Confused about where to start or which program to choose next? Learn more about the Royal York players development pathway below.

Player Training and Development Programs

Phase 1 – For new or inexperienced young players

If you are relatively new to the structured soccer environment your path starts with introductory programs: Mini Masters – Ages 5-6, or Little Champs – Ages 7-9.

Our introductory programs are designed for players who have little or no experience with football or they are coming out of our technical program Tiny Tots. These programs are a transition to the Football School environment.

Phase 2 – Developing young players

Second phase of your development leads into our Football School (grouped by ages 5-6, ages 7-9 and ages 10-14). Our Football School focuses on individual technical skills development of our players.

Players are expected to improve their movement with and without the ball, agility, ball manipulation and increase confidence in game situations. Commitment in our Football School is twice a week.

Intensity and technical skill level are higher than in our introductory programs.

Phase 3 – Junior Academy

The third phase of your development is our Junior Academy Training program for ages 5-6 and 7-9. Junior Academy is the first step to playing as a team in a football environment. To join our Academy, a player must tryout or be scouted by a RYFC coach. Junior Academy is preparation for the rep soccer stream.

The expected commitment is higher than in the first or second phase of development as Academy players train three times a week. Players intending to join are required to have an adequate level of maturity, commitment, focus and ability to listen.

Phase 4 – Rep Team

To join our Academy, a player must tryout or be scouted by a RYFC coach. Rep teams train 3 times per week and have a weekly league match.