Play Soccer in Canada's Capital City
- Ottawa has a bustling soccer scene, including academies that cater to athletes with goals of reaching the highest levels of competition.
- Families can help their kids develop a love of soccer by enrolling them in the city's youth programs and camps.
- Adult soccer players can blow off steam, socialize, and compete in the region's adult leagues.
- Ottawa has beautiful public fields and pitches for those that want to play soccer with friends and families.
Canada's beautiful capital city of Ottawa is perhaps best known for its hockey enthusiasm thanks to its many ice rinks and popular NHL team. But Ottawa has a great soccer scene as well - a dynamic combination of community spirit, player development, and year-round accessibility thanks to its indoor playing fields.
Budding youth soccer stars and seasoned adult athletes will find no shortage of opportunities to train and develop. The city offers a full spectrum of opportunities, from beginner friendly camps to technical academies where you can be scouted by the world's top leagues.
With well-maintained outdoor fields in scenic parks and indoor facilities that keep the game alive through long Canadian winters, Ottawa is a dream city for any Canadian looking to find their place in the "beautiful game". In this article, we’ll explore Ottawa’s top programs, leagues, and pitches — helping you find the perfect fit whether you’re chasing fitness, camaraderie, or a camp to send your kids during summer holidays.
From coast to coast, learning soccer in Canada is supported by national training standards and certified coaches.
Top Soccer Academies in Ottawa
Players that demonstrate strong talent in soccer often seek training in Ottawa's soccer academies. A soccer academy is a specialized training program designed to develop soccer players' skills, understanding, and overall performance through structured coaching and competition. Academies will often support exceptional players in developing at an elite, professional level.
Let's take a quick look at some of the top soccer academies in Ottawa.
| Academy | Ages | Programs | Highlights |
| Ottawa TFC High Performance Academy | U9–U18 (High‑Performance/OPDL) | Year-round training: 5–6 sessions/week + weekend matches in OPDL; sport‑études option | Only Eastern Ontario affiliate of Toronto FC; direct pro pathway; frequent scouting for provincial & national teams |
| Ottawa South United (OSU) Force Academy | U4–U18; Force Academy (provincial‑level) | Recreational, competitive, OPDL, semi‑pro PLSQ men’s & women’s teams, camps | National Youth Club License holder; partnership with Atlético Ottawa and Whitecaps; part of attractive semi‑pro pathway |
| Young Stars Soccer Academy | U4–U14 (beginner & pre‑academy) | Pre-Academy, First Touch (U4–5), winter leagues, indoor/outdoor camps | Excellent for beginners; age-specific sessions; indoor + outdoor options; positive, encouraging coaching environment |
Adults can also start learning soccer in Toronto through co-ed leagues like XTSC and downtown drop-in sessions.
Ottawa TFC High Performance Academy ⚽
2075 Trim Rd, Orléans, ON
One of the most elite youth development programs in Eastern Ontario, Ottawa TFC is the only regional affiliate of Toronto FC. The academy operates under the Ontario Player Development League structure and is designed for players aged U9-U18. Training involves 5-6 sessions per week along with weekend matches and tournaments.
Players can expect high-level coaching, a comprehensive technical curriculum, and access to scouting. Studies can be undertaken following the port-études model that integrates academics with intensive soccer training.
Ottawa South United Force Academy ⚽
5650 Mitch Owens Rd, Manotick, ON
Ottawa South United (OSU) is a nationally recognized club offering programmin grom U4-U18, including competitive play in OPDL and semi-professional teams in the Première ligue de soccer du Québec (PLSQ). OSU has key development partnerships with Atlético Ottawa (CPL) and the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Certified coaches and modern training methodologies make OSU unique, and it is a great opiton for players seeking a development pathway that may lead to college or semi-pro soccer.
Adults interested in learning soccer in Montreal can participate in co-ed leagues like LASM or VDMSL.
Young Stars Soccer Academy ⚽
2451 Riverside Dr, Ottawa, ON
This academy is an accessible, developmental-first soccer program in Ottawa focused on introducing young children to the "beautiful game" in a fun and supported environment. Designed for ages U4-U14, the academy offers age specific training streams like "First Touch" for smaller kids and more advanced youth leagues.
Unlike academies that work toward developing elite players, Young Stars emphasizes foundational skills, teamwork, and positive reinforcement, making it an excellent choice for families looking for beginner-friendly soccer.
Learning soccer in Vancouver is a great way to stay active while enjoying the city’s beautiful outdoor fields.
Soccer Youth Clubs in the Ottawa Area
West Ottawa Soccer Club
West Ottawa Soccer Club offers youth programs for players of all ages and skill levels. Recreational leagues for U8 to U18 emphasize fun and inclusion, culminating in seasonal festivals and tournaments. The Junior Development Plus program provides high-quality coaching in 10-week sessions.
The club also a comprehensive goalkeeper academy, and competitive pathways through its Representative and OPDL (Ontario Player Development League) programs. Programs take place at top facilities like Wesley Clover Park and Volta Cage.
Ottawa City Soccer Club
Ottawa City Soccer Club offers inclusive, year-round soccer programs for youth, focusing on technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical development. Players train up to four times per week during the school year,. OCSC is committed to accessibility, offering all-abilities programs and financial support for families in need.
As a Canada Soccer Member Association Level 2 club, it provides a player-first environment that emphasizes equity and development. For more advanced athletes, the club offers elite training and potential exposure to collegiate and professional opportunities.
Public parks and community fields across Edmonton provide great spaces for casual soccer games and training.
Ottawa Interationals Soccer Club
Ottawa Internationals Soccer Club (OISC) offers a comprehensive suite of youth programs for ages U4–U18 under Canada Soccer’s Long-Term Player Development model. The club organizes an 18-week competitive winter program (November–March) across soccer, futsal, and leagues, alongside summer and March Break camps. Skills development and goalkeeper academy are also an option.
With financial support options available and plenty of training venues in domes and parks, the club prioritizes inclusive, high-quality development in a structured and accessible environment .
Are There any Adult Soccer Leagues in Ottawa?
Soccer is an all-ages sport, and adult teams are thriving in the nation's capital. Whether you are looking for a casual, recreational game or more high-level competition, you will find the league for you in Ottawa. Here are some of the most popular options.
in its 7v7 Recreational League
Ottawa Footy Sevens
https://www.ottawafootysevens.com/home/soccer
This recreational league gathers 7 member teams to play year round on indoor and outdoor venues like the RA Centre and Carleton University. With an accessible format, Footy Sevens offers co-ed, men's, and women's divisions with weeknight games and a welcoming atmosphere whatever your level of play is.
Ottawa Carleton Soccer League
Another popular option is the Ottawa Carleton Soccer League, which at over 200 teams is the largest district league for adult players in Eastern Ontario. Age based groups like "Old-Timers" (35+) and "Masters" (50+) are perfect for those looking for the right combination of competition and dynamic play in a structured environment.
Super League Ottawa
Those that want fast-paced, small-sided play should look no further than Super League Ottawa. Known for its 7-a-side outdoor format, the league offers short seasons, playoffs, and cash prizes for winners. Super League is well suited for those who want a high-tempo, semi-competitive atmosphere without the commitment to long seasons and full sized rosters.
Soccer Fields and Facilities in Ottawa
Looking for a public field to play a game or hold a practice with your team? These venues provide a range of options—from lit artificial turf and stadium seating to scenic riverside grass fields. Here is a list of some of the best soccer facilities in Ottawa.
| Park | Location | Description |
| Julian de Guzman Park | Nepean | Two high-quality pitches: one full-size artificial turf with lights, and one natural grass field |
| Terry Fox Stadium (Mooney’s Bay Park) | Riverside Drive, south of downtown | Regulation natural grass soccer field with 2,000-seat bleachers and lighting around the grass field |
| Brewer Park | Bronson Avenue, near Carleton University | Three soccer fields (two also for football), open park setting along the Rideau River |
| Millennium Sports Park | Innes Road & Trim Road (Orleans) | Huge complex with 15 soccer/football fields, home to Ottawa TFC youth club; public access for community and club soccer |
| Matt Anthony Field (University of Ottawa) | 801 King Edward Ave | FieldTurf stadium with lighting, stands (675 seats), FIFA-quality surface; open for intramurals and public booking |
Practice Soccer in Ottawa with a Private Coach
Another option you may also want to consider is private coaching. Private soccer coaching is an excellent choice for those that want a bespoke option for their fitness goals. Training for a big audition? Looking to improve your defensive skills? Want a new take on training? Find a private coach.
Players looking for a private coach can find one easily on Superprof Canada. Superprof has listings for private soccer coaches in the Ottawa area that can help you meet your athletic goals.
Ottawa 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 profiles are destined to find their place.
Where will you play soccer this season?
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