New leadership to guide the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Soccer program
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is pleased to announce that Lonny Behm has been appointed head coach of the Kings Soccer and Futsal programs following the departure of Ado Sarcevic. Behm brings extensive experience to the role and will guide the Kings into a new era, beginning in the 2026-27 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) season.
"We're excited to welcome Lonny as the new head coach of Kings Soccer and Futsal. With more than 20 years of coaching and technical leadership experience, Lonny brings a proven ability to build high‑performance environments where athletes thrive," says Randy Stewart, Manager, Athletics and Student Life, Red Deer Polytechnic. "His commitment to character, development and long‑term program growth aligns strongly with Red Deer Polytechnic's values and we look forward to the positive impact he will have on our student-athletes and the Kings Soccer program."
Behm has a proven track record of building high-performance environments and developing successful teams and individuals. Throughout his career, he has held key leadership roles with the Central Alberta Soccer Association, Ponoka Storm Soccer Club and Alberta Soccer, where he has played an integral part in shaping player development pathways, mentoring coaches and supporting athlete progression to higher levels of competition.
An accomplished coach, Behm has guided multiple teams to provincial success, earning five provincial championship gold medals along with additional silver and bronze finishes. His contributions to the game have been recognized provincially, including receiving the prestigious Alberta Soccer Bert Goldberger Technical Leader Award.
"I am incredibly honoured and grateful for the opportunity to lead the RDP Kings Soccer and Futsal programs. I am excited to take on the challenge ahead and build upon the strong culture and foundation that have already been established," says Mr. Behm, Head Coach of RDP Kings Soccer and Futsal. "Our objective is to continue pushing the program forward, improve upon last year's performances and compete for a playoff position. Equally important to me is creating an environment where our student-athletes can grow as players, students and young men, preparing them for success in the classroom, on the field and long after their playing careers have ended. I look forward to working with our student-athletes, staff, alumni and the broader RDP community as we continue to build something special together."
Last season, the Kings (2-5-3) finished fourth in the ACAC South Division, missing the postseason.
In addition to his coaching success, Behm is highly regarded for his expertise in talent identification and long-term program planning. His certifications in scouting and coach education, combined with his experience as a technical director and learning facilitator, position him to build a competitive Kings program.
Behm's coaching philosophy emphasizes disciplined, hard-working and high-character teams that compete with purpose. He is deeply committed to developing not only skilled athletes, but well-rounded individuals, placing strong importance on leadership, accountability, resilience and pride in representing their institution.
The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings will open the 2026-27 campaign against the SAIT Trojans in Calgary on Saturday, August 29.