Neil Ovey is the first-ever full-time Head Coach of both the Algoma Thunderbirds men's and women's soccer teams.
The 2017-18 season marks Ovey's first tenure as Head Coach of the Algoma Thunderbirds women's soccer team. He has been Head Coach of the men's squad for five seasons. Prior to the Thunderbirds big debut in the OUA and U Sports in the 2014 season, Ovey coached the men's squad when they were still members of the OCAA and the team had yet to reach varsity level status.
Originally from England, Ovey was introduced to soccer at the young age of five. He started as a right side and midfielder and as he progressed through the sport, moved his way to the back of the pitch, becoming a fullback. Ovey came up through the academy system in England, and completed trials with the Championship League for the Derby County Football Club. He has over 25 years of coaching and playing experience, and has coached teams at the club and semi-pro level, and has scouted and coached for elite programs, including the Manchester United Soccer Schools.
Ovey holds a BETC National Diploma in Sports Science and attended the Institute of Sports and Recreation Management at North Devon College in the United Kingdom.
He holds a Pre-B-Level Coaching Certificate from Canada Soccer, as well as a U.S.S.F National Youth Licence (#Y14—126127). In the summer of 2014, he earned his F.A. Level 2, F.A. Youth Module 1, F.A. Mentoring Adults certification, and his Coerver Youth Diploma. He also holds F.A. Counter Attacking and F.A. Goalkeeping certification.
Ovey has also been the Head Coach of the Sault Ste. Marie Civics Soccer Team and Men’s U17 team for six years.
When recruiting, Ovey looks for both technical superiority and ability, but also mental toughness. He wants his recruits to be mentally prepared for the challenges that come with being a student-athlete and competing at the level required in the OUA and CIS. With his squad, he works on perfecting all aspects of the game, but also works on perfecting work ethic and humbleness. He requires his student-athletes to train and practice three to four hours daily during the intense eight-week season and rest in the off-season. However, he requires each member to maintain his level of fitness, agility, and stamina.
He encourages student-athletes to consider Algoma University. As an athlete, players have the opportunity to play throughout the duration of their five years of eligibility, including in their rookie year. As a student, these players will enjoy small classes, one-on-one time with faculty, an affordable education, and learning in a family-like environment.
