Pemberton Youth Soccer Association is dedicated to promoting sportsmanship and fellowship by offering youth in Pemberton a positive, fun and safe soccer environment at recreational and competitive levels.
MEET THE COACHES
Antoine Arcand
Head Coach for Pemberton Rapids U13 Boys
Antoine has been coaching with PYSA since 2023 and holds a Learn to Train certification through Soccer Canada. A lifelong player, his soccer journey began in 1986 in New Brunswick and includes highlights such as a 2nd place finish at the Jeux de l'Acadie, two provincial high school titles, the 1997 Canada Games, and two seasons with the UNB Reds. Known for his versatility, he played central midfield, defense, and right back.
Antoine's coaching style focuses on small-sided games and the philosophy: Train like you play and play like you train. He emphasizes teamwork, solid fundamentals, and most importantly - having fun.
Andrew Sakamoto
Head Coach
Andrew began coaching in 2024. He brings extensive sports experience, including seven years as a youth soccer player and a background in coaching and instructing other disciplines such as cross-country skiing. His coaching philosophy is rooted in the core values of enjoyment, teamwork, and respect, which he sees as essential for player development at this stage in life.
By using gameplay to create meaningful teaching moments, Andrew aims to cultivate a positive and engaging environment where players are motivated and look forward to each opportunity to play.
Britt Tilston
Head Coach
Britt has been coaching with PYSA for the past three seasons, working with both the U12 and U13 girls teams. With both of her children involved in the programs, she brings not only her coaching skills but also a deep personal investment in the players' growth and development. Having grown up playing soccer in West Vancouver, Britt also brings the mindset of a high-performance athlete. She spent 14 years competing as a member of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, gaining valuable experience at the elite level. Britt’s coaching philosophy is rooted in helping young athletes discover the joy of giving their best effort. She encourages her players to show up ready to work hard, try their best, and be brave on the field. Her focus goes beyond the game itself; she aims to instill strong team values that players can carry with them both on and off the pitch. She is proud to be part of a dedicated group of parent volunteers who give their time each and every week to support the development of young athletes.
Mackenzie Gray
Academy Coach
Mackenzie is a passionate and dedicated soccer coach who joined PYSA in June 2025. Originally from Ladner, BC, she brings several years of experience assisting Metro-level girls teams with Surrey United and Delta Coastal Selects. A lifelong player herself, Makenzie began her soccer journey at age 3 and went on to play BC Soccer Premium League with Coastal Football Club and Langara College. She now plays Selects A with Vancouver Athletics Football Club.
Certified in Canada Soccer's Grassroots programs, Mackenzie enjoys working with kids individually to help them grow stronger and build awareness. She recognizes that every player is unique, and that together they can build strong bonds through the game. No matter who she’s coaching, she always has fun and focuses on making everyone feel their best.
Alyssa Cox
Summer Camp Coach
Alyssa is a Summer Coach with PYSA and holds a Small Sided Referee Certification. She has a strong playing background, having competed as a striker and midfielder for Capilano University, the Vancouver and Sea to Sky Whitecaps Academy, the European Football School, and North Shore Girls Soccer Club (NSGSC). Her coaching experience spans several organizations, including NSGSC, West Side Youth Soccer Association, and a role as Assistant Coach with the Sea to Sky Whitecaps Academy.
Alyssa’s coaching style focuses on game-based sessions that emphasize individual and team development, blending technical and tactical elements with injury prevention and strength-building. She encourages players to problem-solve through reflection and experimentation, viewing coaching as a way to not only help others grow but also to deepen her own understanding of the game.
Lucy Wallace
Head Coach
Lucy is a head coach working with girls’ teams ranging from U5–U10. She holds a Respect in Sport certification and is currently pursuing all Grassroots Soccer certifications, including Active Start, Fundamentals, Learn to Train, and Soccer for Life. Lucy began coaching with PYSA in September 2024 and also serves as an assistant coach for the WYSA Sea to Sky U18 Girls team. Soccer has been her passion since childhood, and with a non-traditional soccer background, she’s relied on her love for the game to fuel her growth. As a teen, she played competitive court and street soccer and was proud to play defense for the Lil’Wat Swuwa women’s team — an experience that left a lasting impression. As a coach, Lucy focuses on fostering inclusivity, teamwork, and tactical understanding through game-based learning, emphasizing fairness and ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy the beautiful game.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Maddy Hepner
Community Engagement Coordinator
Many of you will recognize Maddy from her leadership in Children’s Programming at the Pemberton and District Community Centre. She brings a strong background in marketing, social media, grant writing, and organizational planning, paired with a positive, community-driven mindset.