© 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
Ryan edwards
General manager &
men's First Team Head Coach
men's First Team Head Coach
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.
At Petone, his team flew up the table from 9th place in Central League to the clubs first ever promotion to National League in 2023. Also, his reserve team achieved back-to-back promotions during his tenure.
At Petone, his team flew up the table from 9th place in Central League to the clubs first ever promotion to National League in 2023. Also, his reserve team achieved back-to-back promotions during his tenure.
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
Head of academy and methodologies
- 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-U20). 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."
Jude Fitzpatrick
Academy Director
- Bachelor of science in sport and exercise science
- Graduate diploma in teaching and education
- NZF Senior C license
- NZF Youth level 2 license
- TOVO 7 A-Side Online Coaching Course
- TOVO T1 and T2 coaching course in Barcelona
- 11 years coaching experience
- Played in NZ National League and the Australian National Premier League (NPL).
Jude
"I decided to become a coach because I didn't have a coach giving me the environment that I enjoyed anymore. Becoming a coach allowed me to create an environment that I felt was better for both player development and fun."
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 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.
Jakub Hosnedl
Residency MANAGER
- Jakub joins Christchurch United after working four years for Football Association of the Czech Republic in Logistics and services department. He was organizing events, tournaments and matches under UEFA for football and futsal national teams.
- UEFA B licensed and has racked up over six years of coaching experience in Canada and Czechia.
- Experienced chef from several kitchens in Canada and New Zealand.
- Experienced caretaker and youth skills coach.
Travis Graham
U4-U8 PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR
- Travis Graham is a footballer from South African born in Ottery, Cape Town.
- He has represented Ajax Cape Town, Cape Town City, Cape Umoya and recently Maritzburg United in his professional career.
- He is an alumnus of the Johan Cruyff Institute, having successfully completed a postgraduate diploma in Football Business.
- His mission is to help young footballers/athletes prepare for the many challenges sport, specifically football, has in store for them.
Chris Greatholder
Commercial Director
Chris has an extensive corporate and commercial background, specialising in bank management, operations management and relationship management. Chris is also a leadership mentor to many individuals and groups.
Chris is also vastly experienced on the field too, with a CV which includes:
Chris is also vastly experienced on the field too, with a CV which includes:
- OFC/NZF A-License
- TOVO Licensed Coach
- NZF Advanced Coach Educator
- Technical Director and owner Albion Coaching Academy
- Diploma in Sports Coaching
- Certificate in Sports Psychology
- Director of Football roles
- 5 years National League Head Coach in NZF