Programs

AK Soccer Academy is a privately run academy that provides a fun, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate Grassroots soccer program for children U5-U10. Our programming aligns with the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards and the Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) model.

Mini and Grassroots Soccer

Within our Grassroots program, we focus on creating environments where young players can explore the game, stay active, and develop a love for soccer. Sessions are designed to support the development of fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, landing, kicking, throwing, and catching, along with essential physical literacy components including agility, balance, coordination, and speed. These elements align with Stage 1: Active Start and Stage 2: FUNdamentals of the Canada Soccer LTPD Pathway.

Our program embraces the Grassroots principles of fun, safety, fairness, and engagement. All players are placed on teams to ensure balanced play, equal participation, and enjoyable competition. We are committed to creating a positive and supportive environment where all children can learn, grow, and build confidence in the game.

The goal of our programming is to help every child feel confident, enjoy the game, and stay engaged in the sport long-term. We recognize that players develop at different rates and may be new to the game, and we aim to provide an inclusive environment that welcomes all abilities and learning stages.

Upon registration, each player is informally assessed to ensure they are placed in an environment that matches their current developmental stage, consistent with Canada Soccer Grassroots best practices.

Premier and Developmental Soccer

AK Soccer Academy also offers Premier and Developmental programming for players transitioning beyond the early Grassroots stages and preparing for more structured training and competition.

Players born 2015 and older will be grandfathered into the previous WYSA One Season Model. However, these players may still participate in our Grassroots programming if they are not placed in the One Season Model, or if they would benefit from additional development before entering that pathway.

For players born 2014 and younger, participation will follow the new Canada Soccer-guided Grassroots standards, ensuring age-appropriate training, competition formats, and player-centered development consistent with national best practices.

Our goal is to provide a clear, supportive pathway that respects each player’s developmental stage while promoting long-term growth, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game.