Highlighting 1UP’s University Coaches PT.2
1UP Fam, the post secondary footy season is right around the corner!
Many USports and CCAA schools have already started their pre season ahead of the regular season which beings at either the end of August or at the start of September.
Let’s take some time to highlight our 1UP coaches who are playing post secondary footy!
Kimia Kassanda:
First up is Kimia Kassanda, who is returning for his second year at the University of Calgary in Calgary!
“I’m really looking forward to having a great season with the University of Calgary and pushing as far as we can go. We’ve got a great team and an excellent coaching staff, so I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.” Kassanda said.
“I’ve really enjoyed coaching with 1UP throughout the spring and summer. It’s always rewarding to see kids improve, grow their skills, and gain more confidence on the ball.” he added.
Good luck coach Kimia!
Rooney Biggs:
Next up is 1UP’s Director of Media, Rooney Biggs, who is entering his rookie season at the University of Calgary in Calgary!
“My first year hasn't gone as planned. As a redshirt, I look forward to making friends on the team and being part of the environment. The initial training and fitness sessions have been tough, but I’m excited for what’s to come!” he said.
“1UP has been crazy this summer! We’ve had a bunch of different events—camps, restructures, a 3v3 tournament, and sessions at McMahon Stadium,” Biggs added.
“Coaching the kids has been the best part. “It’s been so rewarding to watch the company grow in so many directions and get bigger.”
Good luck coach Rooney!
Alex Cameron:
Next is Alex Cameron who is entering his rookie season at Mount Royal University in Calgary!
“I am looking most forward to jump to a u-sport level. I feel there is great opportunity for growth and improvement of my mental and physical side of the game,” Cameron said.
“My coaching experience with 1UP has been nothing but positive! I have formed very strong connections and friendships along the way,” he added.
“Getting more experience has taught me many things and I am very excited to continue my path down a coaching in the future.”
Good luck coach Alex!
This Week in Training:
1V1 Attacking!
(August 11th - August 17th)
Photo Courtesy of ShotsbySB 📸
1V1 Attacking!
This week’s objective: Players will gain the ability to beat defenders by both dribbles and a double pass with teammate
Coaching Points:
Commit defender
Analyze space between defender and ball
Analyze space behind defender
Decision: Dribble or pass (try to add disguise)
Change of pace after ball beats defender ball
We hope everyone has a great training week!
Click here to view the full indoor 2024-25 training menu
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1UP Indoor 2024/25 Training Menu
1UP Coaching Profile
1UP fam, we feel it’s time you get to know your coaches a bit better!
Every week in the newsletter, we’ll include a coaching profile to share some coaching and personal information about your coaches!
Next up is coach Rooney Biggs:
We’re excited to have Rooney Biggs to the coaching staff at 1UP!
Starting as a player in the 1UP academy, Rooney Biggs has quickly moved up the ranks of the 1UP staff.
At just 16, Biggs began his coaching journey with 1UP’s grassroots skills program and has since become one of 1UP’s top small group training coaches.
“I coach with passion but keep things lighthearted,” Biggs said.
“When the ball’s still, I love joking around and getting to know the players — but when the ball’s moving, I bring the intensity and demand 100% effort.”
“It’s incredible to see players train at full pace, because even the top-level athletes start to make mistakes — and that’s when real learning happens.”
A certified 1UP OG, Biggs embodies what the academy is all about and emphasizes 1UP’s core value of enjoying the process.
“At 1UP, we make every player feel welcome and bring a mix of fun, seriousness and care to our sessions so players truly enjoy their training,” he said.
“We focus on the fundamental skills that players may be missing but that clubs have often moved past.”
During 1UP’s winter restructure, a massive hole was left in one of the academy’s key areas — media and digital creation.
Biggs stepped into the role and is now 1UP’s director of media.
“The media side is where my creativity comes alive. I enjoy capturing photos and videos that freeze real emotion in a moment,” Biggs said.
“There’s nothing athletes love more than seeing themselves in action, doing what they love,” he added. “Watching their reactions to high-quality content — seeing the excitement and pride on their faces — never gets old and is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.”
This role extends beyond 1UP. Biggs plans to expand his knowledge at the University of Calgary.
“At university, I’m pursuing a degree in media and communications, which is helping me sharpen my skills in content creation, audience engagement and storytelling,” he said.
Already creating social media content for 1UP, Biggs will have a head start on most of his first year classmates this fall at the U of C.
His goal is to use these skills learned in a collegiate environment to help grow 1UP on a national scale.
“I’m learning new tools and techniques to capture and share media more effectively, with the goal of growing the 1UP brand — first across the province, and eventually nationwide,” he said.
The question we ask all our 1UP coaches: what club do you support?
“Manchester United. Manchester bleeds red, and the club’s history is legendary — from Sir Alex to Best, Rio, Ronaldo and the reason I became a fan, Wayne Rooney,” Biggs said.
“When I was younger and played striker, a lot of coaches said I looked like him. Curious, I found out which team he played for — and that’s when I discovered United. Since then it’s been my team,” he added.
Stay tuned for next week’s coaching profile 👀
