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OTTAWA TFCSOCCER CLUB

U5-U8 | WINTER 2024-25

GRASSROOTS

SKILLS CENTRE

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The U5-U8 Skills Centre is the starting point and foundation of player development at Ottawa TFC. The Skills Centre is our core Grassroots program in the winter and is open to all young players in Ottawa. It is offered in two separate (but mostly identical) sessions on Fridays and Saturdays – players can sign up for one of these, or both. The sessions are a fun, productive and popular combination of training and games.

Eligibility: boys & girls born 2017-2020

  • Evaluation/tryout not required

Commitment: 1 session/week (or sign up for all)

  • Option 1: Fridays
    • U5-U6 Boys & U5-U8 Girls: 5-6 PM
    • U7-U8 Boys: 6-7 PM
  • Option 2: Saturdays (9-10 AM) - WAITLIST

Season dates: Nov. 15 - Mar. 8 (14 weeks)

Location: Orleans Dome

Registration fee: $285 (+ non-volunteer fee)

REGISTER

Space is limited!

LEARN MORE

Session format and methodology

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Players at this age are starting their "careers" in soccer and need to develop their basic skills appropriately (including technical, physical and social skills). The weekly 1-hour session consist of various skills exercises as well as small games on a rotational basis. Players are grouped by age and gender and will get exposure to multiple coaches and facets of the game.

 

Sessions are run by our most talented senior youth players, who are beginning their coaching journey at the club. The coaches are trained through Canada Soccer, and guided/supervised by our academy staff coaches. If you are interested in helping as a coach, click here to visit our Careers and Coaching page.

Staff & contact info

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Staff Coach: Kaden Engbers

Kaden serves as Ottawa TFC's Associate Technical Director. Having grown up playing his entire youth career with OTFC's predecessor Cumberland Cobras, he is now involved in multiple areas of the club and has led our Grassroots Program since 2018. Kaden holds a National Children's Diploma, the highest available Canada Soccer license for programs of this age group, and serves as a captain for our Men's First Team.

Registration, PowerUp or payment questions: admin@ottawatfc.com

Learn more about our club staff by visiting our Staff page.

Equipment needs

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The registration fee includes a red Ottawa TFC training shirt. The uniform will be handed out during the first month of sessions - more details to be shared when confirmed.

 

Players are required to wear the uniform given by the club, along with protective shin guards and shoes (which can be bought at any sports store) at all sessions. Soccer cleats are allowed and recommended for all age groups, but not officially necessary.

Winter holiday break

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Ottawa TFC programs will be taking a holiday break during which programs will not run, unless otherwise stated. This season's break will take place between Wednesday, December 18, 2024 and Sunday, January 5, 2025. Activities will be resuming as scheduled on Monday, January 6, 2025.

 

Therefore, there will be no sessions on December 20/21 & December 27/28, 2024, as well as January 3/4, 2025.

Fee structure, refunds & financial assistance

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Applicable registration fees

  • Program fee: $285
    • Players can register for both Friday and Saturday sessions. This is done separately ($285 each).
  • Non-volunteer fee (1 per family per season): $55
    • Fee is credited into accounts at the end of the season for those who volunteer with the club. Visit our Volunteering page to find volunteer opportunities!

 

Financial assistance: Ottawa TFC works with valued organizations and community partners to help families needing support for their child (or children) to be able to play soccer and be healthy. Visit our Financial Assistance page for more information.

 

Withdrawals: refunds must be requested via the club's Refund/Withdrawal Form and are subject to the Refund Policy. Only approved requests will be processed. Note that evaluation fees are non-refundable.

CONTACT US

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Questions about this program? Contact our Staff Coach Kaden Engbers!