A highly respected Canadian head coach with a proven track record
Patrice Gheisar, born 1975, is a highly respected Canadian Head Coach with a proven track record of developing young Canadian talent to the international level. Deeply rooted in Toronto, a hotbed for national team talent, he built his reputation through elite youth development before progressing to the professional game.
Gheisar spent three seasons as Head Coach of the Halifax Wanderers in the Canadian Premier League, leading the club through the most successful period in its history. Under his leadership, Halifax broke multiple records for wins, points, goals scored, goals conceded, and away performances, while establishing a clear playing identity, strong standards, and a culture deeply connected to the community. Player development remained central to the project, highlighted by Tiago Coimbra being named CPL Under-21 Player of the Year.
In 2024, Gheisar assisted the Canadian Men’s National Team during a national team camp. Working alongside an experienced staff and observing Jesse Marsch firsthand further shaped his approach to leadership, preparation, and high-performance culture. The experience was a full-circle moment, having previously coached several of the Ontario-based players in the camp during their youth.
Prior to his role in Halifax, Gheisar played a key role in Ontario’s development system. At Vaughan Azzurri, he worked within a high-performance youth environment that produced players who progressed to NCAA programs, European professional football and national teams. Trusting young players in senior competition, particularly in League1 Ontario, was central to accelerating their development. He also coached at the men’s university level, supporting players through the university pathway and preparing them for the demands of professional football.
Now entering the next phase of his career, Gheisar is focused on finding the right project, one with clear vision, strong leadership, and a commitment to purposeful development. Culture and positive environments are core to his coaching identity. He remains open to head coaching roles, senior technical positions, or long-term sporting projects where identity, culture, and growth are central.
Now entering the next phase of his career, Gheisar is focused on finding the right project, one with clear vision, strong leadership, and a commitment to purposeful development.
Our exclusive interview with Patrice Gheisar
You spent three seasons as Head Coach of the Halifax Wanderers in the Canadian Premier League. How would you reflect on that experience and the league’s growth?
My time in Nova Scotia with the Halifax Wanderers was an extremely meaningful chapter of my career. Over three seasons, we focused on building more than just a team—we established a clear identity, strong standards, and a culture that connected deeply with the community. The support in Halifax is exceptional and allowed players to grow with confidence and responsibility.
From a performance perspective, we broke several club records, including most wins, goals scored, goals conceded, away points, and total points. We also had several players nominated for major awards, and seeing Tiago Coimbra named Under-21 Player of the Year was particularly special.
At the same time, the Canadian Premier League has matured significantly. The level of play, tactical understanding, and professionalism has improved each year, and Canadian players are now being challenged in more demanding environments with clearer pathways to MLS, Europe, and the national teams. The league is fulfilling its purpose by providing meaningful minutes and accelerating player development.
You also assisted with the Canadian Men’s National Team coaching staff in 2024. What did that experience mean to you?
Being part of the national team camp in 2024 was a career highlight. It was also a full-circle moment, as several players in the environment were individuals I had coached earlier in their development. The experience provided valuable insight into an elite international setting where preparation, clarity, and attention to detail are non-negotiable.
Working alongside experienced staff and top Canadian players reinforced the importance of alignment between game model, training methodology, and player roles, especially when time together is limited. Being around Jesse Marsch offered a clear example of dedication and positive leadership, and the lessons from that camp continue to influence how I structure teams, manage staff, and develop players in my day-to-day work.
Working alongside experienced staff and top Canadian players reinforced the importance of alignment between game model, training methodology, and player roles, especially when time together is limited.
Where and how did your football journey begin?
My journey began with my family and my father’s passion for football. I started playing the game at a very young age, but it truly took shape when I transitioned into coaching. Early exposure to different football environments challenged me to think beyond results and focus on development, culture, and identity. Working across youth, academy, and professional settings helped shape my belief in purposeful football, strong relationships, and long-term player growth—principles that continue to guide my work today.
Many of Canada’s top talents come from Ontario, particularly the Toronto area. Tell us about your time at Vaughan Azzurri and the players you developed.
Ontario has consistently produced some of the country’s top football talent, and the growth of the game in the Toronto area has been significant. My time at Vaughan Azzurri was instrumental in my development as a coach and in learning how to work within a high-performance youth environment. I began with the 1991 age group, and from there things quickly progressed.
The club has a strong culture built around player development, training intensity, and competitive standards, which allowed players to be challenged daily. During that period, several players moved into professional pathways, including opportunities in Europe, while others progressed to NCAA, professional, and national team environments. A key focus was giving young players exposure to high-level competition, particularly in League1 Ontario, and preparing them mentally and tactically for the demands of professional football.
As you move on from Halifax, what do you see as your next step?
At this stage, my focus is on finding the right environment where I can continue to grow and contribute at a high level. My experiences across youth development, professional club football, and the international game have reinforced the importance of working within a setting that has a clear vision, strong football leadership, and a commitment to purposeful development.
More than simply the next role, I’m looking for the right project—one where I can be challenged, add value, and work alongside positive, focused individuals while continuing to evolve as a coach and leader.