Moe Salehe is currently the Head Coach to the Ottawa Sooners Junior Varsity program. Salehe played all kinds of sports growing up but football was his favourite. He played 10 seasons of community football, eight as a quarterback and two as a linebacker. He won four A cup titles as a player.
Salehe was introduced to coaching by his good friend, Anthony Skinner, in 2006 with the Cumberland Panthers Peewee team. “We were fortunate enough to go undefeated that season and win an A cup championship. I had really enjoyed my coaching experience in 2006, but ironically it wasn't about the wins, it was about the relationship I had endured with the kids. It’s a great experience and quite rewarding when you see the difference you actually make in their lives.” said Salehe.
In 2010, he took his first Head Coaching position with the Cumberland Mites program. Salehe said, “As my 8 year old son Zachary was starting football, this was a great opportunity to share my own coaching experience with my son, which helped us create a life lasting bond. Until this day, I am still my son’s coach and mentor.”
Continuing on as Head Coach for the Orleans Bengals and then the North Gloucester Giants, Salehe says he was fortunate to be surrounded by several great coaches, players and parents.
Salehe was introduced to coaching by his good friend, Anthony Skinner, in 2006 with the Cumberland Panthers Peewee team. “We were fortunate enough to go undefeated that season and win an A cup championship. I had really enjoyed my coaching experience in 2006, but ironically it wasn't about the wins, it was about the relationship I had endured with the kids. It’s a great experience and quite rewarding when you see the difference you actually make in their lives.” said Salehe.
In 2010, he took his first Head Coaching position with the Cumberland Mites program. Salehe said, “As my 8 year old son Zachary was starting football, this was a great opportunity to share my own coaching experience with my son, which helped us create a life lasting bond. Until this day, I am still my son’s coach and mentor.”
Continuing on as Head Coach for the Orleans Bengals and then the North Gloucester Giants, Salehe says he was fortunate to be surrounded by several great coaches, players and parents.
Check out HESN's video of the Peewee North Gloucester Giants vs. Ohio South Rangers pre-season game.
In 2016, Salehe coached one more season with the Cumberland Panthers as the LB coach for the OVFL Bantam team. He was then offered the position of Head Coach with the Ottawa Sooners Junior Varsity program.
Salehe says that his favourite thing about coaching is “all about the kids! As I've said throughout my career, we coach not for the wins but for the kids. What you put into your players off the field, you will get three times the return on the field. It’s that simple. My coaches are hand picked and have been with me for a number of years. We are friends on and off the field and we all share the same values which is to motivate and inspire our players.”
He says that the biggest challenge he faces as a coach takes place off the field, “Unfortunately with competitive sports, and more specifically with football, there are a lot of politics in play which hurts the game and subsequently the kids. The biggest challenge as a Head Coach is learning to fight through the politics and making the sacrifices to protect our children on and off the field. This is done by surrounding yourself with loyal friends who will support your beliefs during challenging times.”
Salehe is proud to be an Ottawa Sooner and is looking forward to once again inspiring his players to having a successful season in their inaugural year.
Salehe is proud to be an Ottawa Sooner and is looking forward to once again inspiring his players to having a successful season in their inaugural year.