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University of Calgary Athletics

Become a Dino - Men's Soccer

Become a Dino - Men's Soccer

About the Program

The University of Calgary Dinos men’s soccer team competes in Canada West, one of four conferences that make up U SPORTS – the national governing body for university athletics. Each year, the team plays a 14-game regular season, including seven home games and seven away games. The Dinos are part of the Prairie Division of Canada West, which consists of six teams. The regular season includes home and away matches against each Prairie Division team, two additional home games and two away games against teams from the BC Division. The regular season begins on the third weekend of August and runs through to the end of October, with playoff matches extending into early November.

Training & Practice Schedule

Pre-season (Late July – Mid-August):
  • Medical testing
  • Strength and conditioning training
  • Daily practices
In-season:
  • Four practices per week, typically from 5 to 7 p.m. to avoid conflicts with academic schedules
  • Games take place on weekends
Off-season (Winter & Spring):
  • Strength and conditioning program
  • Weekly training sessions
  • Student-athletes are expected to play indoor soccer in a recognized program
Summer:
  • Student-athletes must compete in a league of a comparable level to League1 Alberta

Academic Expectations

Student-athletes must:

  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to remain eligible for academic awards
  • Balance full-time studies with the demands of varsity competition
  • Represent the team and university in both academic and athletic performance

Resources & Travel

  • Student-athletes receive a training kit each season, which they are responsible for maintaining
  • All travel expenses are covered, including a meal allowance for away games
  • The program emphasizes mentorship, academic support, and student success

A Proud Legacy

The Dinos men’s soccer team recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Since its inception, 399 student-athletes have worn the jersey, representing every faculty at the University of Calgary. Alumni have gone on to pursue careers and passions around the world. We have an active alumni group, which assists with mentorship and fundraising in support of the men's soccer program.
 

Why UCalgary

At the University of Calgary, the Dinos Men’s Soccer program offers a high-performance environment that supports both athletic excellence and academic success.

The team is led by Head Coach Ramón Mifflin, a respected figure in the Calgary soccer community with over 15 years of coaching experience. Coach Mifflin’s accomplishments include:
  • Leading the Calgary Blizzard SC boys’ program to an Alberta Youth Soccer League championship in 2022
  • Serving as assistant coach at Mount Royal University, where he contributed to their first Canada West championship in 2023
  • His deep roots in the community and focus on player development make him a key driver of the Dinos’ continued growth.

A Message from the Captain

My name is Gianmarco Plenzik, and I’m proud to serve as captain of the University of Calgary Dinos men’s soccer team. As I enter my fifth year of eligibility with the program, I’d like to share a bit about myself and what it means to be part of the Dinos family.

I’m currently completing my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering through the Schulich School of Engineering. Like many of you, I came to university with the goal of pushing my athletic and academic limits and experiencing the life of a student-athlete at the U SPORTS level.

I can say with full confidence that choosing to play for the University of Calgary has been one of the best decisions of my life. This program has become much more than just a team – it’s a second family. The coaches, support staff, and teammates work every day to create something special. Their commitment and passion are what truly set this program apart across Canada.

Over the past four years, this program has shaped me both on and off the field. My first year was eye-opening – it showed me what it truly means to play university-level soccer. The intensity, the speed, the expectations—it all demanded that I grow quickly.

If there’s one thing I wish I’d known earlier, it’s this: success in this environment requires more than skill. You need mental toughness, physical resilience, and the drive to overcome adversity. These are the qualities that separate good players from great ones.

To thrive in our program, you need to be strong in four key areas:
  • Technical Ability
  • Tactical Awareness
  • Physical Conditioning
  • Social and Team Dynamics

When choosing the right university soccer program, reflect on these areas. At UCalgary, these standards are not optional—they are the foundation of our team culture. And that’s what fuels a winning, competitive, and unified environment.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our program. I hope to see you wearing Scarlet & Gold in the near future.

Gianmarco Plenzik
Captain, Dinos Men’s Soccer


CALGARY, AB - AUGUST 28, 2024:  Calgary Dinos Media Wednesday.(Chris Lindsey / Jayden Images)Tryout Information

Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Time: 5 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: University of Calgary (exact field TBA)

This is the final opportunity to try out for the 2025 Dinos men’s soccer team. You must be registered and enrolled as a University of Calgary student for the 2025–26 academic year to participate.

Recruiting form