- Nationality
Canada
Colin Mackay serves as Director of Operations at the Foothills, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping both the Club’s strategic direction and its day-to-day performance environment. Alongside his operational responsibilities, he remains deeply embedded in the game as a high-performance coach within the girls program, working closely with elite teams including the APDL 2007, 2009, and 2010 Girls as well as our AMSL and APL women’s teams.
Born in Toronto and raised in Calgary, Colin’s connection to Foothills spans more than 30 years. He first joined the Club as a U14 player and transitioned into coaching in 2002, developing a lifelong commitment to the Foothills pathway. His journey reflects a rare blend of institutional knowledge, leadership, and player development, allowing him to influence the Club at every level.
As a player, Colin competed collegiately with the SAIT Trojans before moving to the University of Calgary Dinos, where he completed his Business Administration degree. His playing experience, combined with decades of coaching within Calgary’s soccer landscape, has shaped a practical, player-centered philosophy rooted in long-term development and high standards.
+++Colin holds a Canada Soccer National B Licence, a Canada Soccer Youth Licence, and is NCCP certified, with additional training in soccer management and scouting. Since 2014, he has also served as an assistant coach with the Mount Royal University Cougars women’s program, bridging the gap between academy development and post-secondary opportunities for aspiring athletes. Of special note, Colin has led more Foothills teams to national titles than any other coach (not just at our club, but in Alberta!) +++
Colin’s coaching résumé is defined by sustained success and a commitment to building high-performance cultures. He led the Foothills Athletics U18 Girls to the 2009 Canadian U18 Club Championship, capping a remarkable rise from Tier 2 to national champions, and later served as a support coach for Foothills’ 2019 U15 Canadian national champions. Most recently, he has guided the APDL 2007 Girls to five league titles, two APDL provincial championships, an APDL Cup, and the inaugural 2024 PDP U17 National Championship, a season crowned by Alberta Soccer’s Golden Shoe “Team of the Year” award.
He also leads the APDL 2010 Girls, who gained international recognition as the only Canadian team invited to the 2025 Nike Premier Cup at Nike World Headquarters. Competing against some of the world’s top academies, the team secured back-to-back victories over Chelsea FC and a draw against VfL Wolfsburg, showcasing the strength of the Foothills development model on a global stage.
Across his tenure in both operations and coaching, Colin has contributed to a program that has produced more than 80 professional players, over 170 national team appearances, and a leading number of post-secondary athletes. He attributes this sustained success to a standards-driven culture built on accountability, resilience, and a genuine passion for the game—principles that continue to define both his leadership and the Foothills Soccer Club.
Why Foothills?
“Foothills is about standards and environment. We’ve built a culture where players are challenged every day (on and off the field) to be accountable, resilient, and committed to their development. It’s not just about winning; it’s about preparing players for the next level, whether that’s post-secondary, national teams, or the professional game.
What makes Foothills different is the consistency of that environment. From grassroots to high performance, players are developed within a clear pathway, supported by coaches who care, and surrounded by teammates who push each other. It’s a place where, if you’re willing to invest in yourself, you’ll be given every opportunity to grow and succeed.” Colin Mackay, Operations Director
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Colin’s Instagram: Link.
