Spring Skill Centre

REGISTRATION FOR OPEN GROUP - January 20th at 10am

Although we are at the start of the cold weather…our Spring 2025 Skills Centre Program is right around the corner! Last spring's pilots have now become mainstays! Please have a look below at what our program is offering to our membership this spring. 

Training Environment 

This aspect of the program forms the core of what all else hinges on. Our staff are always trying to challenge each player, inject in them something that will inspire them and ensure that everyone leaves the field with a sense of accomplishment.

Our Technical Director, along with our Academy Manager and senior staff at the club have updated all of the curriculum so that everything we are offering over the course of the 8 week spring is relevant and cutting edge.

The session plans vary from utilizing a “whole - part - whole” or “Game - Activity - Game” format as well as a more traditional format that involves repetition of various technical skills which lead to smaller game formats and ending with a bigger game. The topics revolve around getting out members ready for the competition that awaits them at the various tournament offerings.

Skills Center Local Tournament Opportunities (2011 players are not included in this component)

In addition to the training programming, which will take place on weekends (please see day and times below) from April to June, we will also be offering a tournament outlet where players can take part in various local tournaments. All players will be considered for these 3 local tournaments.

Skills Center Invite Only Tournament Opportunities

We will be offering an opportunity to travel stateside, and we will be taking groups of invited only groups down to Vancouver Washington the last weekend of June to take part in the Clash at the Border tournament. This opportunity will require a deposit at the start of the program to ensure we can secure hotel bookings and make the appropriate staffing and travel arrangements. 

Cascadia League Participation (2011 players will not take part in Skill Centre Cascadia games)

We will be entering Skills Centre teams into the lower mainlands Cascadia Spring League. Players participating in this will need to be ready to play home or away games that can take teams as far as Abbotsford to play. Teams and rosters will be formed based on a 14-16 player pool to ensure we have the numbers required to field teams. 

We will be implementing a “fee/bond” that is payable at the start of the program, which ensures participation in a minimum of 4 games throughout the 8 week season. At the end of the spring, any remaining funds from your “fee/bond” will be re-credited towards your child PowerUp account. 

*All of the Cascadia teams are subject to roster viability, and dependent on having "volunteer" coaches to run away games. Anyone interested in coaching within this program/league should signal their interest by emailing our Technical Director and Academy Manager. The club will then determine who will be helping these groups out throughout the spring. (Of note, the club will prioritize current club coaches who are within good standing and who share the same developmental views as the club). 

Sideline Behaviour Expectations from Families

Although this program offers a unique competition portion, we view any games or tournaments that we take part in as learning experiences for our players. We are not playing in the World Cup finals, and the attitudes and behavior of our members on the sidelines is expected to be one of grace, encouragement and positivity regardless of score lines or game climate. Sideline coaching is not welcome and our hope is that you understand and support us as we strive to create a safe learning environment for our players. 

Tactical Approach

Given our history with this program and having taken many groups to these tournaments, the tactical decisions all fall back on the clubs Game Model and overall outlook on player development. For more information regarding this, please ensure you take part in the information meeting that will be hosted by the staff at the onset of the program. 

Lines of Communication & Time Sensitive Replies

Due to the nature of the tournaments & Cascadia Game options, when opting into this program you are assuming the responsibility to respond to invitations, emails and follow time sensitive deadlines. If this is something you are not wanting to undertake, please register for one of our other academy programs that are being offered in the spring. 

Any questions regarding this program should go directly to Nick Perugini the clubs Academy Manager: nick@vancouverunitedfc.com

We ask that families have minimal contact with the on field staff as their priority is with the players on the field. Although they may be able to converse at times, they may also inform you that they will not engage in conversation at that time. Please respect that and direct any concerns or questions about your child, the program to our Aacademy Manager. 

Player Model Criteria

Players who will receive an “invitation” are what we consider “player model” within their respective age group and have excelled in one or more of the following categories: Athletic Ability, Technical Proficiency, Tactical Awareness, Sportsmanship and Socio-Emotional Maturity. These players do not receive any preferential treatment, and “open registrant” members receive the same tournament options, game outlets and staffing quality that Player Models receive. 

Players not receiving an invitation are encouraged to register for one of the “open” spots if this program is something that interests them. Open registrants cannot “request” to train within a Player Model group due to scheduling preference or friendship requests but may be asked to join a Player Model group based on merit and staff assessments. General registration will open January 20th 2025

There are only a set number of spots available within each age group, so spots are very limited. 

Program Dates:

Week 1: April5&6

Week 2: April 12&13

Week 3: April 26&27

Week 4: May 3&4

Week 5: May10&11

Week 6: May24&25

Week 7: May 31 & June 1 

Week 8: June7 & 8

Cost(s): 

Program: $299 (*Payment plan option* / this does NOT include VanU Kit or tournament fees)

Tournament fees will be provided with invite emails prior to any tournaments taking place

KIT

All participants will be required to wear VanU Academy Kit. 

Please contact info@vancouverunitedfc.comif you do not have the academy jersey so that you can purchase one.

Anticipated Start Times (subject to change) & Training Groups

Saturdays

2017 & 2016 Girls (Invited & Open) 9:00am to 10:15am

2015 & 2014 Girls (Open) 10:15am to 11:30am

2015 & 2014 Girls (Invited): 11:30am to 12:45pm

2013 & 2012 Girls (Invited & Open): 12:45pm to 2:00pm

*all times are subject to change & those changes will be communicated in the event they occur

Sundays

2017 & 2016 Boys (Open) 9:00am to 10:15am

2017 & 2016 Boys (Invited) 10:15AM to 11:30AM

2015 Boys (Open) 11:30AM to 12:45PM

2015 Boys (Invited)12:45PM to 2:00PM

2014 Boys (Invited) 2:00pm to 3:15pm & 3:15pm - 4:30pm

2014 & 2013 Boys (Open)1:30pm - 2:45pm

2013 Invited , 2012 Open & Invited & 2011 Boys Open  1.30pm - 2:45pm

*all times are subject to change & those changes will be communicated in the event they occur

For players receiving an invitation:

*For players receiving an invitation, there will be an expectation that we receive acceptance within 24hrs and registration fees paid within 48hrs (for payment plan inquiries please contact Loretta Abdi the club Operations Director)

**These Invitations will be sent directly from the Academy Manager at various periods between January 16th & February 12th 2024) 

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT US TO SEE IF YOU HAVE BEEN INVITED

***Players invited into the Training Program are NOT guaranteed participation in the Clash at the Border tournament, but will be considered.