INDIVIDUAL PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Soccer Fun for all Ages and Levels of Play!
The Vancouver Athletic Football Club is offering a full development program for ages U4 to U18. For information related for our Development Program offerings, please click the appropriate tab below, find the players age group, and click on that tab. You will now see the program information for the player below.
VAFC Difference
“The VAFC skill Centre will embrace the value of diversity, inclusion, and equality as an integrated part of the program. Always ensuring that all players are free from discrimination and any form of harassment. All players will be treated fairly, with empathy and compassion. No player will be declined participation due to financial limitations.”
Age Group Information
Individual Player / Goalkeeper Development
For information related to our Development Program offerings, please click the appropriate tab below, find the players age group and click on that tab down below.
Skill Centre Introduction
In line with Canada Soccer’s best principles in player development, VAFC has created a dedicated player program for players in the U8 – U10 age group.
Players will participate in 2 training sessions per week and have multiple mini game sessions on either a Saturday morning (Boys) or Sunday morning (Girls).
All sessions will have a station-based approach, where players will rotate through a variety of fundamental movement skills and fundamental soccer skills:
* Ball Mastery
* Dribbling 1v 1
* Passing and Receiving
* Shooting and striking the ball
The purpose of the Development player program is to maximize the individual’s soccer potential, while recognizing that the players come from different soccer backgrounds and will vary in technique and ability. Coaches will evaluate the players consistently from the first session and challenge players by grouping them with players of similar abilities. Technique training of all the core soccer skills is emphasized. All VAFC programs use creative and challenging games to improve ball control, passing, dribbling, defending and shooting.
The 10 week Spring Development program consists of :
(1) A 90 minute player development session within their own skill set run by VAFC Professional staff coaches.
(2) Every session will consist of ball work and developing individual skills.
(3) Practice sessions will occur on assigned turf fields.
(4) All Volunteer coaches practices and games over seen by VAFC Boys Head Coach ( Steve Hood) and Girls Head Coach ( Lauren King).
The purpose of the Development player program is to maximize the individual’s soccer potential, while recognizing that the players come from different soccer backgrounds and will vary in technique and ability. Coaches will evaluate the players consistently from the first session and challenge players by grouping them with players of similar abilities. Technique training of all the core soccer skills is emphasized. All VAFC programs use creative and challenging games to improve ball control, passing, dribbling, defending and shooting.
Development Programming Includes:
Each player will improve their speed and agility.
Every session will consist of ball work and developing individual skills. (dribbling, controlling, and passing).
Work on the fundamentals to increase confidence.
Players will have an positive experience in a challenging and fun environment.
VAFC Coaching Staff will make sure that all players receive proper age and/or ability specific training within individual skill development and small sided games. The overall objective of VAFC’s Divisional Development program is to create a developmental environment for every player that matches his/her individual playing needs and abilities. To do this, VAFC will be following CSA’s Long Term Player Development (LTPD).
VAFC STAFF COACHES
VAFC Staff Head Coaches are required to have age appropriate certifications run by CSA or BC Soccer completed, in order to be selected for a coaching position.
As per BC Soccer website:
Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) is a CSA soccer-specific adaptation of the Long-Term Athlete Development model (LTAD) developed by Canadian Sport Centres. LTAD is a scientific model for periodized athlete training and development that respects and utilizes the natural stages of physical, mental, and emotional growth in athletes.
Like the LTAD program, LTPD is designed to:
1. Promote lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.
2. Provide a structured player development pathway.
3. Describe best practices for elite player development.
4. Create long-term excellence.
As a parent, this may be your first time registering your child to a program like this or simply may have a question.
Please contact VAFC directly if you have questions about VAFC’s player development program.
Send Email or Call Local #: 236-476-3056
Summer Development Program (U4 – U8) Registrations
EARLY APRIL – MID JUNE
For 3 to 5-year-olds, attending a VAFC’s development program is all about discovery, joy, and learning the basics of teamwork and physical activity in a playful, nurturing setting. Emphasis on the ABC’s (Agility, Balance, Coordination) are part of each session. Most importantly, soccer programs ensure young players have fun, sparking a lifelong passion for the sport.
PRE-SCHOOL
Birth Years: 2022-2023
Age Group: U3 – U4
Gender: Everyone
Location: Hillcrest Turf
Day of Week: Mon & Wed
Dates: May 7th – June 11th
Time: 9:30 am to 10:15 am
Total Sessions: 11
Fee: $70
PRE-SCHOOL
Birth Years: 2022-2023
Age Group: U3 – U4
Gender: Everyone
Location: Hillcrest Turf
Day of Week: Mon & Wed
Dates: May 7th – June 11th
Time: 10:30 am to 11:15 am
Total Sessions: 11
Fee: $70
GRASSHOPPERS
Birth Years: 2020-2021
Age Group: U5- U6
Gender: Everyone
Location: Hillcrest Turf
Day of Week: Saturday
Dates: July 5th -August 16th
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Total Sessions: 6
Fee: $95


MINIS BOYS
Birth Years: 2018 – 2019
Age Group: U7/U8
Gender: Male
Location: Hillcrest Turf
Day of Week: Saturday
Dates: July 5th – August 16th
Time: 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Total Sessions: 6
Fee: $95
MINIS GIRLS
Birth Years: 2018 – 2019
Age Group: U7/U8
Gender: Female
Location: Hillcrest Turf
Day of Week: Saturday
Dates: July 5th – August 16th
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Total Sessions: 6
Fee: $95

VAFC SPRING SKILLS CENTRE (U9/U10) REGISTRATIONS
July/August
In line with Canada Soccer’s best principles in player development, VAFC has created a dedicated player program for players in the U8 – U10 age group. Players will participate in two (2) training sessions per week and have multiple min game sessions on either a Saturday mornings (Boys) or Sunday morning (Girls). All sessions will have a station-based approach, where players will rotate through a variety of fundamental movement skills and fundamental soccer skills:
Areas of development: Ball Mastery / Dribbling 1 vs 1 and 2 vs 1 / Passing & Receiving / Shooting and Striking the ball
U9/U10
Birth Years: 2016-2017
Gender: Male
Training Sessions: 6
Mondays
July 7th – August 18th
No session on August 4th
Location: Hillcrest Turf
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Total Cost: $115

U9/U10
Birth Years: 2016-2017
Gender: Female
Training Sessions: 6
Wednesdays
July 9th – August 13th
Location: Hillcrest Turf
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Total Cost: $115
U13/U15
Birth Years: 2011-2013
Gender: Male & Female
Training Sessions: 6
Tuesday
July 8th – August 12th
Location: Empire South
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Total Cost: $120
U11/U12
Birth Years: 2014-2015
Gender: Male
Training Sessions: 6
Mondays
July 7th – August 18th
No session on August 4th
Location: Hillcrest Turf
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Total Cost: $115
U16/U18
Birth Years: 2008-2010
Gender: Male & Female
Training Sessions: 6
Thursdays
July 3rd – August 7th
Location: Empire South
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Total Cost: $120
U11/U12
Birth Years: 2014-2015
Gender: Female
Training Sessions: 6
Wednesdays
July 9th – August 13th
Location: Hillcrest Turf
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Total Cost: $115

SPRING DIVISIONAL PROGRAMS (U11 – U18) REGISTRATIONS
APRIL TO JUNE 2025
Soccer academies provide structured training focused on technical skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control. At this age, players can build a strong foundation and refine their techniques under professional guidance. Players are grouped according to their appropriate skill set, and VAFC’s professional coaching staff runs all sessions. Attending a soccer development program can be transformative. It helps players grow as athletes and individuals while fostering a lifelong love for the sport.
Divisional Boys
Birth Years: 2012 / 2013 / 2014
Age Group: U11 / U12 / U13
Gender: Male
Training Sessions: 10
Tuesday: April 8th – June 10th
Location: Empire Turf – South
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Total Cost: $195.00
Divisional Girls
Birth Years: 2012 / 2013 / 2014
Age Group: U11 / U12 / U13
Gender: Female
Training Sessions: 10
Thursday: April 10th – June 12
Location: Empire Turf – South
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Total Cost: $195.00
Divisional Boys
Birth Years: 2007 to 2011
Age Group: U14 to U18
Gender: Male
Training Sessions: 10
Tuesday: April 8th – June 10th
Location: Empire Turf – South
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Total Cost: $195.00
Divisional Girls
Birth Years: 2007 to 2011
Age Group: U14 to U18
Gender: Female
Training Sessions: 10
Thursday: April 10th – June 12
Location: Empire Turf – South
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Total Cost: $195.00
House and Divisional Announcements
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Soccer Camps
Pro D Day Camps : Spring Break : Summer Camps
VAFC has a 1/2 day camp that works for all players.
learn more