Each Academy squad consists of players selected by our Technical Staff via an evaluation process. While returning Academy or Competitive players are not subject to formal tryouts (they are evaluated over the course of the previous season), players considered "new" 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. Players will then be contacted by the relevant Staff Coach to formally set up an evaluation once the evaluation period opens. Evaluations may take place in the form of a tryout event, or within the structure of the program in question.

Returning players should simply register for the "Base Competitive Fee" on PowerUp to be considered for the following season, once the registration period is open. Note that having participated in the program the previous season does not guarantee the same placement for the upcoming year.

Following the evaluation period, trialists will be notified of their evaluation result by their respective Staff Coach. Each player will be placed at the level that currently suits them best, with their long-term development in mind. Players who are selected for the program will be sent a Regional Academy invitation letter, upon which their official acceptance will be requested.

During the winter months, teams will receive three training sessions (two on turf in domes, and one futsal session) along with weekly games which are played in Ottawa's long-standing Coliseum League. Teams will compete in 7v7 matches against clubs from around the region at RA Centre Dome, hereby benefitting from more touches on the ball and a healthy dose of competition.

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.

The exact weekly schedule is still to be determined for the outdoor pre-season (Oct.-Nov.) and will be communicated as soon as possible by our staff coaches. Below are the anticipated training days for each program once we move indoors, starting in mid-November:

• U13-U14 Boys: Mon/Wed/Thu training (games on weekends)
• U13-U14 Girls: Tue/Wed/Thu training (games on weekends)

During the winter, 2 sessions will be in domes, with the 3rd session in a gym. Note that the anticipated training days listed above are always subject to change. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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 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.

Camps are sometimes offered during club breaks for players who wish to get some extra training or simply can't stay away from the pitch – visit our Camps page to see this year's offering.

Applicable registration fees

• 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.
• Regional Academy fee: $750 - $950
  • This additional program fee will be added to the accounts of selected players once they have accepted their invitation to the Competitive 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: 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.