Toronto, ON (July 15, 2026) – AFC Toronto has announced the first members of its Academy coaching staff, welcoming Joey Lombardi, Melanie Jimenez and Melissa Bigg ahead of the launch of the Club's inaugural Academy this August.
Joining Academy Director Marc Maunder, Lombardi has been appointed Head Coach, while Jimenez and Bigg will serve as Assistant Coaches. Together, they bring extensive experience in high-performance player development, coaching education and the Canadian football landscape. All three coaches hold a Canada Soccer A Licence.
The appointments represent another important milestone as AFC Toronto prepares to launch the fully funded professional Academy, announced earlier this year. The Academy will succeed Canada Soccer's National Development Centre (NDC) program in Ontario, providing players aged 14 to 18 with a professional development environment and a direct pathway into AFC Toronto's First Team. Additional coaching and performance staff appointments will be announced in the coming weeks.
"The Academy is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our club and women's football in Canada," said Billy Wilson, Sporting Director of AFC Toronto. "We're building a professional environment where talented young players can train every day with clear expectations, consistent coaching and a genuine pathway into the professional game.”
"Joey, Melissa and Melanie each bring something unique through their own coaching journeys, but what they all share is an intimate knowledge of the football landscape here in Ontario and a genuine passion for developing young players,” continues Wilson. “They understand the opportunities and challenges that exist within our province, and that perspective will be invaluable as we work alongside community clubs to identify, support and develop the next generation of talent.”
"Just as importantly, they are exceptional people. They care deeply about the players they work with and understand that developing great footballers goes hand in hand with developing great people. They will be outstanding role models for our young players and, together with Marc, will establish the standards, culture and values that will define the AFC Toronto Academy for years to come,” Wilson concludes.
Operating within a professional club environment and aligned with international best practices, the AFC Toronto Academy is designed to identify, develop and prepare the next generation of elite Canadian players. Through an integrated playing philosophy and high-performance culture aligned with the First Team, the Academy represents a foundational pillar of the Club's long-term sporting strategy.
"The opportunity to build an Academy from the ground up is incredibly exciting," said Marc Maunder, Academy Director. "Our responsibility extends well beyond developing better footballers. We are creating an environment where young players can challenge themselves every day, learn what it means to be a professional and reach their full potential. Melanie, Melissa and Joey each bring different strengths and perspectives, but they all share a commitment to developing people first and players second. I'm thrilled to have them alongside us as we begin this journey."
The AFC Toronto Academy will officially welcome its inaugural class this August, with players selected through the Club's identification and invitation process. The Academy does not hold open tryouts. As a fully funded program, the Academy removes financial barriers and ensures talented players have access to a professional development environment regardless of their circumstances.
Academy Coaching Staff
Joey Lombardi | Head Coach
Joey Lombardi joins AFC Toronto as Head Coach of the Academy, bringing nearly two decades of experience across Canada’s high performance soccer pathway. A Canada Soccer A Licensed coach, Lombardi has worked extensively in elite player development environments, including with Canada Soccer’s National Teams program and Ontario’s high-performance pathway.
Lombardi has served as Canada team staff at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 and supported Canada at six FIFA youth tournaments, including FIFA U-20 and U-17 Women’s World Cups. He has also contributed to player development through provincial and national programs, including as Head Coach of the Ontario National Development Centre women’s program.
At AFC Toronto, Lombardi will serve as Head Coach within the Academy, leading one of its key phases of player development. He will be responsible for the daily delivery of training sessions in alignment with the Academy's game and training model. He will also be responsible for establishing the standards, culture and high-performance behaviours that will shape the next generation of Canadian footballers.
Melanie Jimenez | Assistant Coach
Jimenez joins AFC Toronto from Waterloo United Soccer Club, where she serves as Technical Director of the Girls Program, providing leadership across the club's female pathway while supporting the development of players and coaches. She has also coached in both the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) and League1 Ontario, giving her extensive experience developing players across key stages of the game in Ontario.
A Canada Soccer A Licence holder, Jimenez is widely respected for creating positive, challenging environments that support both athletic and personal growth. Her player-centred approach and passion for long-term development will make her a valuable addition as AFC Toronto continues to build an Academy focused on developing the next generation.
Melissa Bigg | Assistant Coach
Melissa Bigg joins AFC Toronto after serving as Head Coach of the Canada Soccer National Development Centre (NDC) Ontario, where she has played a pivotal role in identifying and developing many of the province's top young players. A Canada Soccer A Licence holder, Bigg brings extensive experience in high-performance player development and a deep understanding of the National Team pathways.
Her appointment provides important continuity as the Canada Soccer’s NDC Ontario program transitions into the AFC Toronto Academy. Having led the development of many of the players who will form the Academy's inaugural cohorts, Bigg is uniquely positioned to help build an environment that supports their continued growth while establishing the standards and culture that will define the Academy for years to come.
About AFC Toronto
AFC Toronto is a founding club in the Northern Super League, Canada's new professional women's soccer league. The club continues to deliver a winning culture for players, staff, and supporters throughout the 2026 season.
Rooted in community and driven by purpose, AFC Toronto exists not only to compete at the highest level, but to create a platform for girls and women to lead, grow, and thrive, on and off the pitch. Guided by its ethos, Run It Our Way, the club is reimagining what it means to pursue excellence, build meaningful connections and define success on its own terms.
Media Contact
Christina Miller
Director, Public Relations, Media & Communications
AFC Toronto
cmiller@afctoronto.ca