U13-U18 Academy

HIGHLANDER'S ACADEMY TEAMS:

Young soccer players (girls & boys) in the region will soon have a unique training opportunity to develop their skills and move through a system to attain their career goals. The Victoria Highlanders are pleased to announce the enhancement of their current development programs this fall that will allow athletes to stay in their club environment and still acquire additional professional training at first class facilities. The program will be ideal for serious and committed footballers that want to develop their game to their highest potential, be it college, university, professional or national team status. "

This is really the culmination of two years growing our brand in the community,” explains Highlanders GM, Drew Finerty. "Owner Alex Campbell's vision for this club has always included producing quality athletes, male & female, that will represent our city at the professional & national levels."

The program will run mid September through mid March on a once-a-week basis, with extra sessions offered on a selection basis to players excelling at their level. All players will become part of the Highlander system from ages U13 through U18, into the (U20) Reserves and to the Senior (PDL) sides as their development determines. Each player will be professionally outfitted in club kit and will be offered post secondary options, physical and nutritional training along with guidance and football opportunities through the many networks in the Highlander family. The club has professional relationships with Austin Aztex, Stoke City, Sheffield Wednesday and Dundee, as well as educational institutions across Canada and in the US. In the past two years, the Highlanders have sent players to (Bryan Taylor) Stoke City, (Danny Paton-Cavanaugh) Dundee and (Darren Jones) the U20 National program, along with Universities in Michigan, BC, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Ontario.

"Not only does Mr. Campbell enjoy watching and owning a top caliber first team, but even more, he wants to assist local soccer players in realizing their career dreams by offering additional training opportunities", says Finerty.

The program will run on nights that do not conflict with the player's club's sessions and will supplement their training under the direction of Steve Simonson (Director of Youth Male Development) and Dave Dew (Director of Youth Female Development) with first team Head Coach, Ian Bridge, attending periodically in a cameo role. Other coaches and players from the Men’s & Women’s Highlanders teams will be working as Assistant Coaches.

Photo by Randy Wachtin

Program Overview:

1x per week
Sunday, Monday or Friday evenings (dependent on group and age)
Mid-September to mid-March
Exhibition games versus Local Competition
Operated by Highlanders FC Youth Development Directors (Steve Simonson ~ Male & Dave Dew ~ Female), Senior Staff and Highlander players from the Men's and Women Highlanders.

Fees:

$675Registration Fee (+HST)
$125 One-Time Kit Fee (+HST)
- (includes long-sleeve t-shirt, jersey, shorts, socks, 1/4 zip training top)
$75 Rainjacket (+GST) optional
Payments can be made in one payment (cheque, credit card or cash) or split into two payments
24 Players/age group

Program Focus:

Scout/Develop/Evaluate players in the U13-U18 age groups for potential inclusion in Highlanders future programming
Expose players to the same training methods as the Highlanders FC PDL, Reserves & Women squads
Provide competition opportunities in which to evaluate players