Former Canada women’s head coach Kenneth Heiner-Moller has been appointed as the new sporting director for national teams at Canada Soccer, assuming a pivotal leadership role within the organization.
As per the official job description, the sporting director, reporting directly to the CEO, holds the key responsibility for overseeing Canada Soccer’s national teams and high-performance programs. In this new capacity, Heiner-Moller will oversee national team coaches Jesse Marsch and Casey Stoney, while reporting to CEO Kevin Blue.
Expressing enthusiasm for Heiner-Moller’s return, Blue emphasized the value of his extensive technical expertise and global experience as both an executive and coach. He noted the significance of Heiner-Moller’s familiarity with the Canadian soccer landscape and diverse background as crucial assets in enhancing the organization’s sporting framework and gearing up for upcoming milestones.
Aged 55, Heiner-Moller, who has been serving as the technical director for San Diego FC since January 2025, is slated to transition to a full-time engagement with Canada Soccer in the summer. His appointment aligns strategically with Canada’s co-hosting duties for the upcoming World Cup, positioning him well to leverage the opportunities that major tournaments present.
Having previously held roles with the Danish Football Association for 4.5 years, Heiner-Moller brings a wealth of experience in high-performance sports management akin to his new responsibilities at Canada Soccer. His tenure includes overseeing coach education and performance, serving as a technical director, and aligning with the core functions he will undertake in his new role.
Heiner-Moller’s departure from the Canada national team in 2020 was attributed to a combination of factors such as the global pandemic, Olympic postponement, and an opening at the Danish association. During his tenure as head coach, he guided the Canadian women’s team to significant achievements, including qualifying for the 2019 Women’s World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics.
Under Heiner-Moller’s leadership, the team saw standout moments, including Christine Sinclair breaking the record for the world’s leading goal-scorer. His return to Canada holds personal significance as it allows him to reunite with his wife, Anja Heiner-Moller, who coaches the Vancouver Rise, further strengthening their family bonds.
The collaborative move to Vancouver aligns with their shared commitment to their family and careers, showcasing a harmonious balance between professional pursuits and personal life. Anja’s extensive coaching background with Vancouver Whitecaps FC and North Shore Girls Soccer Club adds to their collective soccer legacy, creating a rich tapestry of expertise and dedication within the soccer community.