21 practical guides in four topics: player development by age, training at home and in the off-season, choosing an academy, and getting to training.
What young players should learn from U6 to U16, and how training changes as they grow. All development by age articles
A parent's guide to youth soccer development by age: what players should learn from 5 to 16, how training changes, and how to support each stage.
Read the articleNew to U6 soccer? What sessions look like from age 5 to 8, common first-season worries, and simple ways parents can help young players enjoy the game.
Read the articleThe U9-U12 soccer skills that matter most: ball mastery, passing and receiving, striking and 1v1 play, plus how to practise them between sessions.
Read the articleWinter indoor training around Ottawa, ball mastery at home, fitness, weak-foot work and rest. All home & off-season articles
A practical off-season soccer training plan for young players: a weekly structure, home practice, fitness, rest and how to stay keen until spring.
Read the articleWinter indoor soccer in Ottawa: footwear for indoor turf, what to wear, how turf changes the game, winter driving and keeping young players keen.
Read the articleSeven ball mastery drills at home for young soccer players: a 15-minute routine for a basement, garage or driveway, with tips to keep it fun.
Read the articleFor parents: the questions to ask, costs to plan for, coaching licences and academy vs house league. All choosing an academy articles
A practical guide to choosing a youth soccer academy around Ottawa: coaching, session quality, grouping, frequency, cost, culture and the drive.
Read the articleA plain-language guide to soccer coaching licences: Canada Soccer and provincial pathways, UEFA licences up to the Pro, and what to ask a coach.
Read the articleHow often should kids train soccer? Choose between one, two or four sessions a week based on age, goals, other sports, rest and the drive.
Read the articleRoutes from west Ottawa and the Valley, carpooling, what to bring, tournaments and the first week. All getting to training articles
A practical guide to getting to soccer training in Kanata on Rouncey Rd: highway and back-road routes, the Terry Fox Drive exit, rush hour and winter.
Read the articleHow to set up a soccer carpool in Ottawa's west end and the Valley: route groups by shared road, ground rules, car seats and winter calls.
Read the articleA soccer training bag checklist for young players: every-session essentials, outdoor and winter extras, and the things parents forget to pack.
Read the articleReady to put the advice into practice? Compare our development and competitive programs, then register your player.
