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THE DCFC ACADEMY
A STORY OF CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT
We strongly believe that a Youth Academy is the foundation of every Football Club. This is why we founded the DCFC Academy with a strong focus on the fundamentals. Our Academy aims to work with talented young players in Canada and form them into top footballers. Currently, the Academy program is comprised of teams representing the age groups U9-U14. Each year, a new U8 crop of players join the Development Intensive and Soccer School, while existing players graduate to the next level along the pathway.
Founded by former professionals and National Team players, who were inspired by professional tenures in top level European Leagues, we provide a professional environment for talented players aspiring to pursue opportunities in College and University, Provincial and National teams, and Professional Clubs both domestically and internationally.
Central within our Academy is our style of play (4-3-3), a unique training approach, a strong fundamental pathway and a high level of coaching. DCFC strives to keep the way of playing football recognizable; attractive, aggressive, attacking-minded, creative, fast, and preferably playing as often as possible on the opponents’ half.
A UNIQUE CURRICULUM
The DCFC Academy operates a year-round training environment guided by former professional players. The Academy aims to implement good fundamental habits on and off the field. We work within a system defined by our Technical Plan which focuses on providing players with the options within game situations and challenging players to make their own decisions. DCFC Academy participates in regional, provincial and international competitions.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Many DCFC Academy coaches have played professional and National Team level football and bring a wealth of experience. Our Staff is licensed Provincially, Nationally and Internationally but continue to learn, develop and grow. Our staff provide each player with an authentic mentoring experience from start to finish.
GOALKEEPER TRAINING
At DCFC we recognize the value Goalkeepers bring to the team. In order to attract and retain talented Goalkeepers, we have partnered with NEXT GK to offer customized onsite goalkeeper training for all age groups. NEXT GK embodies the same values and methodical approach as DCFC, making it the perfect partnership. Together we are committed to developing great athletes and even better people!
CULTURE & TECHNIQUE
Academy players also enroll in our technique training based DCFC Soccer School. Senior Academy players also have access to individual strength & conditioning and IPT training sessions. The DCFC Academy curriculum creates a competitive learning environment with players on the pitch from 4-6 days per week.
CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT
Our commitment to player development is multifaceted and take place both on and off the pitch. In addition to real-time on field feedback, we leverage the Veo Sports Camera system to host game video analysis sessions and hold formal Player Development Plans (PDPs) twice a year to communicate goals and track progress. Our unique approach takes the DCFC Academy curriculum to the next level!
The DCFC ACADEMY IS SEPERATED INTO 2 DEVELOPMENT PHASES
We are proud to be supported by a dedicated group of sponsors who share our passion for sports, teamwork, and community development. Their generous contributions help us provide outstanding programs, top-tier facilities, and unforgettable experiences for all our athletes. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant future in sports.
FUNDAMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
U9-U12 (7v7/9v9)
The DCFC Academy puts an enormous emphasis on technical development and repetition particularly during the golden years of learning between U9-U12. We aim to form excellent training habits as well as a resilient work ethic. We aspire to instil discipline, a passion for learning combined with a hunger for competition while embracing a very positive and healthy mindset. By building a very strong technical base and developing a mature tactical understanding, DCFC Academy players begin to play a confident, skillful, attacking minded style of play within our philosophy. Our Soccer School (Technique Training) is a crucial component of the curriculum for each player.
LEARN TO COMPETE
U13-U14 (11v11)
We focus on developing familiarity with the 11v11 game format. Positional play, teamwork, and understanding of the basic principles is expected and demanded. It now becomes crucial that players understand what is necessary to be successful in a highly competitive environment. The physical, tactical and mental aspects of player development now become increasingly important. Players begin to specialize in one or two positions and playing time is earned through hard work, dedication and competition. We aim to build mental toughness and competitiveness. The focus is on playing an attacking minded, disciplined team game. Besides three weekly football training sessions, teams at this stage now have one additional session with a professional athletic trainer to improve fitness, coordination and strength and speed.
ONTARIO SOCCER PLAYER DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
