© 2025 Christchurch United Football Club
the cufc team
Meet the dedicated team behind the scenes at Christchurch United!
From our coaching staff leading the players on the pitch to the medical and support staff keeping them in top form, and the tireless operations team ensuring everything runs smoothly, these passionate individuals are the beating heart of the club.
Get to know their stories and the expertise they bring to make matchday magic happen.
From our coaching staff leading the players on the pitch to the medical and support staff keeping them in top form, and the tireless operations team ensuring everything runs smoothly, these passionate individuals are the beating heart of the club.
Get to know their stories and the expertise they bring to make matchday magic happen.
management team
SLAVA MEYN
Club President
Slava Meyn has been the primary architect behind the revitalization of Christchurch United FC. His journey with the club began with a clear objective: to restore its historic reputation by integrating the Christchurch Football Academy (CFA) into the club’s core structure.
By merging the academy’s focus on youth development with the senior club’s legacy, Slava helped establish a unified pathway for local players. This groundwork was essential in rebuilding the club’s identity and providing the stability needed to develop the United Sports Centre into a central hub for the football community.
Under Slava’s leadership, the club has moved back toward the top tier of the game, including the successful transition into the OFC Pro League as South Island United. For Slava, the focus remains on ensuring the club provides a professional environment where New Zealand’s next generation of players can reach their potential.
By merging the academy’s focus on youth development with the senior club’s legacy, Slava helped establish a unified pathway for local players. This groundwork was essential in rebuilding the club’s identity and providing the stability needed to develop the United Sports Centre into a central hub for the football community.
Under Slava’s leadership, the club has moved back toward the top tier of the game, including the successful transition into the OFC Pro League as South Island United. For Slava, the focus remains on ensuring the club provides a professional environment where New Zealand’s next generation of players can reach their potential.
Ryan edwards
General manager
Before joining Christchurch United, Ryan held roles as the Head Coach and Director of Football at Petone FC, preceded by his position as a professional Academy Head Coach at Wellington Phoenix.
Ryan has been instrumental in the development of the football club since joining in 2024. he was instrumental in the club's successful bid to join the OFC Pro League, the team later being renamed as South Island United.
Ryan has been instrumental in the development of the football club since joining in 2024. he was instrumental in the club's successful bid to join the OFC Pro League, the team later being renamed as South Island United.
RYAN
"It's great to be coming into this proud football club. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work at a club with such a strong history and reputation in the game. I am excited by the clubs vision to lead football development in the region as well as create pathways for young players to achieve their dreams."
paul holocher
ACADEMY MANAGER
- Former US Soccer midfielder, who played professionally both in United State and Europe. Paul was the Academy Director and Director of Formation for two MLS Clubs (San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo) as well as a 15-Year NCAA college head coach.
- Paul holds a USSF Academy Director’s License, along with the prestigious FFF (French Football Federation) Elite Coaches Formation License.
- Paul is a TOVO licensed coach and is an avid student of the game. Paul as travelled extensively, visiting various countries and clubs to learn different approaches to player, coach, and club development.
Paul
"We strive to be the top player development club in the South Island and one of the tops in New Zealand and throughout Oceania. This includes a great commitment to all ages, from our U4-U8 Fun Football through our Pre-Academy (U9-U12) and into our Academy (U13-U17). I love the club and our values that we aspire towards both on and off the field. We have a clear objective to teach and play the game in a way that is geared towards the highest international standards."
Avi Prabhakar
Communication & administration manager
- Bachelor of Sport Coaching major in Sports Management
- Youth Level 2 Coaching License
- Senior Level 1 Coaching License
- Pursuing Junior Level 3 Coaching License
- Passionate about sports coaching and development
- Committed to fostering the growth and development of athletes and the sports community
Liam HiggIns
MARKETING MANAGER
Liam is a passionate content creator with an eye for social media and content creation. He has recently completed his Bachelor of Communications, Majoring in Journalism.
Liam has also amassed over 100k followers on his personal media channels, taking this experience into his role at Christchurch United and elevating our social media presence.
Liam works across multiple CUFC brands, including Mini Football Leagues, Christchurch International Cup and South Island United.
Liam has also amassed over 100k followers on his personal media channels, taking this experience into his role at Christchurch United and elevating our social media presence.
Liam works across multiple CUFC brands, including Mini Football Leagues, Christchurch International Cup and South Island United.