Edmonton soccer coach ordered to pay back the $35K he took from team

Randy Knodel coached this group of players for about three years. (Credit: Lauren Scorgie)

An Edmonton soccer coach has been ordered to pay restitution and serve eight months in jail for taking thousands of dollars from his team.

Randy Knodel pleaded guilty to fraud over $5,000 and forgery in December.

He was the head coach of the Edmonton Selects Football Club from September 2022 and February 2025.

According to court documents Knodel suggested the team fundraise for the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup from Feb. 15-17, 2025, shortly after taking over the team.

Between July 2024 and February 2025 he transferred money raised by the team to himself to the tune of $37,135.12, while claiming he was purchasing plane tickets, paying tournament fees, and renting vans.

Shortly before the team was supposed to leave for the tournament parents learned that Knodel had not registered the team, purchased any plane tickets, or rented any vans.

On May 8 a judge ordered Knodel to pay back the entire amount he took from the team by Nov. 12, 2027.

He was also ordered to serve eight months in jail.