staff

ROSS SMITH

ROSS SMITH is a professional soccer player with extensive experience coaching young aspiring soccer players. Ross has a B. Sc. in Education and is a qualified physical education teacher for grades k to 12.

Ross played for the Ontario Cup winning Dixie, Mississauga club, then in the professional youth league in Scotland. Next, he gained a full athletic scholarship to the University of Rhode Island where he captained the successful NCAA First Division team. After completing four years of soccer and education in the states, Ross returned to Britain in order to pursue a professional soccer career.

Overseas, Ross played full-time pro in England for 4 seasons that included League II Dagenham and Redbridge F.C. Following this time, Ross returned to North America, where he helped the Rochester Rhinos reach the 2008 USL play-off semi-finals.

In 2010 Ross returned from a year out of playing due to injury, and signed for the Portland Timbers of the USL Soccer League and is in midseason traveling around North America with his club.

Ross has channelled his skills into numerous youth camps in the U.K. and North America.

Ross will be looking after the July 18th - 22nd week of camp at MARDEN, and the July 25th - 29th week at Rockmosa. 

For more information, read Ross' bio on Wikipedia

DAVE RAINFORD

I truly could not put into words just how grateful and excited I am that Dave will be returning for at least one week of camp this year. ‘Rains’ was a massive hit down at the Rockmosa soccer pitches last year, and will be returning to look after the July 18th to 22nd week of camp. 

I had the pleasure and opportunity to play alongside Dave in England a few years ago, and there is no question in my mind just what a massive hit he will be in Rockwood. Truly, I don’t know where to begin to describe the countless attributes in which he will bring.

As a player, Rains has played amongst England’s best, and is known as a warrior when stepping on the soccer pitch. With such ability, the kids will learn skills that quite possibly they have never been exposed to before.

Currently, he is Captain of Chelmsford City, which speaks volumes for an individual in the professional game to be so well respected by his Manager, fellow teammates, and supporters of the club that he is the face and personality of representation of the football club.

Outside the game, Rains is a full time P.E. Teacher and was at one time the only full time footballer and teacher in England.  Both areas of which he has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success.

I can’t imagine a more dedicated, kind hearted and passionate person to run the Soccer Camps, and hopefully we will see a lot more of Dave in the years to come. 

Below are a few external links for Dave. I will send along further video of Dave that I am currently getting made compatible to North American video, so that you will get more of feel for his fantastic personality.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cfwz2QuuFCo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Rainford

LAUREN TAYLOR

Along with many other 'No Tippy Tappy' Soccer players, I am excited to say that Lauren will be returning for the 2 weeks of camp. Lauren's love and ability for the game, enthusiasm to coach, and tendency to 'fudge' the rules in her favour at 'Capture the Soccer Balls' (camp game) makes her a popular figure and brilliant part of the camps!

Playing wise, Lauren will be looking to step into the University level of soccer next year, and so is an exciting time in her career. As well, am sure her competitiveness will be boiling over after having to wait 2 years since getting the chance at revenge in beating me and my squad (Ross) at footy capture the flag. 

Rep Playing Experience:

• Rep soccer with Guelph Soccer club from age 14- 16
• Brampton United Soccer club 16- present

Coaching Experience:

• Coach/assistant coach of puslinch tiny tot teams
• 'No Tippy Tappy' Camp - Coach/Assitant Camp '09

Accolades:

• Rep soccer Captain for guelph from 2008-2009
• MVP for Guelph 2008-2009 season

LILLY STEPHENSON

Lilly has been a fantastic youth helper since 'No Tippy Tappy' began, and particularly has a great knack in working with the younger ages. Her hard working, fun spirit and soccer skills makes her a great mentor for the 'wee' ones at camp. You would think think with such a personality, and the fact that she is my niece as well as a fellow ginger, that she would side with me instead of Lauren when it came to competitions. Not the case. 

BRAE STEPHENSON

AKA 'The Joker' has been with the N.T.T. crew since it began, and breaths life into anyones day that may hit an occasion lull from the sweat, sun, and drizzle. Another youth helper, Brae has carved out his own role at camp, and his job description and group help changes from day to day depending on where his fun mood strikes! One thing that remains constant is that Brae is full of enthusiasm ready with a joke at the tip of the tongue and laugh wherever the day may need. 

DONAVON ANDERSON

Donavon is a player and youth helper who has come on leaps and bounds in both areas. A popular figure at the camp, Donavon skill and development has gone from strength to strength over the years, and I will put a lunchtime freezy on it that he will be back years down the line signing autographs for the N.T.T footballers. Donavon travels quite a distance to be a camp, and so hopefully we will see him as often as the the journey allows. 

MEREDITH RIMMER

Meredith came to the 'No Tippy Tappy' camps last year and was a big hit. Great with the kids and full of fun, Meredith is also full of fire for the game (as you can see in the photo beside!). Playing wise, Meredith can play in several positions including Goalkeeper, so has plenty of tips and coaching points to offer the kids. It is exciting times as well for Meredith, as she will be looking to push on and gain interest from Universities in the states in the years to come. In the coming weeks, Meredith is heading across to England to experience the footballing life at that end under the guidance of Dave Rainford. 

Background on Meredith

Rep Playing Experience:• Guelph Soccer (U14)
• Milton Soccer (U15 – present)
Coaching Experience:
• 'No Tippy Tappy' Camp - Coach/Assistant Camp '10
Accolades:
• Player of multiple positions at the Rep level (Goalkeeper, Striker, Midfielder)
• Second leading scorer on Premier level championship team (SRSL)
• Involved in other competitive activities (Swimming and Dancing)

JORDYN HUGHES

Jordyn has been with 'No Tippy Tappy' since we began and like the other coaches, has added a great deal of fun, skill and knowledge to the camps. Along with Meredith, Jordyn is heading across to England to train and learn the British ropes in the coming weeks which should be a fantastic learning experience all around. Last year Jordyn had to hobble through a terrible injury as she tore her ACL. The rate at which she has been recovering says so much about her character and is well on the road to recovery and hopefully back on the soccer pitch in the coming months. We'll look forward to seeing Jordyn back playing in full force and of course having her fantastic presence a part of camps again this summer.