Our Team
President - Malam Mbarak
Malam is a visionary leader and talent scout whose deep understanding of both grassroots and competitive soccer has shaped the foundation of Umoja Soccer School. Before founding Umoja in 2018, Malam worked with various clubs, academies, and sports organizations across the Greater Toronto Area, gaining invaluable experience in player development. He saw the need to return to fundamental technical training, focusing on confidence, resilience, and skills mastery. This philosophy continues to drive Umoja’s mission, fostering a culture where young athletes develop both as soccer players and as individuals.
Malam holds a Canada Soccer’s C License and a Professional Football Scouts Association (PFSA) Scouting License, which equipped him with the skills to assess and develop players at all levels. Currently, he hold a UEFA C-License, he remains committed to advancing his knowledge and ensuring Umoja provides the highest quality training.
Growing up on the islands of Zanzibar, Malam witnessed firsthand how soccer unites communities, a belief that continues to guide his leadership. Under his direction, Umoja Soccer School has become a place where players of all backgrounds can grow, compete, and find their path in the game—whether for personal development or a future in professional soccer.
Technical Director - Dexter Gilmore
Dexter Gillmore is a highly accomplished soccer coach with over 40 years of coaching experience and a distinguished playing career as a two-time All-American at High Point University. As a player, he competed for top clubs including West Indies United FC, Panhalanic FC, and Scarborough Azzurri before transitioning to coaching.
Internationally, Dexter has played a pivotal role in Jamaican soccer, leading the National Girls U15 and U17 teams to two Caribbean Football Union championships and coming within one game of U17 Women’s World Cup qualification. He has also served as a fitness trainer and assistant coach for the U17 and U20 Men’s teams, contributing to their physical and tactical development.
In Canada, Dexter has been a Technical Director and coach for several clubs in the Greater Toronto Area, including High Park and Royal York. A certified fitness trainer with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a USSF B license, Dexter continues to dedicate his expertise to developing players and advancing the sport at all levels. His leadership as a Technical Director ensures that players receive the highest quality coaching, tactical education, and skill development, fostering a pathway for athletes to succeed both locally and internationally.
General Manager - Nicolas Theron
With over 30 years of playing experience in France at clubs such as Football Club de Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, AS Aix-en-Provence, FC Noisy-le-Sec, and Avignon Elite Futsal, Nicolas Theron brings a wealth of soccer expertise to Umoja Soccer School. As General Manager and coach, he blends his extensive playing and coaching experience with 20 years of corporate finance and treasury management to drive the club’s strategic growth and operational excellence.
Nicolas began his coaching career in Canada with Toronto High Park FC, working with U8 and U10. He now leads Umoja’s U12 competitive team program with an unwavering dedication to fostering technical growth and tactical understanding. He also provides dedicated support to the U14 team and actively mentors junior coaches, leveraging his experience to elevate the entire coaching staff.
Nicolas holds a Canada Soccer’s C License and is set to earn his National B License this year while furthering his coaching education through the UEFA pathway. Nicolas oversees both the Competitive Team and Recreational programs while driving the Ontario Soccer club licensing initiative and managing the Umoja’s balance sheet. He ensures high coaching quality, clear player pathways, and a fun, engaging environment that keeps children actively involved in their development. His passion, expertise, and leadership continue to shape Umoja’s growth, helping players and coaches reach their full potential.
Competitive Manager - David Gavison
Originally from the Dominican Republic, David’s passion for soccer began at the age of four. He developed his skills at Barca Academy, excelling in multiple positions—center-back, defensive midfielder, and goalkeeper—while competing in international tournaments in Miami and Boston. His versatility and tactical awareness shaped his competitive mindset and leadership.
As Umoja’s U14 head coach and Competitive Manager, David plays a key role in developing and overseeing Umoja’s high-performance pathway. He ensures that players receive elite training, structured development, and exposure to higher levels of competition. His leadership strengthens the club’s competitive framework, guiding athletes toward success in provincial and national leagues.
David is deeply invested in talent identification, player progression, and fostering a performance-driven culture within Umoja. He collaborates with coaches and technical staff to enhance team strategies, refine training methodologies, and create pathways for players aspiring to collegiate and professional opportunities.
Currently completing his Criminology Major, David is also pursuing his UEFA C License to further his coaching expertise. His commitment to player development and competitive excellence continues to elevate Umoja’s standing in the soccer community.