About Us
Why People Choose Us
European Football School (EFS) has been operating since 1999, earning a reputation as a premier soccer school recognized for excellence in coaching, player development, and fostering a lifelong love of the game. We welcome boys and girls aged 7–18, from beginners to advanced players, and provide an environment where every player can thrive, improve, and enjoy the journey of soccer.
Our Coaching Philosophy
- Explanation: We clearly communicate concepts and strategies so players understand the “why” behind every skill and decision.
- Demonstration: Coaches model techniques and game situations to provide visual learning and context.
- Observation: Players are given opportunities to watch themselves and others, identifying strengths and areas for growth.
- Correction: Constructive feedback is provided to refine skills, build confidence, and encourage improvement.
- Repetition Repetition Repetition: Mastery comes through consistent practice, reinforcement, and purposeful repetition
Developing Players and People
Our goal at EFS goes beyond producing technically skilled players. We are committed to nurturing character, resilience, teamwork, and respect—helping our players grow into not just outstanding athletes but well-rounded, confident, and responsible individuals both on and off the field.
A Supportive and Inspiring Environment
We foster a positive, inclusive, and motivating environment where players are challenged to reach their potential while learning the values of dedication, sportsmanship, and leadership. Players are supported and guided by experienced coaches who possess deep knowledge of the game across different levels, ensuring that each player receives the right guidance for their stage of development. At EFS, every player is encouraged to dream big, work hard, and enjoy every step of their soccer journey.
Our Coaches
Saibo Talic - Founder & Head Coach
Saibo has dedicated the majority of his life to soccer, both as a player and a coach. He played professionally in the former Yugoslavia and has coached at the professional level, winning numerous championships. Since 1999, Saibo has been running the European Football School (EFS) across British Columbia, developing players of all ages and skill levels and providing opportunities to gain international experience in Europe. His extensive experience and passion for the game make him a respected leader and mentor within the soccer community.
Coaching Licences:
- CSA National “A” Licence
- CSA National “B” Licence
- UEFA “B” Licence
- Croatian Coaching Education Diploma Program
- Former Yugoslavia Coaching Diploma Licence
Coaching Experience:
- Head Coach, FC “Podgrmec” Former Yugoslavia/Bosnia & Herzegovina
- BC Soccer Technical Advisor, Canada Games
- Head Coach, Capilano College Men’s Team
- Head Coach, BC “CROATIA” Vancouver
Player Experience:
- Premier Division, FC “BORAC” Banja Luka (Former Yugoslavia)
- First Division, FC “Podgrmec” S. Most (Former Yugoslavia)
- Bosnia & Herzegovina U/21 Team
Amar Talic - Director and Coach
Amar’s passion for coaching began at a young age, and he has since become a leader in developing programs that nurture players in the right environments. He became one of the youngest coaches to successfully complete the UEFA “A” Licence in Europe, bringing his advanced knowledge and expertise back to Canada. Amar is dedicated to helping players grow both technically and mentally, guiding them to reach their full potential on and off the field while fostering a love for the game.
Coaching Licences:
- UEFA “A” Licence
- UEFA “B” Licence
- CSA National Youth Diploma Licence
- CSA National Children Diploma Licence
Coaching Experience:
- Technical Skills Coach, European Football School
- Director of Coaching, North Shore Girls Soccer Club
- Head Coach, Mountain United FC 06 Girls – BCSPL
- Coach & Manager, NVFC Sarajevo – VMSL
- Head Coach, EFS U21 – VMSL
- Assistant Coach, BC Provincial U15 Team, BC Soccer
Player Experience:
- VMSL, NVFC Sarajevo
Vanessa Hansen - Coach
Vanessa is both a proud graduate and a coach at the EFS. Since 2013, she has dedicated herself to supporting EFS’s mission of developing young soccer talent. Vanessa grew up playing youth soccer in Williams Lake, BC, before moving to the Lower Mainland to complete her Bachelor of Kinesiology while competing for both Capilano University and the University of the Fraser Valley. She further advanced her expertise by earning a Master of Science in Sports Management from the University of Florida. Vanessa combines her academic knowledge, playing experience, and passion for player development to guide and inspire the next generation of soccer athletes.
Coaching Licences:
- UEFA “B” Licence
- CSA National “B” Licence
Coaching Experience:
- Technical Skills Coach, European Football School
- Technical Development Manager, North Shore Girls Soccer Club
- Coach B.C. Provincial Team, BC Soccer
- Head Coach, Altiudue FC Women’s Team (BCL1)
- Head Coach, Fusion FC (BCSPL)
Player Experience:
- Premier Divison, ZNK Gorica (Croatia)
- Capilano University
- University of the Fraser Valley
Igor Matic - Coach
Igor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his successful playing career across Europe. He has brought this expertise to Canada and to EFS, helping develop athletes through his distinctive European teaching style and mentality. With over 15 years of coaching experience at EFS, Igor is dedicated to guiding players to improve technically, tactically, and mentally, fostering a strong understanding of the game and a professional approach to development.
Coaching Licences:
- UEFA “A” Licence
- UEFA “B” Licence
Coaching Experience:
- Technical Skills Coach, European Football School
- Head Coach and Academy Coach, North Shore Girls Soccer Club
- Academy Coach, North Vancouver Football Club
- Head Coach, EFS U21 – VMSL
- Head Coach, Point Gray Soccer Club
Playing Experience:
- Premier Division, FC Zeljeznicar (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
- First Division, FC Slovan Ljubljana (Slovenia)
- First Division, FC Hapoel (Israel)
- Third Division, SV Eintracht Trier 05 (Germany)
Rhyse Harnden - Coach
Rhyse is a proud graduate of the EFS and is currently playing in the VMSL Premier Division. He also competed at the university level, bringing valuable playing experience from that stage of development. With over 15 years of coaching experience at EFS, he holds a National B Licence and serves as a Technical Skills Coach. Rhyse specializes in defending, fitness, and injury prevention, combining his playing experience with coaching expertise to help players develop strong technical skills and a well-rounded understanding of the game.
Coaching Licences:
- CSA National “B” Licence (in process)
- Provincial “C” Licence
Coaching Career:
- Technical Skills Coach, European Football School
- Head Coach, North Vancouver Football Club
- Head Coach, NVFC Norvan U21 – VMSL
Playing Career:
- VMSL, NVFC Norvan
- University of Victoria Vikes
- Capilano University Blues
Darius Motazed - Coach
Darius is a proud graduate of the European Football School (EFS) and is currently playing in the VMSL Premier Division. He brings extensive international experience, having played professionally in Germany, and holds both a UEFA B Licence and a National B Licence. As a goalkeeper, Darius specializes in training players in goalkeeping techniques, combining his playing and coaching expertise to help athletes develop technically, tactically, and mentally. He guides players to reach their full potential while instilling a professional approach to the game.
Coaching Licences:
- UEFA “B” Licence
- CSA National “B” Licence
Coaching Experience:
- Technical Skills Coach, European Football School
- Head Coach, West Vancouver Football Club
Playing Experience:
- Third Division, Germany
- Canadian Premier League, Vancouver FC
- VMSL, West Van FC & Croatia SC
Patrick Logan - Coach
Patrick is a proud graduate and current coach at the EFS. Since 2012, he has been dedicated to supporting EFS’s mission of developing young soccer talent. Beyond technical skill development, Patrick specializes in coordination, speed, and agility training, helping players improve their overall athleticism and performance on the field. His combination of experience, knowledge, and passion for the game makes him a valuable mentor for aspiring soccer players.
Coaching Licences:
- CSA National/ Provincial Grassroots Licence
Coaching Career:
- Technical Skills Coach, European Football School
- Technical Staff Coach, North Shore Girls Soccer Club
- Head Coach, North Shore Girls Soccer Club
Playing Career:
- VMSL, Sarajevo FC and NVFC Norvan
- Capilano University Blues