Spring Academy

VanU Academy - Spring 2025

The Academy is VanU’s professional coaching arm.  It is responsible for program, player, and coach training, and development for all youth players, teams, and coaches. The Academy also develops and operates additional training programs for those players wanting enhanced skills and tactical training. It operates under the oversight of the Technical Committee which reports through the chair to the Board of Directors. It is run by the Technical Director who reports to the Executive Director.  The Technical Director hires professional Technical Lead coaches and staff coaches to develop and operate its programs.  The Academy supplies professional staff to assist in the operation of First Kicks and Divisional teams. The Academy attempts to offer extra training programs for all levels of play if there is sufficient demand.  These programs are offered in the evenings during the week while in season. 

Spring Academy Programming

This Spring, VanU is pleased to be offering the following Academy programs:

• Monday Development Academy (players born 2010 - 2017)
• Monday Goalkeeper Academy (players born 2011 - 2017)
• Friday Shooting & Finishing Academy (players born 2010 - 2017)
• Friday Goalkeeper Academy (players born 2010 - 2017)

Development Academy

We are pleased to announce that our Academy programming is taking on a new look based on feedback received over the last few seasons. We will be integrating the best parts of our Technical Skills Academy and Small Sided Games Academy and have built a curriculum that will allow players to experience both of those items throughout their Development Academy sessions. 

Players will take part in a general warmup, move into their groups, and go through three activities during their time with us. One activity will focus on a technical aspect of the game; Passing, Ball Control, Dribbling, etc, one activity will help players develop their coordination and footwork, and the final activity will be a themed Small Sided game. 

Groups may vary from week to week as the staff try to ensure players are challenged enough, but ultimately these groups are always dependent on optimal sizes which is determined by attendance.

*Players are expected to wear blue socks, blue shorts, and the Academy VanU Jersey. An email will be sent to all those who register on how to purchase the jersey if you do not already own one.*

Shooting & Finishing Academy

This program is designed to ensure players taking part get a maximum amount of repetitions in and around the goal. The curriculum will be a variety of finishing activities and game-like scenarios where they can fine tune their goal scoring skills. Training groups are fluid and players will be grouped with like minded players to maximize their experience within the program.

*Players are expected to wear blue socks, blue shorts, and the Academy VanU Jersey. An email will be sent to all those who register on how to purchase the jersey if you do not already own one.*

Goalkeeper Academy

This program is designed for trained or aspiring goalkeepers who are looking for GK-based skill acquisition through high repetition, game-realistic situations, and dynamic problem solving. The curriculum will involve all fundamental GK skills including (but not limited to) footwork, handling, diving, high balls/crosses, 1v1s, reaction saves, distribution, and general shot-stopping techniques. The program will involve consistent training groups where individual coaches can track each players progress and give in-depth feedback pertaining to their long-term development.

*Players are expected to wear blue socks, blue shorts, and the Academy VanU Jersey. An email will be sent to all those who register on how to purchase the jersey if you do not already own one.*