Players are invited into the Pre-Academy program by our Staff, who attend the Grassroots Base Program, Grassroots Skills Centre, and Spring Tune-Up Program. The only way to join the Pre-Academy program is through such an invitation, but all those who are interested are invited to fill out our Pre-Academy Interest Form, as an expression of their interest. 

All players who wish to join the Pre-Academy must register for the Grassroots Base Program (either Mondays or Fridays). Players who receive and accept an official invitation to the Pre-Academy will then be notified via email by our admin staff once the program and fees have been added to their PowerUp account. Note that players who are selected to join the Pre-Academy from the Base Program will no longer participate in the Base Program, working instead expressly with the Pre-Academy group three times weekly.  

The Spring Tune-Up Program is also a great and early way to be identified by our staff ahead of the summer season and potentially expedite the selection process. 

Current Pre-Academy players (from the winter season) who wish to continue in the program should also register for the Grassroots Base Program to indicate their interest in continuing in the Pre-Academy (as the Base Program will make up part of the Pre-Academy fee). Such players will also receive a formal invitation into the program in the early spring.   

Finally, it is important to understand that participation in the Pre-Academy program does not guarantee players a place in a U9 Academy or Competitive squad. Players develop and grow at different rates, and will continually be placed in the most appropriate level of programming for their current level of play and development.

Players will work with some our club's most qualified coaches, running through small sided games, technical exercises (ball mastery), physical literacy (strength, speed, coordination, balance, general athleticism), and 1v1 exercises. Sessions will feature increased expectations compared to other Grassroots programs as they aim to prepare each player for the Competitive and Academy streams that begin with the U9 age group.

Boys Staff Coach: Logan Richardson

Logan has grown up at Ottawa TFC and has been coaching in our Grassroots, Competitive and Academy programs for many years. His leadership qualities are apparent and he sets by example as a player and as a coach. He is continuing his coaching journey throughout university and is taking on more and more responsibilities at the club.

Girls Staff Coach: Jordan Lundin

While she is perhaps best known for her charisma and energy, Jordan first made her name as one of the top female players produced in Ottawa. Her talents not only allowed her to represent Eastern Ontario at the provincial level, but to be included in the Big South's all-decade team for her NCAA D1 career at Radford University. Since returning from the US, she has developed into an important asset at the club across the Girls Academy programs; she now head coaches our Senior Girls OPDL team and leads our U8-U10 Girls programs.

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

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

The registration fee includes an Ottawa TFC training shirt, along with shorts, socks and a size 1 ball. These will be handed out during the first month of sessions - more details to be shared when confirmed.

Players are required to wear the training shirt 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. Black shorts and socks will be handed out as part of the Grassroots Skills Centre program, and should be worn at all Pre-Academy sessions as well.

Ottawa TFC will be taking a summer break during which programs will not run, unless otherwise stated. This season's break will take place between Monday July 21 and Sunday August 3, 2025. Activities will be resuming as scheduled on Monday August 4, 2025.

Applicable registration fees

• Grassroots Base Program fee: $245
  • All players who wish to join the Pre-Academy must be registered for the Grassroots Base Program. They will participate in this program on Mondays or Fridays until they receive and accept a Pre-Academy invitation from our staff.
  • Players selected to join the Pre-Academy from the Base Program will no longer participate in the Base Program, working instead expressly with the Pre-Academy group three times weekly. However, this Base Program fee will go towards the total cost of participating in the Pre-Academy.
• Program fee: $275-$400
  • This fee is added to players' accounts in PowerUp once their invitation is accepted, and represents the increased weekly commitment of the Pre-Academy along with the additional resources dedicated to the program.
  • Includes an Ottawa TFC Pre-Academy training shirt, shorts and socks to be worn at all sessions, along with a size 1 soccer ball.
• Non-volunteer fee (1 per family per season): $55
  • Should already be accounted for through each player's existing Grassroots Base Program registration.
  • 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: visit our Refunds & Withdrawals page to request a credit or refund. All refunds are subject to the Refund Policy. Only approved requests will be processed.