What is Athletikids?

AthletiKids is all about redefining what it means to be an athlete and creating a space where every kid can thrive through movement and sport. We're not your typical sports organization - we're here to shake things up and make sure everyone feels welcome, no matter their background or abilities.

OUR VALUES

  • COMMUNITY

    We're building more than just teams - we're creating a community where everyone belongs. It's about connecting with yourself, your teammates, and the world around you. We believe that when we work together, we can achieve amazing things.

  • RESPECT

    We believe in treating everyone with deep respect - kids, coaches, families, and the land we play on. It's about seeing the potential in every child, no matter how quiet or wild they might be. When you feel respected, you're more likely to believe in yourself and others.

  • ADAPTABILITY

    We're all about rolling with the punches and changing things up when needed. Every kid is unique, so we tailor our approach to fit their needs. Our coaches are pros at thinking on their feet and helping kids overcome challenges in creative ways.

  • CREATIVITY

    We're not just about following the rulebook - we encourage kids to express themselves and find their own style in sports. We mix art and creativity into our programs, making them fun and engaging for everyone.

AthletiKids exists to create foundational experiences for kids to develop a lifelong love of movement and be part of an active, healthy community. We're here to show that sports can be for everyone, not just the naturally athletic or hyper-competitive kids.

COACH KAT

Head Coach
Pronouns: She/Her

Her coaching style is rooted in deep respect for children, combining a firm yet kind approach to teaching. With over 20 years of experience coaching various sports, including figure skating, soccer, and volleyball, she understands that each child brings unique interests, passion, and skills that emerge through building trust and mutual respect. She views coaching as a reciprocal relationship where athletes are empowered to share their ideas, fostering a creative and dynamic learning environment.

Kat learned to play soccer in Hazelton, Northern BC, where community practices and Indigenous soccer tournaments on Gitxsan territory shaped her understanding of teamwork, resilience, and respect. Growing up in a region with limited sports resources, she recognizes the critical role of sport and play in youth development and is passionate about creating equal opportunities for athletes from rural communities through AthletiKids.

Sports have been a vital tool for Kat in managing her ADHD and navigating life’s challenges. Soccer, in particular, has helped her regulate her energy, process grief, and maintain connection to herself and others. Outside of soccer, she enjoys cheering on her children in their activities, spending time at the beach, listening to music, and traveling with family.

As the founder of AthletiKids, Coach Kat is dedicated to advocating for children who learn and think differently, helping them express themselves on and off the field. She emphasizes teaching players how to set boundaries, communicate effectively, regulate their emotions, and build trust within their teams, fostering creativity and critical thinking in every athlete she coaches.

  • Coach Luther

    Head Coach
    Pronouns:     She/They
    What to Call Me:Coach Luther

    Brings a simple and clear coaching style to AthletiKids and Soccer tots, focusing on repetition and progression to build confidence and competence in every athlete. As both a supportive buddy and their biggest believer, they help kids master skills that might seem overwhelming. She learned to play soccer alongside Coach Kat in the north, growing up on rep teams and in a soccer-loving family, often playing and even refereeing games with her older brother and his friends. Through sports, they have gained invaluable confidence and teamwork skills, and their passionate about helping kids find joy in movement so that staying active always feels rewarding. Outside of soccer, Luther is active in queer sports leagues, is a personal trainer and Muay Thai instructor, and loves spending sunny weekends at Spanish Banks with their girlfriend and dog. They bring a highly structured and specific approach to the team, using her expertise to break down movements, address stability and gait, and support overall strength and conditioning.

  • Coach Declan

    Assistant Coach
    Pronouns:     He/Him
    Coaching Style: Fun and Supportive

    Grew up playing soccer and honed his skills through the VAFC Rovers Div 1 program. He is rooted in patience, commitment, and consistency, believing that becoming a better player means embracing mistakes and being eager to learn from them.

    Declan’s sessions are all about creating a positive, engaging environment where players feel supported and excited to improve. He’s passionate about helping others discover their love for the game and inspiring them to reach their full potential.

    When he’s not on the soccer field, Declan enjoys traveling, going on outdoor adventures, and listening to music. Coaching younger kids is his way of giving back to Vancouver’s soccer community and continuing his own growth as both a player and a coach.

    Declan is grateful for the opportunity to coach and would like to thank Coach Kat for their support and inspiration. He looks forward to helping every player enjoy soccer as much as he does!

  • Coach Amber

    Assistant Coach
    Pronouns:     She/They

    Coach Amber brings a fun, technical, holistic, and encouraging approach to soccer coaching. Growing up in the close-knit community of Gitwangak in Northern BC, Amber’s passion for soccer began at age four and has only grown stronger over the years. With both parents as soccer players, she and her sisters were always supported on and off the field.

    She believes in the power of sports to teach life skills like discipline, teamwork, passion, determination, and patience. She emphasizes that learning grit and being a team player are key to building character.

    Entering her third year at Langara College, she plays for the women’s soccer team, cherishing the friendships, challenges, and personal growth the experience brings. She's dedicated to creating a fun and exciting environment for young people, sharing the knowledge she has gained throughout the years.

    Outside of soccer, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, fishing, hiking, swimming, and biking, while appreciating the beautiful trees, mountains, lakes, and rivers that surround her.

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WANT TO INSPIRE?

If you or someone you know that in interested in becoming a part of the team. Send us an email and let us know why you want to join Athletikids. We are always looking for like-minded coaches that want to help inspire our future generations.

CONTACT US