About Us

Home
About Us

Since

2026

Our History and Purpose

The Ethiopian Cultural & Sport League of Canada was established to bring together Ethiopian communities from different provinces under one national platform. Founded to celebrate Ethiopian heritage, the League fosters friendship, sportsmanship, and cultural pride among Ethiopians living across Canada. We serve as a bridge where tradition meets opportunity, creating a space for unity across generations.

Learn More

Call us now

+16478334136

Our Vision

To unite Ethiopian communities across Canada through culture, sport, and community engagement while promoting heritage, diversity, youth empowerment, and national pride.

Our Mission

To become the leading Ethiopian community organization in Canada that strengthens cultural identity, promotes athletic excellence, and builds lasting unity.

Our Team

The Team That Makes It Happen

Masresha Zewide (Mike)

President

A dedicated community sports leader and former football player across Ethiopia, Germany, the United States, and Canada.

Sports Journey & Leadership

* Born and raised in the (Keira) area of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
* Developed football skills through local community and Kebele tournaments
* Advanced to competitive club football with Kality Metal Football Club in Ethiopia

Playing Experience

* Played four successful years with Tutu Wermelskirchen Sport Club in Germany
* Gained valuable experience in European football systems and discipline.
* Continued football career in the United States with St. Michael, one of the top Ethiopian community football teams
* Served as Team Captain, providing leadership on and off the field while promoting teamwork and unity

Community Building & Administration

* Co-founded Walia Football Club in Canada, helping build a strong team.
* Served as Treasurer, supporting the club’s financial management and organizational growth during its early years

Federation Leadership

* Founding Member of the Ethiopian Cultural Sports League of Canada (ECSLC)
* Committed in promoting Ethiopian culture and sports across Canada

Teklemichael Abebe Sahlemariam

Board Director

* One of the key founding contributors in the early development of the Federation

* Provided significant financial support and personal resources to help establish the organization

* Actively invested time and energy into building programs and supporting initial operations

* Played an important role in connecting people, ideas, and community partners during formation

* Continues to support the growth and stability of the Federation through ongoing involvement

* Offers guidance and experience based on long-standing commitment to community development

* Recognized as a founding-level supporter with strong dedication to the Federation’s mission

* Not part of governance or board decision-making structure, but remains an important contributor to progress

Denekew Aschnaki (Denny)

Board Member

* Also known as Denny
* Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
* Started soccer young with Taddesse youth team (“የታደሰ ልጅ”)
* Played in school, community leagues, and teams in Canada
* Over 10 years coaching and mentoring youth players
* 5+ years with Kitchener Soccer Club
* Focus: youth development, teamwork, confidence, discipline
* Licensed Amharic interpreter in Ontario
* Community leader and advisory board member in Ethiopian community work
* Former Chairperson of Ethiopian Association in Kitchener (4 years)
* Supported youth travel for ESFNA tournaments
* Social Worker and Child Protection Worker in Ontario
* Current Board Member of Ethiopian Soccer Federation in Canada
* Focused on youth mentorship, culture, and community growth

Hailu Semegne Ayalew

Board Member

Founder & Board Member

* Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
* Earned Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees from Addis Ababa University
* Worked as a researcher at Addis Ababa University with the Horn of Africa Regional Environment Centre and Network
* Contributed to environmental research and regional development initiatives
* Continued studies in Canada at Humber College and Toronto Metropolitan University
* Currently pursuing an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) through University of London
* Works in the legal field focusing on criminal and regulatory matters
* Has strong interest in litigation, advocacy, and community leadership
* Actively involved in volunteer work supporting youth engagement and community development
* Former player for Ethio Star FC in Canada
* Long-time member of Tesfa Soccer Team
* Founding member and board member of Ethio Walia FC
* Currently serving as Founder and Board Member of the Ethiopian Cultural and Sports League of Canada (ECSLC)
* Passionate about using sports and culture to strengthen community connections and support youth development

Ephrem Wondwosen

Board Member

Playing Career

* Played 16 years (2002–2018) in 10 different Ethiopian Premier League clubs

* Represented Ethiopia National Team from youth level to senior team (2002–2016) Leadership & Football Administration

* Founder of the Ethiopian Professional Footballers Association (2018)

* Secretary General of the Ethiopian Professional Footballers Association (2018–2023)

* President of the Ethiopian Professional Footballers Association (2023–2026) Coaching Qualifications

* 2019 – FC Bayern Level Junior Coach

* 2020 – FC Bayern Level Pro Coach

* 2023 – T.M.S College Diploma in Football Coaching

* 2025 – CAF B Diploma Football Coach

Duresa Godana

Board Member

* Born in 2003 in Ethiopia

* Professional soccer player and community leader within the Ethiopian soccer community in Canada

* Founding member of the Ethiopian Football Federation in Canada

* Actively working to build a strong soccer community that supports youth development and preserves Ethiopian culture and heritage

* Started playing soccer at a young age and progressed through all levels of the Ethiopian national soccer system

Represented:

* Ethiopian youth national teams

* Ethiopian Olympic team

* Ethiopian senior national team

* Competed in the CAF Confederation Cup with Bahir Dar FC

Former player for:

* Sebeta City FC

* Adama City FC

* Currently plays for Boro FC

* Founder and President of Abyssinia FC in Canada

* Dedicated to growing soccer opportunities for youth in both Canada and Ethiopia

* Passionate about mentorship, leadership, and inspiring the next generation of players through sports and community involvement

Hlawi Antonio George

Board Member

Founder & Board Member – Ethiopian Cultural and Sports League of Canada

* Former professional soccer player with 15+ years in Ethiopia’s National League and Premier League

* Played for: Ethiopian Coffee, Sebeta Kenema, Metehara, Trans Ethiopia, Nyala, Ethiopian Water Works FC

* Two-time Ethiopian National League Player of the Year * Won league championships with multiple clubs

* Continued involvement in Canada with Abebe Bikila Sport Club and Ethio Walia

* Focused on youth development, unity, culture, and community engagement through soccer

* Active Founder and Board Member of ECSLC

Abel Getachew Bogale

Board Member

Education & Background

Master of Public and International Affairs — York University, Toronto, Canada

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice — Bluefield University, Virginia, USA

Playing Experience

Former NAIA Division I collegiate soccer player at Bluefield University (4 years)

Semi-professional player with Outremont Mont-Royal (2 seasons)

Competed in ESFNA Division One for 8 years, representing:

New York Abay FC (4 years)

Virginia Lions (4 years)

Participated in elite-level tournaments, championship campaigns, and high-performance competition across North America

Developed strong tactical awareness, game management, leadership, and team-first mentality throughout his playing career

Club Leadership

Current President of Ethio Walia Football Club

Founder of the Ethiopian Cultural and Sports League of Canada

Former player with Ethio Walia Football Club (4 years)

Experience in soccer governance, club administration, and strategic planning

Supports player recruitment, roster development, and club growth initiatives

Works closely with coaches, players, volunteers, sponsors, and community stakeholders

Passionate about strengthening club structures and building sustainable soccer programs

View All

Our Core Values

Unity & Inclusiveness

Respect for Cultural Diversity

Youth Empowerment

Integrity & Fair Play

Community Service

Objectives

Our organization is built on a foundation of shared principles that guide every program and event we host:

About Us

Since

Our History and Purpose

Call us now

Our Vision

Our Mission

The Team That Makes It Happen

Masresha Zewide (Mike)

Teklemichael Abebe Sahlemariam

Denekew Aschnaki (Denny)

Hailu Semegne Ayalew

Ephrem Wondwosen

Duresa Godana

Hlawi Antonio George

Abel Getachew Bogale

Our Core Values

Unity & Inclusiveness

Respect for Cultural Diversity

Youth Empowerment

Integrity & Fair Play

Community Service

Objectives

01

Promoting Ethiopian culture and language preservation.

02

Organizing national sports competitions and regional leagues.

03

Supporting youth leadership through training and volunteer programs

04

Building strong partnerships with local associations and businesses.

04

Encouraging active participation from women and youth in all activities.

Our Partners

Our Programs

Quick Links

Contact Information