Dear ICSF Columbus FC Families, Players, Coaches, and Managers,
We are excited to officially announce the new ICSF Columbus FC × BeElite Player Development Partnership.
This partnership brings together ICSF Columbus FC's competitive club pathway with BeElite's professional player development environment, giving our players more opportunities to train, develop, and reach their potential — including the chance to train alongside BeElite's current player group in a higher-level, more competitive environment.
BeElite (beelite.ca) is a soccer academy based in Vancouver, run by professional players Matteo and Marcello Polisi, focused on individual player development.
You're receiving this as a member of the ICSF Columbus FC community, ahead of a public announcement in the coming days.
What This Means For You
Individual Development Program (IDP)
Open to every ICSF Columbus FC player. Group sessions (3+ players) and 1-on-1 individual sessions are available 7 days a week with BeElite coaches, grouped by age and ability.
High Performance Player Program (HPP)
Launching October 2026, the HPP is an invite-only tier for selected high-performance players from both ICSF Columbus FC and outside the club.
Boys U11 & U13: SFU, Sundays, 6:00–7:30 PM (U11 born 2016/2017, U13 born 2014/2015)
Girls U11 & U13: Beaconsfield, Saturdays, 1:00–2:30 PM (same age cutoffs)
The HPP focuses on technical development, decision-making, intensity, mentality, and overall performance.
Zoom Mentorship Series
Players will have virtual access to former and current professional players and coaches, with sessions centered on what it actually takes to compete and succeed at a high level.
Travel Teams — Coming Soon
We're excited to share that dedicated Travel Teams are on the way, giving competitive players more opportunities to train and compete together — with more teams and pathways to follow as the partnership grows.
How to Get Involved
- Visit icsf.ca or beelite.ca and select the ICSF Columbus FC × BeElite Partnership. (coming soon)
- Choose your path — sign up directly for the IDP (open to all players), or submit an application for the invite-only HPP.
- Select your current age group and playing level.
- IDP players are grouped by age and ability right away; HPP applicants who are selected will be able to register for the program.
“Our goal is to create an environment where players are constantly challenged to improve. Having ICSF Columbus FC players train alongside our current BeElite players creates that competitive environment and gives players more opportunities to develop their game.”
— Matteo Polisi, Head Coach & Co-Founder, BeElite
“This partnership gives our players access to additional training and development while complementing the work already being done within ICSF Columbus FC. It gives our families another pathway to help their players continue progressing.”
— Frank Valente, Executive Director, ICSF Columbus FC
“Player development is at the center of everything we do. This partnership allows us to expand the opportunities available to our players and provide them with different environments and experiences that can help them reach their potential.”
— Carmen D'Onofrio, President, Italian Canadian Sports Federation
Professional Experience Behind the Program
Matteo Polisi — Head Coach & Co-Founder
Matteo Polisi is a retired Canadian professional soccer midfielder with 50+ professional appearances across Canada, Europe, and Australia. He developed through the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy and Portland Timbers before starring at Simon Fraser University, earning multiple All-American honours. Polisi helped Pacific FC win the 2021 Canadian Premier League Championship and has competed professionally in Canada, Greece, and Australia. Now coaching, Matteo is leaning into his professional experience to help develop, mentor, and guide the next generation of players, bringing the standards and lessons of the professional game directly into the training environment.
Marcello Polisi — Head Coach & Co-Founder
Marcello Polisi is a Canadian professional soccer midfielder with 90+ professional appearances across the Canadian Premier League and USL Championship. At Simon Fraser University, he earned GNAC Player of the Year, First-Team All-Star, and NCAA Division II All-American honours, establishing himself as one of the program's top players. He went on to build a professional career with HFX Wanderers, Valour FC, Detroit City FC, and Vancouver FC, gaining experience at the highest levels of Canadian and American soccer. Polisi has also represented Canada at the U-15 level and captained teams throughout his development. Now coaching, Marcello is focused on mentorship and using his professional experience to guide, develop, and inspire the next generation of players.
We are excited to begin this partnership and look forward to seeing our players take advantage of these opportunities. Questions can be directed to info@beelite.ca or through icsf.ca.
ICSF Columbus FC × BeElite
More training. More opportunity. Relentless development