WHO WE ARE
WIA is a player-centred soccer development academy based in Victoria, British Columbia, proudly operating within the Lower Island Soccer Association (LISA) District.
Founded in 2019, WIA is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment aligned with Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Standards and Player Pathway, supporting each player’s physical, technical, mental, and social growth while offering a clear pathway for those aspiring to reach higher levels of the game.
WIA is a full member of the Lower Island Soccer Association, holds a Canada Soccer MA Level 2 Licence, and provides players with access to competitive opportunities through participation in the LISA Development League, Westcoast Youth League, Vancouver Island Senior League, and the Pacific Coast Premier League.
With world-class coaching, a comprehensive development framework, and opportunities in Canada, the U.S., and Europe, WIA creates an environment where young athletes can learn, grow, and excel.
We play attacking, possession-based, positional football rooted in creativity, bravery, pressing, and intelligent decision-making.
Our methodology emphasizes:
- attractive, free-flowing football
- strong technical foundations
- tactical awareness
- problem-solving and game intelligence
- discipline and team cohesion
This approach empowers players to express themselves confidently while developing the structure needed to excel at higher levels.
Excellence – We strive to be the best version of ourselves, on and off the field.
Creativity – We think and play creatively, with bravery and imagination.
Game Control – We aim to control the game with intelligence, confidence, and our style of play.
Talent Development – We foster growth and help players flourish at every stage.
Leadership – We build leaders on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
Sportsmanship – We teach respect, integrity, and appreciation for the game.
Our objective is simple: develop confident, intelligent, and technically strong players who can make a difference at higher levels of the game. We deliver this through a clear and intentional player pathway aligned with Canada Soccer’s development principles:
- DISCOVERY CENTRE (U3–U10)
- A foundational Grassroots program focused on fun, physical literacy, creativity, and essential skill development in a safe, inclusive environment.
- SKILL CENTRE (U10–U13)
- A standards-based development program aligned with Canada Soccer’s Skill Centre Framework. Designed for motivated players seeking more challenge, this program supports progression into high-performance opportunities, including the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Island Prospects Academy.
- COMPETITIVE PATHWAY (U14–U17)
- High-performance training for committed players, including access to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC “Caps to College” Program and elite competition opportunities.
- WIA NEXT STEP (U18+)
- A post-youth development stream for players pursuing higher-level pathways after U17, including college soccer, adult competitive leagues, and international experiences.
Every player at WIA is guided by a professional coach who embodies the “WIA Way”—a philosophy grounded in Canada Soccer’s development standards and enhanced by international best practices.
Under the leadership of Technical Director Eddie Mukahanana, our coaching team works collaboratively across all age groups to ensure:
- consistent technical and tactical development
- a safe, inclusive, player-centred environment
- intentional long-term player development
- alignment across Discovery, Skill Centre, Competitive, and Next Step programs
We recruit, train, and mentor our coaches in-house, ensuring they reflect our values and are equipped to support athletes at every stage of growth.
Our vision is to be a leading soccer development organization recognized for producing well-rounded athletes who:
- possess strong technical ability
- understand advanced tactics
- show leadership and character
- maintain academic balance
- develop a lifelong passion for the game
