Each Academy squad consists of players selected by our Technical Staff via the evaluation process. Returning Academy or Competitive players are not subject to formal tryouts, since they are evaluated routinely over the course of their previous season. Players considered "new" (those who did not play competitively with the club in the most recent season) must register for an evaluation. This is done via PowerUp, our registration platform – look for a product that includes the term "Evaluation Fee" once logged in. New players will then be contacted by the relevant Staff Coach to formally set up an on-field evaluation. These often take place within the structure of existing programs themselves, to give our staff the best possible chance of placing each player in the most appropriate environment.

Returning players should simply register for the "Base Competitive Fee" on PowerUp to be considered for the following season. Note that players who participated in the program in one season are not necessarily guaranteed a position in the same program the following season. New groups are formed every season with each player's current ability and development in mind. 

Following the evaluation period, trialists will be notified of their evaluation result by their respective Staff Coach. Players will be placed at the level that currently best suits their ability, with their long-term development in mind. Players who are selected for the program will be sent an Regional Academy Program invitation letter, which will invite them to accept a position in the squad for the season.  

For U15-U18 players: while the Regional Academy program is currently only available for U13-U14 age groups, our Competitive program will still feature teams competing in EOSL Regional divisions.

During the summer season, teams will receive three training sessions along with weekly games played at the Regional level. Teams will compete in 11v11 matches in the Eastern Ontario Soccer League (EOSL), hereby benefitting from a healthy dose of competition against other clubs around the region.

Training sessions are designed by our Academy Staff as a whole, and are aligned with the club's long-term technical plan. Our technical plan incorporates a blend of technical exercises and small-sided match play, ensuring that players can develop through repetition first, and then have the opportunity to apply their learnings in realistic game scenarios. Team coaches are also granted creative freedom to work on their specific team's needs, again with the support of our Academy Staff. Finally, players learn principles of play, how to work as a team and how to compete through the matches themselves, as is key to any competitive-level program.

U13-U18 Boys Competitive Director: Kousha Aminian

Kousha serves as Ottawa TFC’s Boys Competitive Director. Having grown up playing his entire youth career with Ottawa TFC’s predecessor Cumberland Cobras, he is now involved in multiple areas of the club including our boys High Performance Academy. Kousha holds a National B Diploma and is heavily involved in the success and growth of the club's programs. His presence and approach is always appreciated by his players, making him an important piece of our culture.

U13-U18 Girls Competitive Director: Raz El-Asmar

With a resume that includes over 30 years of coaching (at youth and collegiate levels) and 15 years of experience managing youth programs, Raz has developed a reputation for being a caring, dedicated and passionate leader around the soccer community in Ottawa. Having built Ottawa TFC predecessor Capital United from the ground up and helped the club achieve provincial success, he has been recognized for his selfless work on and off the field. Raz holds a Canada Soccer National A License and now serves as the club’s Technical Director.

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

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

Please note that the weekly training schedule for Regional Academy groups remains to be determined, as the club continues to manage facility, staff and other programming considerations. This training schedule will be communicated to each group as soon as possible by our staff coaches. EOSL game nights can be found on the EOSL website - note that these are outside of the club's control and subject to change.

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 accepted into the program, such as game uniforms, shorts, socks, a hoodie/crewneck, and a backpack – more information will be communicated by the coaching staff 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.

Enthusiastic players who wish to have an additional training session each week can register for the optional Skills Centre session. This session takes place on Sunday afternoons at Orleans Dome, with our Academy staff and strongest youth coaches. For more details, visit the Skills Centre program page here.

Ottawa TFC also offers a specialized program for goalkeepers, which is heavily recommended for Academy players who are either exploring this unique position or already committed to it. For more details, visit the GK Training program page here.

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

• Evaluation fee: $65 (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: $295
  • 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.
• Regional Academy fee: $600 - $750
  • This additional program fee will be added to the accounts of selected players once they have accepted their invitation to the Regional Academy program.
• 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: 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. Note that evaluation fees are non-refundable.