OTTAWA TFCSOCCER CLUB
The Ottawa TFC Competitive Program is designed for players progressing through our player pathway and ready to train more often while competing against clubs across the district and region. With a stronger emphasis on both player and leadership development—key pillars of our philosophy—this program challenges athletes to reach their potential.
This program is ideal for those aspiring to join the club's older Competitive and Academy programs, as well as for skilled young athletes who want to compete at a higher level while still enjoying the game. Fun, challenging, and more competitive than our Open and Grassroots programs, it offers the perfect balance of development and competition.
Commitment: 2-3 events/week
Season dates:
Training Location:
REGISTER
Space is limited!
Each Competitive squad consists of talented young players selected by our Technical Staff through an evaluation process. At older ages categories (U10-U18), players attend via a formal evaluation process. For the U8 and U9 age categories, the player evaluations are completed via the participation in the U7-U9 Grassroots Fall 4v4 Champions League, which lasts for 7 Saturdays over September and October.
After the completion of the Grassroots Fall 4v4 league, players are either invited into the U8-U9 Competitive program, or are invited into the U8-U9 Grassroots Winter 4v4 Champions League and U5-U9 Grassroots Skills Centre. 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 a Competitive Program invitation letter, which will invite them to accept a position in the squad for the season.
Returning 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.
Players should register for the U8 or U9 "Evaluation Fee" and 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.
The U8 to U9 Competitive program features a squad approach that ensures players are continuously challenged and exposed to a variety of players. This helps foster a healthy training environment that keeps things fresh and allows for player movement during the season. Players are, however, split into smaller teams for matchplay, enabling them to develop closer relationship with their teammates and compete against other teams and clubs around the region. Over the winter months, matchplay may take the form of either intrasquad matches, league play, or festivals (usually in a 5v5 format).
Training sessions are planned and overseen by our Academy Staff, while being run by our Competitive coaches. They are designed primarily to focus on building individual skill, as is recommended by Canada Soccer and numerous studies for children at these ages. Our technical plan, incorporates a blend of station-style 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. Finally, players learn principles of play, how to work as a team and how to compete through the matches themselves.
If you have questions, please contact the Staff Coach for your program by clicking on their name below!
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, including leadership roles in the Grassroots programs and the U8-U9 Competitive Program.
Registration, PowerUp or payment questions: register@ottawatfc.com
Learn more about our club by visiting our Coaching Staff page and Administrative Staff page.
The exact weekly schedule is still to be determined and will be communicated as soon as possible by our staff coaches.
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 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.
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 U8-U18 Goalkeeper Training 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 Sunday, December 21, 2025 and Sunday, January 4, 2026. Activities will be resuming as scheduled on Monday, January 5, 2026.
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
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!