Tom Lowndes
Director of Coaching
Head Coach – University of the Fraser Valley Men’s Soccer
Born in Huddersfield, England and raised in Cardiff, Wales, Tom Lowndes brings over a decade of elite coaching experience to Guildford Athletic Club. As GAC’s Director of Coaching, Tom is committed to raising the standard of player and coach development across all programs.
Tom has led the University of the Fraser Valley Men’s Soccer program since 2015, guiding the team to two Canada West Final Four appearances and a bronze medal in 2015. Prior to UFV, he spent 10 years coaching with Surrey United in the BCSPL, where he placed more than 40 players into university programs—the most by any BCSPL coach in BC.
A graduate of Baker University (Kansas) with a BSc Honours in Education, Tom also represented SFU and Baker at the collegiate level, earning a spot in the NAIA National Tournament Final Four.
Coaching Highlights:
- Director of Coaching, Guildford Athletic Club
- Head Coach, UFV Men’s Soccer (2015–Present)
- Former Head Coach, Surrey United BCSPL (2003, 2006, 2009 Boys & 2001 Girls)
- CSA National “B” License & Youth License
Fun Fact: Tom’s father was a professional footballer who played nine times for the Wales national team.
Favourite Player: David Beckham
Favourite Club: Manchester United
Ryan Donald
Director of Player Development
Ryan Donald serves as GAC’s Director of Player Development, leading programs that focus on technical growth, player confidence, and long-term success. A GAC coach since 2019, Ryan combines his strong playing background with a genuine passion for mentorship.
Ryan played for the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades (2016–2021) and represented Surrey United at the BCSPL level. His experiences as both player and coach at the university and club levels provide valuable insight into helping young athletes reach their potential.
Coaching Highlights:
-Director of Player Development, Guildford Athletic Club
-Assistant Coach, UFV Men’s Soccer (2022–2023)
-Surrey United BCSPL Assistant Coach
-Certified through Canada Soccer’s Active Start, Learn to Train, -Fundamentals & Soccer for Life programs
What Drives Ryan: Seeing players grow in confidence and skill, and watching them fall in love with the game.
Favourite Player: Wayne Rooney
Favourite Club: Manchester United
Cameron Barbieri
Staff Coach
A lifelong member of Guildford Athletic Club, Cameron Barbieri’s journey from player to coach embodies the club’s commitment to developing homegrown talent. Starting with GAC at age six, Cameron went on to play with Guildford United Metro and Surrey United BCSPL before joining the University of the Fraser Valley program.
Now in his third year as a staff coach, Cameron draws from years of mentorship under decorated coaches to help players reach their full potential. He emphasizes fun, engagement, and personal growth on and off the field.
Coaching Highlights:
-Staff Coach, Guildford Athletic Club
-Coaching for Life Certification
-Provincial Champion (U15) as Team Captain
Coaching Philosophy: “If players ask, ‘practice is already over?’—that means I’ve done my job.”
Favourite Player: Erling Haaland
Favourite Clubs: Manchester United & Juventus
Fun Fact: Cameron once won a trip to Italy at age six by winning a series of mini Ferrari go-kart races.
Habil Otieno
Staff Coach
Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, Habil Otieno brings over a decade of professional playing and coaching experience to GAC. Before moving to Canada, Habil competed in Kenya’s Premier League for clubs including Gor Mahia FC, Nairobi City Stars, and KCB.
His proudest playing moment came in the Africa Champions League when he scored the game-winning goal for Gor Mahia FC against APR of Rwanda. Today, he channels that same drive into developing confident, technically skilled, and connected teams at Guildford Athletic Club.
Coaching Highlights:
Staff Coach, Guildford Athletic Club
10+ Years Coaching Experience
Canada Soccer Learn to Train & Soccer for Life Certifications
Coaching Philosophy: Habil focuses on fostering team culture and trust alongside technical excellence—building strong, supportive environments where players thrive.
Favourite Player: Lionel Messi
Favourite Club: Arsenal
Rajan Bains
Staff Coach
Born and raised in Surrey, BC, Rajan Bains is a proud GAC staff coach who combines academic insight with competitive experience. A former member of Team BC and national champion with Surrey United, Rajan also represented both UBC and UFV at the university level.
Rajan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of the Fraser Valley and applies his understanding of motivation and learning to his coaching approach. Since joining GAC in 2020, he has helped guide several teams to provincial success.
Coaching Highlights:
- Head Coach, U15 Boys Div. 1 & U10 Boys Development
- HPA Program Staff Coach
- Canada Soccer National “C” License, Active Start, Soccer for Life
What Inspires Rajan: Watching players grow in skill, maturity, and confidence—and helping them reach their potential.
Favourite Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Favourite Club: Manchester United
Matheus De Souza
Goalkeeper Academy Coach
Matheus De Souza joins Guildford Athletic Club as our dedicated Goalkeeper Academy Coach, bringing elite playing experience and enthusiasm for player development.
Matheus played at the BCSPL level before being scouted to join the Vancouver Whitecaps MLS Residency Program, where he trained and competed for four years. He also made appearances in the USSDA and BC League 1.
This season, Matheus begins his university journey under GAC’s Director of Coaching, Tom Lowndes, with the University of the Fraser Valley Men’s Soccer team—where he’s set to compete in the Canada West conference.
Coaching Highlights:
- Vancouver Whitecaps MLS Residency (4 years)
- BCSPL Player (U15 & U16)
- UFV Men’s Soccer Goalkeeper
Coaching Philosophy: Matheus believes in helping goalkeepers develop strong fundamentals while building confidence and leadership from the back line.
Guildford Athletic Club acknowledges with respect that the land on which we play, learn, and grow is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), SEMYOME (Semiahmoo), and Kwantlen First Nations, and other Coast Salish Peoples.
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