OTTAWA TFCSOCCER CLUB
The Ottawa TFC Competitive program is for players moving up through the Ottawa TFC player pathway, and looking to train more often and compete against other clubs in the district and region. The program provides an increased focus on player and leadership development, both of which are central to the club's player development philosophy. It is home to players who are working their way up to the club's Academy tier, as well as other young athletes who simply wish to compete at a high level. It's fun, challenging, and more competitive than our open programs.
Eligibility: boys & girls born 2007-2012
Commitment: 3-4 events/week
Season dates: Apr. 7 - Sep. 13 (20 weeks)
Locations:
REGISTER
Space is limited!
Each Competitive squad consists of talented young players selected by our Technical Staff through 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 Competitive Program invitation letter, which will invite them to accept a position in the squad for the season.
U9-U10 Girls: Note that girls in the U9 and U10 categories who wish to play at a competitive level should refer to the Academy program page.
During the summer season, teams will receive two training sessions along with weekly games played at the Competitive level (or Regional level, for U15-U18 teams). 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 district.
Training sessions are designed by our Academy Staff 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.
Note that U18 players may be moved towards our U21 adult teams depending on EOSL division offerings and registration numbers within the club. U18 players may also register directly for our U21 teams by visiting the Men's Teams page or the Women's Teams page.
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.
We are always looking to strengthen our coaching staff and add passionate and experienced leaders to our ranks. There are also a variety of ways to contribute to your child's program by volunteering off the field. If you are interested in helping us make the program better, please visit our Coaching, Employment and Volunteering page and fill out the interest form to let us know!
Please note that the weekly training schedule for Competitive programs 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 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.
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, and gives Competitive players the opportunity to increase their weekly commitment to that of an Academy player. For more details, visit the Skills Centre program page here.
Ottawa TFC also offers a specialized program for goalkeepers, which is heavily recommended for Competitive 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
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.
Questions about this program? Contact our Competitive Staff!