Soccer Academy

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Program Overview

Soccer Academy

The goal of the Soccer Academy program is to provide young soccer players with an environment to develop their skills to reach their full potential. Our academies offer comprehensive programs designed to challenge and inspire each player, regardless of their current level of play.

In addition to technical and tactical training, we place a strong emphasis on character development, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Our academies believe in helping players grow not only as soccer players, but also as well-rounded individuals.

Whether players are just starting out or looking to take their game to the next level, ECSD soccer academies are the ideal place for student athletes to achieve their goals. Join us and experience the best in soccer training and development available in Edmonton.

Enrollment and Acceptance into St. Edmund

Students are accepted in accordance with ECSD Administrative Procedure 300.

Student acceptance into a sport academy has additional requirements, which include:

Minimum skill level.
Space.
Ability to participate independently.
Ability to positively contribute to the competitive nature of the academy.

In order to run the academy efficiently, some students may be accepted into an academy that are non-resident/non-catchment area students. In these cases:

Acceptance into an academy program does NOT entitle siblings or members of the same household to also attend St. Edmund.
Removal or withdrawal from an academy program will require students to return to their designated school.

The intent of the St. Edmund Soccer Academy is to facilitate the overall technical, physical, and psychological development of young soccer players.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to motivate and develop disciplined, resilient, and high-performing student-athletes by integrating elite soccer training with strong academic accountability and character development.
The academy provides an elite training environment that challenges players to compete at a high level while building the habits, mindset, and leadership skills required for long-term success in sport and in life.

Program Eligibility/Requirements

The St. Edmund Soccer Academy is open to students in grades 4 through 9

To be eligible for the Soccer Academy, students must demonstrate:

A strong interest in competitive soccer and skill development
Commitment to regular training sessions and competitions
Willingness to meet academic and behavioral expectations
Positive attitude, coachability, and respect for teachers, teammates and staff
Students must have previous experience (presently playing on a community and/or organized/club soccer team)

Acceptance is based on skill assessment, effort, academic standing and readiness to participate in a structured academy environment.

Academic Expectations & Accountability

Academic excellence is a non-negotiable expectation of all Soccer Academy athletes. Student-athletes must:

Maintain satisfactory academic standing
Demonstrate consistent attendance and assignment completion
Manage time effectively while balancing training and coursework
Student behavior and conduct must be a credit to THEMSELVES, the PROGRAM, the SCHOOL and the COMMUNITY.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

Students must first be accepted to the school based on the criteria established.

Admission to the Soccer Academy is competitive and based on demonstrated readiness to meet the demands of a high-performance environment. Selection is determined by:

Technical ability and game understanding
Work ethic, coachability, and competitive mindset
Commitment to consistent training and match play
Ability to meet academic and behavioral standards

All applicants must participate in a shadow day. Shadow Day Registration will be posted on the school website.

Facilities

The following facilities are used in order to provide our student-athletes with a safe and professional soccer environment throughout the school year. Please note that our choice of facilities may change from one year to the next. In the fall of each school year, students entering the program receive notice as to where the Soccer Academy will be training for both outdoor and indoor seasons. Facilities may change from one year to the next.

ESA Soccer Complex 14940-142 Street, Edmonton
FC Viktoria Soccer Centre 14025-142 Street, Edmonton
St. Edmund School
Grand Trunk Field

Fees And Budget

Sport Academies are programs of choice that involve program fees. Sport Academy Fees are spent on student programming and include costs such as basic apparel packages, professional coaches and instructors, transportation, equipment, venue and tournament fees. Academy Fees do not include basic school fees. Basic school fees are charged separately and are in addition to Sports Academy Fees.

Upon acceptance into one of our Sport Academies, a non-refundable deposit for the months of May and June is required and a contract will be sent to parents.

Parents may choose to pay fees in full or to pay fees on a monthly basis. For your convenience, fees may be paid online through PowerSchool. Please contact our school office (780) 453-1596 for more information about fee payment.

TRAINING PROGRAM

Soccer Skill Development

Our training program focuses on developing confident, intelligent players through:

Technical skills (ball control, passing, shooting, defending)
Tactical understanding and decision-making
Physical development (speed, agility, endurance)
Mental skills such as focus, resilience, and confidence
One on one feedback and evaluations occur throughout the year

Training is age-appropriate, progressive, and aligned with long-term player development principles.

Testing

Periodic testing is conducted to measure improvement in the combined use of technique and speed.

Competition Days

Students compete in 1vs 1, 2 vs 2, 3 vs 3 games where statistics are kept, weighting is applied and end of term results provide individual feedback for each player to consider.

ACADEMY CLASS TIME

Curriculum Outcomes

Alberta Education’s physical education, health and wellness curriculum and presentations from professionals on topics such as nutrition, injury prevention and treatment, and sport psychology are offered to our students throughout the course of the year.

In keeping with our mandate to promote a healthy, well balanced lifestyle, students participate in non-soccer activities such as: cycling, dance, swimming, rock climbing, and golf, etc. These off-campus physical education activities take place one afternoon per month.

Grade 4-6 Religion taught by academy teacher

Grade 7 Religion taught during regular school schedule

Our Commitment

The Soccer Academy is committed to supporting the whole athlete—academically, behaviorally, and athletically. We work closely with students and families to ensure each player has the tools, guidance, and support needed to succeed.

Check out our St. Edmund Soccer Instagram Account @stedmundsocceracademy