scientific publications, three coaching books, and regularly presents at international coaching and sports science conferences.

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Coaching Experience

• Former professional soccer player – South Africa

• Neuchâtel Xamax U17 (Swiss First Division Academy Coach) – Swiss Champions (1998/99)

• FC Colombier U15/U17 (Swiss Second Division Academy Coach) – Swiss Cup Winners (1997)

• Coaching experience in South Africa, Switzerland, and Canada

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Coaching Qualifications

• OSA C-License (2024)

• UEFA A License (2020 – Expired)

• UEFA B License (2012, 2014, 2015)

• OSA Goalkeeper Diploma (2022)

• FIFA Futsal Level 2 Diploma

• First Aid & CPR Certified​

• IFC - Certified Life Coach 

Vasco continues to be a driving force in youth soccer development, combining elite-level experience, innovative methodologies, and a lifelong passion for the game to elevate the standards of coaching and player growth at Halton Hawks FC