Over the years, our High Performance Academy has developed into one of the top youth programs in the country. This is thanks to multiple advances in our methodology, providing players with a framework that allows them to reach their full potential, while being adequately supported throughout their development.

Our methodology involves:

• A culture of continuous improvement and creating good people, not just good players
• A level of preparation unparallelled at this level, surpassing that of even University programs
• An unrelenting dedication from our coaches, players and parents
• An in-depth game model that is understood and executed by all players and staff throughout the program
• An opportunity to train and compete at the highest level in the province, opening up a pathway beyond the club

We will achieve these objectives by developing new practices and tools such, which already include:

• More hours on the field than any other comparable program, with daily after-school training
• Our annualized Technical Plan, centered around the 4-corner model (Technical, Tactical, Physical, Mental/Social)
• Meticulously planned, detail-oriented training sessions with intentional themes, objectives and challenges
• Competition-based development in training, involving stats and objective feedback for each player
• Individual player testing frameworks covering tangible technical and physical skills
• High quality video resources and match footage, enabling tactical development for all teams in the program
• Off-field sessions, including strength and conditioning as well as in-class tactical and team-building sessions
• Injury prevention and management through our Physiotherapy Partners, OPTSC

Beyond the program's main purpose – helping kids reach their full potential by placing them in the best youth development environment possible – the High Performance Academy also...

• Routinely exposes players and teams to TFC Academy staff
• Regularly provides exposure to provincial and national team program scouts
• Graduates a large majority of players into NCAA D1 and U-Sports programs
• Enables weekly competition against the best teams in the province and country

Learn more about the Ottawa TFC player pathway and program alumni here.

Ottawa TFC High Performance Academy squads consist of players selected by our Technical Staff through an evaluation process. Teams carry 14-18 players, and may be comprised of multiple age groups. They also often carry additional "development players" who train with the squad and are subject to call-ups for matches. These teams usually form a larger squad with another age group for training purposes, and share the same staff. Our High Performance Academy will therefore be divided into Senior Boys, Junior Boys, Senior Girls, and Junior Girls squads, with all of these benefitting from oversight from our entire Technical Staff.

Ottawa TFC Academy players entering U13 (born 2012)

The U13 High Performance Academy squad will primarily consist of players graduating from our U12 Academy program. All graduating U12 Academy can expect to be placed in one of the following programs by our Technical Staff: High Performance Academy (new high performance commitment), Regional Academy (continuation of Academy commitment), Competitive Program (competitive-level commitment).

Players new to Ottawa TFC

Returning Academy or Competitive players are not subject to formal tryouts as they are evaluated over the course of the previous season. Players considered "new" must register for an evaluation. The first step is to use the form below to reach out to our Technical Staff, indicating your interest in a trial for the program. You will then be contacted by a staff member to set up your evaluation and register formally for it. This is done via PowerUp, our registration platform – look for a product that includes the term "Evaluation Fee" once logged in.

Please note that these programs begin in the fall of each year, which is when squads will have rosters mostly in place. New players will still be considered for the program in the spring, and are encouraged to submit trial requests throughout the year. Reversely, players may be selected as part of the training squad for the winter off-season in the fall, but teams for the OPDL season will only be formalized in the spring – in other words, selection for the program does not assure all players a place year-round.

The High Performance Academy is the flagship program at Ottawa TFC and therefore combines the expertise of our entire Technical Staff. Each squad within the program is led by a team head coach, but is overseen by and exposed to coaching by the entire staff on a daily basis. With this in mind, the boys and girls sides are led by our High Performance Director and General Manager respectively:

High Performance Director: Brogan Engbers

Brogan grew up playing for the club (Cumberland United at the time) and was quickly recognized for his talents as a goalkeeper, going on to represent Ottawa at a provincial level. His career resume includes spending over a decade in the Toronto FC Academy (then TFC II at the semi-pro level), 4 years at NCAA D1 school Liberty University, multiple call-ups to youth National Team camps, and a season with Atletico Ottawa in the CPL. Having coached in various capacities for over a decade, he has since returned to Ottawa TFC where he plays an important role in our High Performance Academy (amongst other programs). He is working through his National Licenses, continues to be in regular contact with MLS Academies and remains a well-liked part of our culture.

Squad coaches and HPA staff:

Jr Boys (U13-U14): Kousha Aminian, Cian Lynch

Sr Boys (U15-U18): Brogan Engbers

Jr Girls (U13-U14): Caleb Mallette, Pat Boyle

Sr Girls (U15-U18): Pavel Cancura, Jordan Lundin

Goalkeeper Coach: Shane Goski

Technical Director: Raz El-Asmar

Physiotherapy Partner: Ottawa Physiotherapy and Sport Clinics

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

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

The registration fee includes an Ottawa TFC training shirt, which will be handed out during the pre-season.

Other club gear items will be required for players selected into the program, such as game uniforms, shorts, socks, track pants, a hoodie/crewneck, a rain jacket and a backpack – more information will be communicated by staff coaches at the start of the season.

Uniforms and club apparel can be purchased online directly from our supplier. For any questions related to the club apparel orders, please use the Contact Us section on the supplier's website to request more information.

Players are required to wear the proper uniforms and gear, in addition to the usual cleats and shin pads, to all training sessions, games and team events.

While the High Performance Academy's schedule is independent of the other programs at the club, most of the breaks throughout the year overlap with those of other Academy and Competitive programs. The OPDL summer season then runs from May to October.

• Winter holiday break: Dec. 15, 2024 - Jan. 12, 2025
• Spring break: Mar. 8 - Mar. 23, 2025
• Summer break: usually late July - early August (dates TBC)

Throughout the year, High Performance teams typically train Monday to Friday, around 4 PM. Games usually take place on weekends once the league season starts in the spring, which often results in groups having a day off during the week over the summer months. Sessions during the summer may also shift to the morning during the school break.

Applicable registration fees (full year)

• Evaluation fee: $60 (new players only)
  • Players who participated in Academy or Competitive programs during the Summer 2024 season are not required to pay this fee. Any other players are considered "new" and subject to this evaluation fee.
• Base Competitive fee: $525
  • All players looking to play in Academy or Competitive programs for the season must pay this initial fee upon registration. Players who are not selected will see this fee credited/refunded.
  • Players will not be considered registered (and therefore not considered for squad selection at the start of the season) until this fee is paid or instalments are set up.
• High Performance Academy fee: $3,500-$4,300
  • Exact amount depends on the level of play and commitment of each squad.
  • This additional program fee will be added to the accounts of selected players once they have accepted their invitation to the Academy program. It is typically paid in 10 instalments over the full year.
• 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.