The ball is round and the game lasts 90 minutes. That's fact. Everything else is pure theory.
Sepp Herberger, German Football Coach and 1954 FIFA World Cup Winner
While Canada might be a country better known for its hockey enthusiasm, soccer is easily just as much of a national pastime with millions engaging in the sport across the country in academies, camps, leagues, and specialized coaching. Check out any soccer match in Canada, from "Timbit" leagues to Major League Soccer, and you will see plenty of love for the "beautiful game".
The Canadian soccer landscape offers a wide range of entry points for players of all profiles, whether you are an adult seeking fitness and camaraderie or a parent looking to get their toddler kicking the ball. From grassroots camps to elite academies for gifted athletes, there are more pathways than ever to get into soccer in Canada.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of soccer coaching and training in Canada—without overwhelming you with too many club details. Let's start by figuring out how to choose the right club for your needs.
Learning soccer in Toronto is easy thanks to the wide range of programs offered by local clubs and community centres.
How to choose the right soccer program for you
A quick scan of any soccer club or organization in Canada may lead you to more programming options than you ever imagined. Are you looking for a more of a social atmosphere? Want the challenge and thrill of a competitive league? Hoping to find a skills development program for your talented teen? You'll find something that suits your needs in any Canadian city.
Choosing the right soccer program depends on your or your child's age, goals, skill level, location, and budget. Let's take a look at a few considerations you may want to make when making your choice.
Are you or your child seeking a pathway to competitive play? Do you aim to be in an elite league? Aiming for a scholarship? Looking to improve on a specific skill? Determine and document your goals so you are prepared to ask the right questions of the club or organization you are thinking of joining.
Youth programs may start as young as 4 years old, and teens and adults have options to play in recreational or highly competitive leagues. Choose beginner friendly programs if you or your child are new to the game.
Check the credentials of the coaches and staff at any soccer program you are considering. Are they qualified? Do they have the experience to help you or your child meet your goals? Does the club or organization mandate background checks on staff working with children? Ensuring that the coaches have the right credentials and qualifications will help you to choose a soccer program you will feel comfortable with.
Finally, consider commute time, practice frequency, costs and seasonal commitment of the soccer programs you are looking at. For example, having a club that is easy to get to will make it more likely that you will make practice on time on a regular basis.
Soccer Just for Fitness?
Soccer isn't just for serious athletes or professional soccer players - beyond athleticism and fitness, there is so much more to the sport than meets the eyes. Here are some of the top reasons to play soccer that go beyond the obvious benefits of cardiovascular health and endurance.
Playing Team Sports can Support your Mental Health
Whether you spend long days at a desk or computer or feel stressed by the demands and needs of your workplace and family, playing soccer can give you the mental health boost you need to feel good. The endorphins that come from playing a game and the joy of scoring goals can improve your mood and foster resilience.
Learning soccer in Montreal is made engaging through a variety of youth academies, summer camps, and community leagues.
It is all too easy to get locked in a cycle of scrolling feeds on your phone - playing soccer forces you to disconnect from the digital world and focus on what is in front of you. Do yourself or your child a favour and get them active in soccer!
Soccer Teaches Discipline
Joining any soccer program will help you or your child to be more disciplined: it requires attendance at practice, games, and work through structured drills and activities to enhance one's performance. Soccer players also develop strong time management skills from balancing practices and games with work and school schedules.
Soccer is a Social Activity
Leagues and group training provide a great context for fostering lifelong friendships and a strong sense of community. Adult leagues are often socially oriented, and incorporate post game socials and even travel if you choose to attend a regional tournament.
Soccer is Fun
Soccer is a dynamic, fast-paced game that brings joy regardless of age. What could be more exciting and fun than scoring a goal through teamwork, or hanging out on the bench? Through soccer, you can create lifelong, unforgettable memories.
Learning soccer in Ottawa often starts with community clubs offering programs for children as young as five.
Top Soccer Academies in the Country
Canadian soccer academies offer specialized programming to talented individuals eager to develop their skills, understanding of soccer, and overall performance through structured coaching and competition. In many cases, academies support international leagues in developing the next generation of elite, professional athletes.
Soccer academies typically serve children and youth—sometimes adults—and can range from beginner programs to elite, professional-level development. Let's take a look at some of the top soccer academies across the country.
| Academy | City | Ages & Levels | Programs |
| Toronto FC Academy | Toronto | U14–U19 (MLS Next); U6–U13 via Toronto FC Juniors | Year-round development, elite academy teams, camps |
| Canada First Academy (CFA) | Toronto | Fundamentals, Development, Elite Academy; summer & March break camps | Pathway from beginner to national-level players; goalkeeper training. Tryouts & registration vary; camps available. |
| CF Montréal Academy | Montreal | U8–U23; academy teams at U15/U16/U18 in MLS (Major League Soccer) Next | Direct pro pathway, high-level competition, professional facilities. Intensive seasonal development. |
| Barça Academy Montreal | Montreal | U6–U18 | Iconic Barca methodology, coach-to-player ~1:12, tactical & technical intensity |
| Ottawa South United (OSU) Force Academy | Ottawa | U4–U18; Force Academy (provincial‑level) | Recreational, competitive, OPDL, semi‑pro PLSQ men’s & women’s teams, camps |
| Young Stars Soccer Academy | Ottawa | U4–U14 (beginner & pre‑academy) | Pre-Academy, First Touch (U4–5), winter leagues, indoor/outdoor camps |
| Edmonton Soccer Academy | Edmonton | U4–U18 | Year-round, seasonal camps, competitive teams |
| Soccer Elite Academy | Edmonton | U8–U18 | Year-round, elite training, small group |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy | Vancouver | U13–U19 (MLS Next); Girls Elite Academy | Full-time professional pathway; BMO Academy Centres; camps |
| Paris Saint‑Germain Academy Vancouver | Vancouver | U5–U15 | PSG-certified UEFA coaches, technical & tactical development, global brand |
Learning soccer in Vancouver often includes year-round training thanks to turf fields and indoor facilities.
Youth Soccer Programs and Summer Camps - Pros and Cons
In nearly every city and community in Canada you will easily find youth soccer programs and summer camps.
As one of the most accessible sports in the world - all you need is a ball, players, and a field to play - it should come as no surprise that youth programs are so readily available.
It's important to note, however, that any youth programs will have its pros and cons depending on its format and the player enrolling. Here is a list of popular organizations offering soccer programming for youth across the country, and the pros and cons of each organization.
Toronto
Toronto High Park FC (THPFC) provides advanced competitive pathways, beginning with a summer U8 festival and continuing through U9–U21 club training, select teams, OPDL (Ontario Player Development League), and a high-performance academy. Elite-level programs include weekly training, system fitness, gym sessions, and turf matches.
- Pros: excellent reputation, strong community roots, wide range of programs, professional coaching support.
- Cons: competitive pathways (ex. involving travel) can be costly, demanding, and profit-driven.
United Soccer Club provides a pathway from early learning to advanced competitive play, following Ontario's LTPD structure. Flexible, season-based pricing caters to varying commitment levels, with clear value in family discounts and multi-season participation. The club emphasizes small-group coaching, certified trainers, and enjoyable environments that nurture both skill and confidence.
- Pros: flexible enrolment and pricing, clear, age-appropriate pathways, consistent schedule, structured refund policy, communitu focused.
- Cons: uniform/kit is not included, competitive streams are not discounted, limited online reviews.
Montreal
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 are selected carefully: all 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 athletics.
- Pros: structured, engaging environment, professional and safe coaching staff, parent inclusion, multiple locations and great facilties.
- Cons: relatively high cost, ages limited to 5-14, limited seasonal sessions.
With locations in Montreal, Brossard, and Laval, Ecoles de Soccer is a popular option for Montreal families looking for recreational or competitive camps. Participants receive an immersive soccer experience with additional childcare options available for busy parents. Participants get two official kits, and one branded soccer ball.
- Pros: comprehensive coverage, professional coaching and philosophy, multi-location access.
- Cons: limited age range, 9-week daily commitment may be hard for families with vacation plans.
Ottawa
West Ottawa Soccer Club offers 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.
- Pros: supportive and organized environment, flexible scheduling and strong culture, comprehensive programming.
- Cons: Limited reviews, high competitive demands.
Ottawa Internationals Soccer Club offers a comprehensive suite of 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) alongside summer and March Break camps. Skills development and a goalkeeper academy are additional options.
- Pros: quality coaching and skill development, community focus, strong social team experience for youth, officially certified club.
- Cons: competitive program expectations can be high in terms of cost and practice schedule; registration can be complex.
Edmonton
With all the amenities the University of Alberta has to offer, the soccer camps in the Green and Gold Sport System is an unforgettable experience. 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 soccer is required.
- Pros: outstanding varsity success and scholarship support, top tier facilities and training, holistic academic athletic experience.
- Cons: some programs require intense commitment.
Edmonton offers a wide range of soccer programs for players of all ages and skill levels.
Edmonton Minor Soccer Association (EMSA) provides youth age-group programming at 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, including: Warriors Soccer Club, Northside United Edmonton, St. Albert Impact FC, and Edmonton Strikers.
- Pros: large and inclusive, community driven, strong governance and safe sport policies, equity focus.
- Cons: costly compared to other Edmonton clubs, bureaucratic structure.
Vancouver
North Vancouver Football Club (NVFC) is the largest youth soccer organization in the Lower Mainland, serving over 3,000 players in child, youth, and men's team programs. NVFC’s year-round programming includes weekly developmental sessions for all skill levels, competitive teams, goalkeeping programs, and extensive summer offerings like full‑day camps for kids.
- Pros: inclusive, development pathways to elite play, structured programming, community advocacy.
- Cons: field accessibility challenges, high reliance on volunteers.
Vancouver Athletic FC stands out as a community based club offering accessible soccer for beginners and pathways for players aiming for higher levels. Many VAFC players advance to Metro-Selects, BC Premier League, and even provincial teams .
- Pros: well established club, huge and diverse community, pathway to competitive play.
- Cons: high membership demand, limited financial aid.
Adult Soccer Leagues and Alternate Training Options
Soccer isn't just for the kids and youths - in fact, if you grew up playing the sport it can be equally fulfilling to carry on the activity into adulthood, where you can also socialize and have fun in a healthy and competitive way. Join an adult league for camaraderie, fitness, and plenty of post-game socials.
Here is a selection of adult soccer leagues from across the country.
Downtown Soccer Toronto (DST)
DST is Toronto’s official 2SLGBTQIA+ recreational league, open to all gender identities and skill levels. They offer an outdoor 11v11 season (May–September) plus winter indoor and futsal series organized by skilled and enthusiastic coaches. Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to watch for registration dates.
Montreal Soccer League (MSL)
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.
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.
Vancouver Athletic FC
Vancouver Athletic FC (VAFC) also has adult men's and women's teams in addition to their kids teams. VAFC men's teams play in the Vancouver Metro Soccer League, while women's teams play in the Metro Women's Soccer League. Assessments for adult players are typically held prior to the start of each season, but teams may continue to add new players during the season.
Canadians play soccer more than any other sport, including hockey!
Private Soccer Training and Coaching Alternatives
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.
Private coaching is also great for adults who want to hone specific skills and enjoy a new approach to personal training and fitness!
Check out Superprof's roster of personal sports and soccer trainers to see what is available across major cities in Canada.
Online Resources for Soccer Training
Looking to learn more about soccer so you can be ready for volunteer coaching or a new league?
In today's digital landscape, soccer training and learning extends far beyond the pitch. Online resources like Canada Soccer’s official coach education and interactive platforms like SoccerDrive and IntelliGym provide accessible, flexible learning that will help you deepen your knowledge of the game.
Those motivated to learn independently will find no shortage of options online. Volunteer coaches can start with free online theory modules and workshop clinics, while youth and adult players can sharpen technical, tactical, and cognitive skills through detailed drills and video tutorials.
The Canadian soccer community has embraced innovation, making training more efficient and engaging than ever. Here are some resources you may want to check out.
| Platform | Best For | Focus |
| Canada Soccer Grassroots Education | Volunteer & youth coaches | Coach development |
| SoccerDrive.com | Coaches seeking practice plans and drills | Drill library, planning, team management |
| Ontario Soccer Learn to Train/Soccer for Life | Coaches working with U10+ & 11-a-side players | Age-specific technical & tactical coaching |
| IntelliGym | Players aiming to boost decision-making and game vision | Cognitive brain-training tool for soccer |
| World Class Coaching | Serious coaches & adult learners | Comprehensive drills, tactical guides, video lessons |
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