Pacific FC of the Canadian Premier League (CPL) today announced its full coaching staff ahead of the 2026 season, led by returning Head Coach James Merriman.
Joining Merriman on the technical staff is Yiannis Tsalatsidis, who has been appointed First Assistant Coach. A Winnipeg-born coach, Tsalatsidis brings an extensive background in high-performance environments and holds a Canadian National A License, the highest coaching certification availabel in the country.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity and clear on the work ahead," said Tsalatsidis. "We are building a team of 20 leaders, where no one has to ask for permission to step up. This responsibility will express itself as a team that has no limits."
Tsalatsidis arrives on the Isladn following two seasons with CPL side Cavalry FC, where he worked as an opposition analysist and individual skills coach. His experience also includes seven years with Canada Soccer's nationally aligned Regional Excel (REX) Center system, serving both as a Technical Director and Coach Educator. During that time, he was part of a specialized group of remote analysts supporting Canada Soccer's Women's National Team at the 2019 FIFA World Cup.
His résumé further includes roles as Head Coach and Technical Director at FC London in Ontario's top semi-professional league, as well as coaching expeerience at the University level with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women's soccer program. Tsalatsidis has also contributed to Canada Soccer's youth national team pathway, co-leading U-17 National REX identification camps and supporting U-17 and U-20 national team camps.
Chris Merriman also returns as Assistant Coach, continuing his role on the technical staff alongside his brother James. Trevor Stiles returns as Goalkeeper Coach after serving in the role during the 2024 season. A former Paralympic soccer player, Stiles brings elite-level competitive experience and continues his work with Pacific FC goalkeepers Sean Melvin and Eleias Himaras.
With continuity across the coaching group and the addition of further high-level experience, Pacific FC enters the 2026 season with a staff aligned in vision and preparation.
Pacific FC Coaching Staff
Head Coach: James Merriman
First Assistant Coach: Yannis Tsalatsidis
Assistant Coach: Chris Merriman
Goalkeeper Coach: Trevor Stiles