Learn and Play Soccer in Montreal
- Montreal has a unique passion for the game of soccer, with European based academies training elite athletes.
- Foster your child's love of soccer through one of the city's many youth programs and camps.
- Soccer is consistently popular among adults, who play in Montreal's many adult teams.
- Montreal has beautiful soccer fields and facilities the public can book.
With its distinct French vibe and European feel, it should come as no surprise that Montreal has a bustling soccer ecosystem of youth academies, clubs, camps, and adult leagues. Montreal pulses with energy, diversity, and opportunity for players of all stripes.
Iconic outdoor parks and modern arenas characterize the Montreal soccer scene, not to mention the city's popular Major League Soccer team, CF Montreal. Young players eager to sharpen dribbling and tactical skills, parents looking for clubs and programs, and adults looking for competition and social opportunities will find all find their place here.
Montreal is a multicultural community that celebrates the beautiful game, offering something for anyone who wants to play. In this article, we’ll delve into the best soccer programs, leagues, and venues across the city to help you or your loved ones thrive on the field.
Learning soccer in Canada helps players develop teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.
Top Soccer Schools and Academies in Montreal
Soccer academies in Montreal are designed to develop the performance, skills, and understanding of the game through structured coaching and competition. Don't be surprised if you see talent scouts from professional teams scoping out players - academies often service highly talented players and support them in developing into elite level athletes.
Let's take a quick look at some of the top soccer academies in Montreal.
| Academy | Age Range | Programs | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CF Montréal Academy | U8–U23; academy teams at U15/U16/U18 in MLS (Major League Soccer) Next | Year-round elite pathway, development clubs, MLS Next, summer soccer schools | Direct pro pathway, high-level competition, professional facilities. Intensive seasonal development. |
| Barça Academy Montreal | U6–U18 | Summer camps (tech, tactical) with full or half-day options | Iconic Barca methodology, coach-to-player ~1:12, tactical & technical intensity |
| VCF Academy Canada (Valencia CF) | Elementary and High School students | Year-round Valencia-style academy (high school only), residential + academics via College Bourget | European coaching onsite, immersive living, accredited educational integration. Summer camps. |
Many parents begin by enrolling their children in beginner soccer lessons at Toronto parks and recreation facilities.
CF Montréal Academy ⚽
411 avenue Letourneux, Montreal
CF Montréal Academy caters to a wide range of ages with year round training, competition in MLS Next and Ligue1 Québec, and support for students who are balancing training with academic goals. Training is held at Saputo Stadium by professional coaches focused on transitioning amateur athletes to professionals. Famous CF Montréal alumni include Karl Ouimette and Savannah Chenail.
Barça Academy Montreal ⚽
Parc Lucie-F. Roussel, 1300 Chemin de Saint-Jean, La Prairie, QC (south shore of Montreal)
As the name suggests, this academy uses FC Barcelona's methodology through summer camps and developmental sessions. Small group coaching emphasizes technical skills and tactical understanding. Weekly summer camp sessions run for full and half days. Skilled coaches deliver the program, focusing on possession-based team play in small groups.
VCF Academy Canada (Valencia CF) ⚽
5 Rue Saint-Pierre, Rigaud, QC
Another Spanish La Liga influenced academy, VCF Academy offers kids and teens residential programming across Canada and the US. Valencia CF's methodology is used in tandem with an integrated educational program at College Bourget. Camps and residential experiences involve UEFA licensed staff, and possible participation in the VCF Academy World Cup.
Adults looking to learn soccer in Ottawa can join co-ed recreational leagues like Footy Sevens or Carleton Intramurals.
Soccer Camps in Montreal
Ecoles de Soccer Montreal
With locations in Montreal, Brossard, and Laval, Ecoles de Soccer is a popular option for Montreal families looking for recreational or competitive camps during the summer months. Youths will receive an immersive soccer experience, and can choose between half day and full day option, with additional childcare options available for busy parents that need to get to work. Participants get two official kits, and one branded soccer ball.
Westmount Soccer School
Located in King George Park, Westmount Soccer School camps are an excellent place for kids to learn technical skills, conditioning, and the rules of the game. Instructors selected carefully and are experienced players used to working with children. This camp focuses on providing a fun, safe environment for kids aged 5-14 to engage in fitness, teamwork, and athleticism.
There are numerous opportunities for adults to start learning soccer in Vancouver, from drop-in sessions to beginner leagues.
Concordia Athletics
Concordia Stingers Soccer Summer Camp is a full day program for boys and girls aged 8-13 at the prestigious Concordia University. Campers enjoy 4.5 hours of daily soccer training led by varsity coaches and players, and is overseen by former Canadian national team goalkeeper Greg Sutton. Campers get access to top-tier facilities—including FieldTurf fields and stadium seating.
youth soccer players in Quebec.
So Are There Many Adult Soccer Leagues in Montreal?
Soccer training is just as popular among adults as kids, and in Montreal there are plenty of options for older athletes to play with their peers in environments that are social, fun, with a good dose of competition. Here are some of the top adult soccer leagues in Montreal.
Montreal Friendly Soccer League
Website: https://www.soccermontreal.org/en/
Also known as LASM, the Montreal Friendly Soccer League is one of the city's longest-running adult leagues. It offers 5v5 and 7v7 co-ed, men's, and women's divisions throughout the year. Its roughly 220 teams represent a wide range of skill levels, and you can choose whether you want to play in a more recreational or a more competitive division.
Players can register as individuals or teams, and kits are available for purchase. The league runs through spring, summer, fall, and offers a 50+ division.
VDMSL
Website: https://vdmsl.com/
The VDMSL is a community soccer league that includes recreational, competitive, and co-ed divisions. Teams can play 5v5, 7v7, or 11v11 and boasts a "by the players, for the players" philosophy. The website posts statistics, schedules, and standings regularly, and players can enroll on teams or as individuals if they are looking to join a group.
Montreal Soccer League (MSL)
Website: https://www.mtlsoccer.ca/
The MSL offers adult teams recreational, competitive, and co-ed options. Teams can join as either 11v11 or 7v7 formats, and play at venues like Soccerplexe in Lachine. Adult teams can expect a solid seasional structure and professional officiating.
Soccer Fields and Facilities in Montreal for Public Use
Ready to train and feel the inspiration of playing on a soccer pitch? Perhaps you want to organize a game with friends and family? Montreal offers a variety of options, including community pitches for casual games and full-featured, stadium-level facilities suited for organized play.
| Field | Location | Features |
| Parc Jarry Soccer Fields | 205 Rue Gary-Carter, Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension | Four pitches (one synthetic); free weekend drop-in sessions, parking & washrooms |
| Parc Jeanne-Mance Soccer Field | 4422 Avenue de l’Esplanade, Plateau-Mont-Royal | Two fields (one synthetic, one grass); open daily; free usage with reservation option |
| Parc Grier Soccer Field | 4590 Rue des Cageux, Pierrefonds-Roxboro | Single field, general public access from dawn to 11 PM; no booking needed |
| Saputo Stadium Practice Pitches | 4750 Sherbrooke Street E, Olympic Park | Top-tier turf fields adjacent to Saputo Stadium; public access when not in use |
| Beaubien Park Soccer Field | 461 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Outremont | Public field needing reservation; ideal for skills & casual play |
Many youth academies and camps in Edmonton focus on developing technical and tactical soccer skills.
Consider Training with a Private Soccer Coach in Montreal
Are you or your child preparing for a soccer tryout? Perhaps you want to hone your skills for the league you are playing in? Another option you may also want to consider is private coaching. Private soccer coaching is an excellent choice for those that want a tailor-made option for their fitness goals.
Players looking for a private coach can find one easily on Superprof Canada. Superprof has listings for private soccer coaches in the Montreal area that can help you meet your athletic goals.
Montreal is an amazing place for people of all ages to develop their soccer skills. From elite academies to summer camps to adult leagues or private coaches, players of all levels are sure to find their place.
Start playing soccer this season!
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