Youth Programs

WIA’s Youth Football Development programs offer year-long soccer training and follow the guidelines and standards set forth by the Canadian Soccer Association and Long Term Player Development models.

Founded on the principles developed by the  team AFC Ajax and by their world famous Ajax Youth Academy based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Children in the WIA program focus on football with a multisport component. Sports such as basketball, futsal, gymnastics, Judo, and track & field all form a key part of the training regime at both Ajax and WIA. In fact, non-football-related training accounts for 45 percent of their work up to the age of 12.

Even between the ages of 15 and 18, as much as 35 percent of the time is still spent improving coordination, strength and balance by playing other games.

Our Programs focus on all 4 aspects of development: Physical Literacy, Technical and Tactical training, and Psychosocial development using principles of periodization. Players are coached through fun and engaging training sessions, where the focus is placed on developing confident, creative, capable, and knowledgeable players.

Discovery Centre

U3-U11

The Discovery Centre is a community program for new and emerging players. Designed to introduce and develop basic soccer skills and gameplay, and enhance physical literacy, in a fun and engaging environment.

Skill Centre

U8-U12

The WIA Skill Centre is a comprehensive after-school program that uses a multi-sport approach to develop motivated athletes and strengthen foundational soccer skills. The Skill Centre is the Canada Soccer recommended development model for players of all abilities and is aligned with the best principles of player development.

Pre – Player Development Program

U13-U14

Considered an integral part of the Canada Soccer Player Pathway (LTPD Stage 4), the Player Development Program (PDP) is defined by our National Association as the highest level of youth competition in Canada.

Pre-Collegiate Pathway

U16-U17

The primary focus of the Pre-Collegiate Pathway is to develop and support players wishing to pursue soccer at a post-secondary level and beyond.

Dedicated Player Program

U8-U13

A supplementary training program to help players develop their fundamental soccer skills. Two locations: UVic and Westhills FC

“We need to develop individual players so that each player within our Academy has her/his own individual plan in order to take the next steps needed to play at their highest level. We use our Academy team more or less not to win games but to try to develop as many individual players as possible.” –Eddie Mukahanana, Technical Director

Youth Programs