Playing Soccer in Edmonton
- Edmonton has academies for elite soccer players looking to team up with other advanced athletes.
- Families can find excellent choices for kids' summer camps and programs in the city.
- Adults looking for opportunities to play soccer can select from a number of leagues for fun or fierce competition.
- Book a pitch at one of Edmonton's many public parks and local facilities.
Soccer, better known as football outside of North America, is the world's most popular sport for a reason. With minimum equipment (a field, a ball and a few objects to mark goal posts), a game can get started pretty much anywhere.
Despite its simplicity, the game has been elevated to levels of professional play that involves massive stadiums, astounding athletes, and entire brands and product lines. Millions of people around the world play, particularly in Canada, where the popularity of the sport continues to grow - and Edmonton is no exception.
Edmonton is known as a place where winter sports like hockey, skiing, and snowboarding thrive, but don't be fooled - locals love summer sports as well. The city is a thriving hub for soccer aficionados of all ages and skill levels. Parents looking for kids' leagues, young athletes looking for competitive academies, and casual adult players alike will find their place in Edmonton's soccer scene.
Many newcomers to Canada find community and connection through learning soccer at local clubs.
Soccer Academies in Edmonton
Soccer academies are typically for elite and gifted athletes that are looking to develop their skills in the game at a higher, more competitive level. Some may have a more fitness based focus, while others are focused on development for possible professional play.
Be sure to research any academy to find out what criteria they look for in athletes: some may be more intensive in their approach while others will focus on elements like character development and personal goals. Here are some academies that offer year round training opportunities.
| Academy | Age Range | Focus | Programs |
| Edmonton Soccer Academy | U4–U18 | Technical development, fitness, team play | Year-round, seasonal camps, competitive teams |
| Soccer Elite Academy | U8–U18 | High-performance training, small group sessions | Year-round, elite training, small group |
| Edmonton AC Milan Soccer Club | U5–U17 | Italian methodology, team tactics, youth development | Seasonal, competitive teams, international influence |
| Whitecaps FC Edmonton BMO Prospects Academy | U12–U18 | Professional pathway, elite development, scouting exposure | Year-round elite academy, partnership with Whitecaps FC |
Learning soccer in Toronto is a fun way to stay active and make connections in the city’s vibrant sports community.
Edmonton Soccer Academy
10 Ave SW, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6W1Z8
Edmonton Soccer Academy boasts passionate coaches and a vision for developing exceptional athletes. This inclusive academy welcomes players of all ages and abilities with 90 minute sessions that maximize learning and development. Coaches provide personalized, individually tailored training covering essential skills like ball control, passing, shooting, defending, game theory, and strategic thinking.
Soccer Elite Academy
129 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5L 4N9
Soccer Elite Academy is for passionate players that are serious about the game, no matter what their long term aspirations are as athletes. With multiple locations, this academy offers comprehensive training and summer camps for kids and teens. With strong reviews and reasonable fees, this academy is accessible and easy to engage with.
Edmonton AC Milan Soccer Club
8123 Roper Rd NW, Edmonton, AB, T6E 6S4
Edmonton AC Milan Soccer Club takes its inspiration from the famous Italian Serie A club and works to provide quality technical training to youth, men, and women. The club has a focus on equity, working with underprivileged youth looking for opportunities to excel in the sport.
National and provincial coaches lead the academy, and follow the long-term player development model established by the Canadian Soccer Association.
Whitecaps FC Edmonton BMO Prospects Academy
Kings University – Upper North Soccer Field (Outdoor Grass)
Built on the European club model and affiliated with the MLS soccer team, Whitecaps FC Edmonton BMO Prospects Academy attracts talented, career-focused athletes whose goal is to play professionally and on elite national teams. Take note that this academy works with top prospects, so entry is determined by identification by the club. Camps are available across Canada in addition to Edmonton.
Montreal’s indoor facilities allow players to keep learning soccer year-round, even during winter months.
Soccer Programs and Camps In the Edmonton Area
Elite training certainly isn't for everyone: if you are in the market for something more recreational minded for yourself, your child, or loved one, you will have a slew of options to choose from. Let's explore some choices you may want to explore.
University of Alberta Green and Gold Sport System
- Ages: 6-14 years
- Cost: $325-$350 per week of camp
With all the amenities the University of Alberta has to offer, the soccer camps in the Green and Gold Sport System will be an unforgettable experience for your kids. The camp offers tiered streams: Explore for beginners, Engage for intermediate, and Excel for advanced players.
Training covers ball control, dribbling, passing, shooting, and even age-appropriate multi-sport activities. No previous experience in the sport is required for beginners, making it a friendly place to start your child's soccer journey.
Royal City Soccer Camps Edmonton
- Ages: 5-14
- Cost: $299 per week with half-day options
Royal City Soccer Camps is a child-focused soccer camp program with multiple locations across Edmonton. Perfect for your young soccer enthusiast, the camp also offers extended care for little ones, sibling discounts, and options for those who require financial support.
Many Ottawa clubs and sports leagues provide programs to help kids learn soccer fundamentals.
Edmonton Minor Soccer Association
- Ages: Check Individual Clubs
- Cost: Varies based on club
Edmonton Minor Soccer Association (EMSA) provides youth age-group programming across multiple zones across the city, including summer camps, technical training, indoor and outdoor seasons. The association is comprised of different clubs with their own respective organizations where you can enrol yourself or your child. Clubs include:
- Warriors Soccer Club
- Northside United Edmonton
- St. Albert Impact FC
- Edmonton Strikers
- Viktoria Soccer Club
children and youth playing soccer in Edmonton and the surrounding areas!
Best Adult Soccer Leagues in Edmonton
Soccer isn't just for the kids - if you are an adult that enjoys playing and want to find a league that's right for you, here are a few options to start with.
Edmonton Sport and Social Club (ESSC)
The ESSC has recreational outdoor leagues for men and women. Games are played on a shorter pitch for faster paced games. Enjoy post-game drinks and food specials at partner restaurants in the city.
Spartan Soccer
Spartan Soccer is a highly organized, premier co-ed league that plays on indoor and outdoor turfs. Perks include season finals, access to team management software, 30 game seasons, and trophies and medals.
Many children begin learning soccer in Vancouver through community-based clubs and recreation programs.
The Edmonton Soccer Dome is the largest sports dome in Canada with an impressive 135,000 square foot playing surface.
Victoria Masters Adult Soccer League
Serious players should consider this league for higher level play: Victoria Masters goal is "to bring the most talented and skilled soccer players and teams from the Edmonton and surrounding areas and have equal level of play." Summer and winter indoor seasons are offered.
Public Soccer Pitches in Edmonton to Kickstart Your Training
Ready to start your training and feel the inspiration of playing on a soccer pitch? Perhaps you want to organize a game with friends and family? Edmonton has lots of public soccer fields you can bring a ball and have a great time playing.
Private Soccer Training and Coaching in Edmonton
Those who seek a more individualized approach should seriously consider hiring a private soccer coach or tutor. While soccer is a team sport, having someone to help guide you to build different skills can help you to make improvements in your game.
Parents who want to give their child a competitive edge in the sport might also explore private soccer training. A private trainer can help motivate your child to enhance their game and give them the confidence they need to be successful or perhaps get the attention of a scout or elite league.
Check out Superprof's roster of personal sports and soccer trainers to see what is available!
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