Canada Soccer has appointed Danilo Veselinovic as its new Director of Technical Development, further strengthening the organization's commitment to developing players and advancing technical excellence across the country. \u200b
In his new role, Veselinovic will play a key leadership role in shaping and advancing Canada Soccer’s national technical strategy. Reporting to the Sporting Director, the role is responsible for designing, coordinating, and delivering critical technical initiatives across national teams, talent identification, and the broader player development system. Working in close collaboration with internal project leads and external stakeholders, the Director ensures strategic priorities are translated into well- aligned programs, effective systems, and measurable outcomes that support long-term technical excellence across the Canadian soccer landscape.
His responsibilities include leading the development of a national talent identification framework, including scouting structures, identification camps, Individual Development Plans (IDPs), Canadian Abroad initiatives, and profiling tools across both the boys' and girls' pathways. He will support the development and technical implementation of Canada Soccer's sporting identity and style of play, create curriculum and learning plans aligned with the needs of each age group, and contribute to the alignment of player pathways and evolving regulatory frameworks. Veselinovic will also serve as the technical lead for Women's Youth National Teams, supporting staff, performance standards, and development priorities, while helping align Youth National Team activities with Senior National Team objectives. His responsibilities will also include supporting strategic partnerships and fundraising initiatives designed to strengthen the player pathway, while continuing to serve as a key technical point of contact for the National Training Centre project.
“I am very pleased that we can extend Danilo’s involvement with our organization. Danilo has demonstrated his potential across different departments at Canada Soccer and, by increasing his focus in this role, he will be able to make an even greater contribution to our organization. This is a positive step for Canada Soccer and a great opportunityfor Danilo.”\n
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\u200b-Kenneth Heiner-Møller, Sporting Director, National Teams \u200b
Veselinovic has contributed across multiple areas of the organization and brings a collaborative approach to technical leadership, talent development and stakeholder engagement. During his time with Canada Soccer as a Technical Consultant and Acting Director, Strategic Technical Projects, he has gained experience across Canada Soccer's National Teams and worked on key initiatives related to player pathways, regulatory frameworks, Youth National Team stability and development, and National Training Centre project planning. \u200b
“I am honoured to take on this role and believe there is a special energy in Canadian soccer right now and a unique opportunity to create something distinctly Canadian. My goal is to help build a truly Canadian way of developing — one that connects environments, aligns people, and drives performance through collaboration and clarity. The opportunity now is to create stronger connections and clearer pathways that link Talent Identification, Youth National Teams, and Senior National Teams together with other key individuals, building a strong foundation for long-term excellence across the Canadian soccer ecosystem.” \u200b
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\u200b-Danilo Veselinovic
Veselinovic will begin his duties as Director of Technical Development immediately. \u200b
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