Winter Academy
VanU Academy - Winter 2026
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. It also offers week long daytime mid-term break and summer camps.
The VanU FC Fall Academy is open to all U8-U15 VanU FC players (born between 2018 to 2011) depending on the academy.
Registration Notes
- Please note that we do not take requests for players to be in the same group as friends.
- U11-U13 boys and girls VanU Plus teams DO NOT need to register as Fall Academy is already included in their registration fee.
- Price for all Academy programs can be found on our Fees page.
Winter Academy Programming
This Winter, VanU is pleased to be offering the following Academy programs:
- Monday Development Academy (players born 2010 – 2018)
- Monday Goalkeeper Academy (2010 – 2018)
- Friday Small Sided Games Academy (players born 2011 – 2018)
- Friday Goalkeeper Games-Based Academy (players born 2011 – 2018)
VanU Development Academy
This program will see players take part in a general warm, 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.
Players are expected to wear the VanU Academy Jersey to all sessions. An email will be sent to all those who register on how to purchase the jersey if you do not already own one.
VanU Goalkeeper Academy
This program will see players take part in a general warm before moving into their group alongside the other goalkeepers. Players will be led through position-specific drills including shot-stopping, positioning, quick reactions, and passing out from the back. Goalkeepers may also join the Development Academy players for the Small Sided Games.
Players are expected to wear the VanU Academy Jersey to all sessions. An email will be sent to all those who register on how to purchase the jersey if you do not already own one.
VanU Goalkeeper Games-Based Academy
This winter, our Goalkeeper Academy on Fridays will take on more of a game-based learning model. Players will begin by going through a warm up and then jumping into the Small Sided Games Academy while our Goalkeeping Team Instructors coach them during the games, providing them pointers and direct feedback during those games.
*Spots are limited to 6 players per hour*
Players are expected to wear the VanU Academy Jersey to all sessions. An email will be sent to all those who register on how to purchase the jersey if you do not already own one.
VanU Small Sided Games Academy
Although Small Sided games have been a staple within our Monday Night Development Academy Curriculum (and will remain as such), we will be offering a Small Sided Games Academy – “Friday Night Lights” – this Winter in lieu of our Shooting & Finishing Academy (which will return in the spring).
Participants can expect to have games organized in a fashion that challenge them and also help them understand positioning and basic rules of the game.
This academy program does require all participants to wear the appropriate footwear and shin guards. Engagement and desire to play in competitive games is an essential part of the expectations we will have of all players regardless of skill level, and any players who register should be prepared to work hard and have fun!
