Who We Are
Hello, I'm Shahin Tarkavan, a dedicated soccer coach with a profound passion for Long-Term Player Development.
Over the last 12 years, I've had the privilege of coaching a diverse range of youth players across various levels, from Competitive to High-Performance football in Canada. These experiences, coupled with my educational background in High-Performance Coaching, have provided me with invaluable insights into the intricate nuances of player development.
Every day, my love for the beautiful game deepens, fueling my unwavering commitment to helping players unlock their full potential. Player development is a multifaceted journey, considering the unique desires and needs of each individual athlete throughout their growth. I understand the importance of a professional mentor who can offer personalized guidance, to maximize each player's growth and success.
At Elite Athlete Mindset (EAM), our mission is clear: to support those who are wholeheartedly dedicated to pushing their limits and reaching the pinnacle of their capabilities. Collaborating closely with athletes, parents/guardians, and fellow professionals in the field, we aim to make a genuine difference in the lives of these aspiring individuals.
If you're driven, with aspirations of maximizing your athletic development or playing at a high level, but feel the need for professional coaching to guide you in areas such as training, recovery, overall game understanding, mindset, and lifestyle, EAM is the right fit for you.
Together, let's embark on a journey to elevate your game and make your athletic dreams a reality.
My Education:
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B.Sc. (Hons), Coaching for Performance in Football, Anglia Ruskin University, UK
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B.Sc. Physics and Astronomy, York University, Canada
My Coaching Credentials:
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Canada Soccer National B License
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Canada Soccer National Youth License
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US National Youth License
Elkin Andres is a highly experienced coach with over a decade of expertise in player development across various levels, from grassroots to high-performance programs. As a former semi-professional player in Ontario’s League1 and the CSL, he brings invaluable firsthand knowledge of the game, allowing him to connect with athletes and guide them in their development.
Holding a Canada Soccer National Youth License, Elkin specializes in youth development, high-performance coaching, and designing individualized training programs. His coaching philosophy emphasizes technical mastery, tactical intelligence, and mental resilience, ensuring that athletes are prepared for success both on and off the field. His ability to communicate in multiple languages further strengthens his connection with athletes from diverse backgrounds, creating an inclusive and motivating environment.
Driven by a passion for the game and a commitment to athlete success, Elkin continues to shape the next generation of elite players, helping them unlock their true potential.
Dr. Richard Bucciarelli,
Sports Scientist & Professional Fitness Coach
Dr. Richard Bucciarelli, PhD, R.Kin, CSCS, CSEP-CEP, USSF “A”, is a professional fitness coach, sports scientist and coach educator, and the owner of Speed Training, a sport-specific strength and conditioning company in Toronto.
Richard has worked at some of the highest levels in the sport of soccer, both in Canada and internationally, including the Canadian National Women’s Soccer Teams, the Toronto FC Academy, The Uruguayan Segunda (second division) with Canadian SC Uruguay, and the United Soccer League (USL) with the Ottawa Fury FC, the Canadian Premier League (CPL) with the Halifax Wanderers Football Club and York United Football Club, as well as several different Canadian college and university teams.
Richard completed his PhD in Human Health and Nutritional Sciences with a specialty in biomechanics of speed and acceleration training in soccer players at the University of Guelph. An avid author, lecturer and coach educator, Richard holds certifications as a FIFA 11+ Instructor, Sport for Life Movement Preparation Instructor, and Ontario Soccer Learning Facilitator. He works as a Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Guelph-Humber, has provided coaching education for Ontario Soccer, Canada Soccer, and the National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada, and has had over 50 of his articles published in research journals, books, and magazines.
Michael Argyrides is the founder of Path to Becoming, an organization dedicated to helping athletes and teams strengthen their mindset through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and educational resources.
As a former professional soccer player in the Northern Ireland Premiership, Michael understands the mental demands of high-performance sport. Drawing from his experience as an elite athlete, Certified Life & Wellness Coach (ACC) through the Canada Coach Academy, and blood cancer survivor, he combines evidence-informed coaching principles with lived experience to help athletes build confidence, manage pressure, sharpen focus, strengthen emotional resilience, and perform at their highest potential.
In 2024, Michael was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a rare form of blood cancer. Following treatment and recovery, his perspective on resilience, leadership, and mental well-being was profoundly shaped. Today, he brings that perspective into every coaching relationship, helping athletes navigate adversity with confidence while developing the mindset required for long-term success.
Michael currently works with athletes across a variety of sports, including soccer, hockey, and mixed martial arts. His coaching approach is practical, athlete-centered, and tailored to each individual's goals, personality, and stage of development, equipping athletes with the mental skills needed to grow, compete, and perform with confidence.