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About us.
Our Team.
Touch of Class Soccer was founded by Richard Edwards and his wife Christa Gayle Clarke-Edwards, a power couple who firmly believe that hard work beats talent, always. Their shared vision is rooted in the idea that every player can excel if they commit to investing in their own growth.
The Academy’s programs are designed to be more than just soccer training. They are power-packed pathways that push athletes to develop their technical ability, tactical intelligence, and physical conditioning, while also instilling confidence, discipline, and life skills that shape well-rounded human beings.
"We believe in our players more than they believe in themselves and we hold them to that standard."
Richard Edwards – Technical Director & Head Coach
THE TEAM.
THE TEAM.
Richard Edwards
Head Coach & Co-Founder
Richard Edwards, a UEFA B Licence and Canada Soccer C Licence coach, brings over a decade of elite coaching experience to Touch of Class. A former Jamaican National Team midfielder, Richard earned more than 35 senior international caps, representing his country with distinction and leadership. His professional playing career spanned Finland, Sweden, and Canada, giving him a global perspective on the game and a deep understanding of high-performance environments.
With a proven track record in youth development, Richard is passionate about helping players unlock their full potential on and off the field. Known for his high expectations and high-intensity training style, he challenges athletes to push beyond their comfort zones while maintaining a standard of excellence that mirrors professional environments.
Despite his demanding approach, Richard’s athletes consistently describe him as inspiring, patient, and a joy to work with—a coach who balances discipline with deep care and mentorship.
Christa Gayle Clarke-Edwards
Administrator & Co-Founder
Christa Gayle Clarke-Edwards grew up in a home where soccer was more than a game — it was part of family life, thanks to her father’s passion for the sport. That love of soccer, combined with her professional background in Administration and Human Resource Management, she is the perfect fit to oversee the business operations of the Academy.
Ensuring that every detail, from player registrations to program logistics, runs smoothly, allowing coaches and players to focus on performance and growth.
Garth McPherson
Technical Lead Coach
Garth “Coach Biggs” McPherson grew up immersed in the game of soccer, developing not only a deep passion for playing but a lifelong commitment to teaching the sport with purpose, discipline, and love.
As the proud father of longtime Touch of Class standout Mekhi McPherson, a name widely respected in the Canadian soccer community, Coach Biggs embodies what true commitment to development looks like. His journey working alongside Coach Richie in developing Mekhi has shaped him into a coach with unmatched insight, patience, and technical awareness.
Coach Biggs now brings that same energy, experience, and dedication to the Touch of Class training environment. His mission is to help mold the next generation of talented athletes, guiding them with the same standards of excellence that have defined his own family’s soccer journey.
Joel Callou
Communications Manager
Joel Callou serves as the Communications Manager for Touch of Class, he oversees the public relations, media presence, and brand messaging. With a strong background in communications, digital media, and community engagement, Joel ensures that the Academy’s voice is clear, professional, and impactful across all platforms.
Joel’s ability to craft meaningful stories and highlight the achievements of student-athletes makes him an invaluable member of the team. His work ensures that the mission of Touch of Class HP Academy — building confident, well-rounded athletes — reaches a wide audience and inspires future generations.
Tiffany Shelton
Parent Liaison
As the Academy’s School–Parent Liaison, Tiffany brings a unique perspective as both an educator and a parent. She is a certified high-school teacher (B.Ed., Social Justice & Equity Cohort; M.Ed., Educational Leadership) with a strong background in student support, leadership, and equity. She is also a former yoga studio owner and a certified Yoga and Meditation for Athletes instructor. This allows our HP program to integrate recovery and mindfulness into the curriculum.
Tiffany’s role bridges the gap between school, family, and training, ensuring that student-athletes remain academically accountable while excelling athletically. She also supports parents with communication, scheduling, and advocacy — making sure every child in the program is positioned for success in school and in soccer.
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