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OTTAWA TFCSOCCER CLUB

U9-U12 | SUMMER 2025

COMPETITIVE

PROGRAM

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

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 2013-2016

Commitment: 3-4 events/week

  • 2 training sessions
  • 1 game per week (average in-season)
  • 1 optional Skills Centre session (learn more)

Season dates: Apr. 7 - Sep. 13 (20 weeks)

Training location: Millennium Sports Park

REGISTER

Space is limited!

LEARN MORE

Evaluation and selection process

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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.

Program format and methodology

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The U9 to U12 Competitive program features a squad approach that ensures players are continuously challenged and exposed to players outside of their matchday team. 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 course of the summer, teams will participate in a mix of 7v7 or 9v9 league games, intrasquad matches and other small-sided games, along with at least one festival event.

 

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, which is consistent with that of our Academy program, 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.

Staff & contact info

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If you have questions, please contact the Staff Coach for your program by clicking on their name below!

 

U9-U12 Boys Staff Coach: Jordan King

Jordan has dedicated his entire competitive soccer career to the club, starting in the Competitive program at 10 years old. He quickly rose to leadership, captaining his team from the entry-tier competitive divisions to the provincial level and representing the club in multiple overseas tournaments. With nearly a decade of coaching experience at Ottawa TFC (primarily with U11-U12 Competitive and Academy programs) and seven years of referee experience, Jordan brings a multifaceted perspective to the game. Holding a National C-License, he emphasizes a mentality-first, no-nonsense approach to creating both talented players and well-rounded individuals.

U11-U12 Girls Staff Coach: Caleb Mallette

Caleb is yet another key cog in the Ottawa TFC machine who has grown up at the club since a very young age. Having first started as a player in the Academy, Caleb has since worked with just about every Girls Academy group at the club and now leads the U11-U12 programs while serving as an assistant coach in our High Performance Academy. He holds a Canada Soccer Children's Diploma and has also played an important role in developing the club behind the scenes for a number of years.

 

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

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

Getting involved

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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!

Schedule information

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Please note that the weekly training schedule for Competitive programs remains to be determined, as the club awaits confirmation from EOSL regarding each division's game days. The schedule will be communicated to each group as soon as possible by our staff coaches.

Equipment needs

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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.

Skills Centre and GK Program – extra training

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Enthusiastic players who wish to have an additional training session each week can register for the optional Skills Centre session. This session typically takes place on Friday evenings at Millennium, 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.

Summer break

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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.

Fee structure, refunds & financial assistance

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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: $280
    • 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.
  • Competitive fee: $350 - $450
    • 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: 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.

CONTACT US

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Questions about this program? Contact our Competitive Staff!