Thomas Gilbert

CEO

Tom is a strategy and operations leader with over a decade of experience building and launching innovative solutions in the direct to consumer, hospitality and consumer packaged goods industries. While pursuing his Executive MBA at the Smith School of Business in 2021, he met fellow student and former Canadian national team member, Diana Matheson. In 2022 they joined forces with the goal of bringing women’s professional soccer to Canada and co-founded Project 8 Sports Inc.. 

Prior to co-founding Project 8 Sports Inc., Tom led operations and sales in a start-up frozen pizza business out of Toronto. His deep experience in consumer products has instilled a strong fan-first mentality as he works on building the Ottawa Rapid FC franchise.

Tom is a Canadian through-and-through, having lived and worked on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and in six provinces over his career. That said, Ottawa has always been the focal point for him and his family, and he’s excited to be back in the Nation’s Capital - building something meaningful for the Ottawa community. 

Stephanie Spruston

COO

Stephanie brings 30 years of experience in a variety of business, legal, and operational roles. Her career is marked by a commitment to early-stage and evolving companies, where she has employed her broad experience and skill set to assist in building robust businesses from scratch.

For over a decade, Stephanie served as a driving force at the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) and its associated entities, taking on various senior executive roles since its inception in 2013. Her strategic vision and operational acumen contributed significantly to the group’s growth and success.

Stephanie brings a wealth of experience, a strategic mindset, and a proven track record of operational excellence to Rapid FC, and under her leadership it is poised to thrive, both on and off the field.

Heidi Bloomfield

CSO

Heidi is a passionate and dedicated professional with a lifelong commitment to sport. With over 25 years of experience in the sports industry, she has excelled at every level, bringing a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to each role she has taken on. 

A seasoned soccer player, coach, and manager, Heidi's involvement in the sports community includes her impactful work at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Montreal. Heidi’s leadership experience extends to McGill and Concordia University, where she managed several varsity teams working closely with coaches and athletes to ensure the success and development of the programs. 

Working in the amateur, professional and international sport domain, Heidi’s understanding and love for sport, both on and off the field, has earned her respect across the industry. She is particularly committed to the success of women's sports, by empowering female athletes and fostering the growth and advancement of female sports at all levels.

Kristina Kiss

Technical Director

Kristina began playing soccer at the age of six in her hometown of Ottawa, Ontario. She was 19 years old when she won her first cap with Canada’s senior team in March 2000. From there, she went on to represent Canada at two Pan American Games (2003, 2007) and two Women’s World Cups (2003: 4th place finish and 2007). In addition to her national team service, she played her professional soccer for IF Floya in Norway.  

Kristina tallied 75 caps for Canada before retiring in 2009. Following her playing career, Kiss moved into coaching, having obtained her Canada Soccer A Licence, Canada Soccer Youth Licence and Canada Soccer Children’s Licence. Kristina was the Technical Director for the West Ottawa Soccer Club from 2014 to 2021. 

In 2021 Kristina accepted a position of Manager of Development-Programming with Canada Soccer where she focused on promoting and supporting the development and representation of women, marginalized and underrepresented groups across Canada. Following her time with Canada Soccer, Kristina took a position with the Ottawa City Soccer Club as the Technical Director for their girls’ program.