Each Pre-Competitive squad consists of talented young players selected by our Technical Staff through the evaluation process. Returning Pre-Competitive players are not subject to formal tryouts, since they are evaluated routinely over the course of their previous season. Players considered "new" (those who did not play competitively with the club in the most recent season - fall/winter) must register for an evaluation. This is done via PowerUp, our registration platform – look for a product that includes the term "Evaluation Fee" once logged in. New players will then be contacted by the relevant Staff Coach to formally set up an on-field evaluation.

Returning players should simply register for the "Base Competitive Fee" on PowerUp to be considered for the following season. Note that players who participated in the program in one season are not necessarily guaranteed a position in the same program the following season. New groups are formed every season with each player's current ability and development in mind.

Following the evaluation period, trialists will be notified of their evaluation result by their respective Staff Coach. Players will be placed at the level that currently best suits their ability, with their long-term development in mind. Players who are selected for the program will be sent a Pre-Competitive Program invitation letter, which will invite them to accept a position in the squad for the season.

The U8 to U9 Pre-Competitive program features a squad approach that ensures players are continuously challenged and exposed to players outside of their matchday team. This helps foster a healthy training environment that keeps things fresh and allows for player movement during the season. Players are, however, split into smaller teams for matchplay, enabling them to develop closer relationship with their teammates and compete against other teams and clubs around the region. Over the course of the summer, teams will participate in a mix of 7v7 league games, intrasquad matches and other small-sided games, along with at least one festival event.

Training sessions are planned and overseen by our Academy Staff, while being run by our Pre-Competitive coaches. They are designed primarily to focus on building individual skill, as is recommended by Canada Soccer and numerous studies for children at these ages. Our technical plan, which is aligned with that of our Academy program, incorporates a blend of station-style exercises and small-sided match play, ensuring that players can develop through repetition first, and then have the opportunity to apply their learnings in realistic game scenarios. Finally, players learn principles of play, how to work as a team and how to compete through the matches themselves.

New this year: As our program continues to grow year over year in both size and quality, we have established two levels within the competitive programs: Advanced and Core.

Advanced level teams can expect to train twice a week and participate in local festival play, typically at the Premier or Tier 1 divisions. Advanced Pre-Competitive players have the option of registering for the Competitive Skills Centre program to match the training volume of the Academy program.

Core level teams can expect to train once, and participate in local festival play, typically at the T2 level. Core Pre-Competitive players have the option of registering for the Competitive Skills Centre program to match the training volume of the Advanced Competitive program.

Boys Staff Coach: Logan Richardson

Having grown up playing at the club his entire youth career, Logan has transitioned into a substantial coaching role at AOJ, plying his trade in a wide array of programs. Even at a young age, Logan's leadership qualities are apparent and he leads by example as a player and as a coach. He is continuing his coaching journey throughout university and is taking on more and more responsibilities at the club, including leadership roles in the Grassroots and Pre-Competitive programs.

Girls Staff Coach: Jordan Lundin

While she is perhaps best known for her charisma and energy, Jordan first made her name as one of the top female players produced in Ottawa. Her talents not only allowed her to represent Eastern Ontario at the provincial level, but to be included in the Big South's all-decade team for her NCAA D1 career at Radford University. Jordan has coached at the club for nearly 15 years, but became a full-time staff member upon her graduation from Radford in 2018. Since then, she has gained experience coaching and leading all levels and ages at the club. She currently oversees the Girls High Performance Academy, as well as the Girls U10-U11 Academy. Like all of our staff, Jordan intends to pursue further education through Canada Soccer and CONCACAF.

Registration, PowerUp or payment questions: admin@aojuniors.com

Learn more about our club staff by visiting our Staff page.

The registration fee includes an AOJ training shirt, along with shorts, socks and a size 1 ball. These will be handed out during the first month of sessions - more details to be shared when confirmed.

Players are required to wear the training shirt given by the club, along with protective shin guards and shoes (which can be bought at any sports store) at all sessions. Soccer cleats are allowed and recommended for all age groups, but not officially necessary. Black shorts and socks will be handed out as part of the Grassroots Skills Centre program, and should be worn at all Pre-Academy sessions as well.

Atlético Ottawa Juniors programs will be taking a summer break during which programs will not run, unless otherwise stated. This season's break will take place between Monday July 20 and Sunday August 2, 2026. Activities will be resuming as scheduled on the week of Monday, August 3, 2026.

Applicable registration fees

• Grassroots Base Program fee: $245
  • All players who wish to join the Pre-Competitive program must be registered for the Grassroots Base Program. They will participate in this program on Mondays or Fridays until they receive and accept a Pre-Competitive invitation from our staff.
  • Players selected to join from the Base Program will no longer participate in the Base Program, working instead expressly with the Pre-Competitive group three times weekly. However, this Base Program fee will go towards the total cost of participating in the Pre-Competitive program.
• Pre-Competitive Program fee: $275-$400
  • This fee is added to players' accounts in PowerUp once their invitation is accepted, and represents the increased weekly commitment of the Pre-Competitive program along with the additional resources dedicated to the program.
  • Includes an AOJ Pre-Competitive training shirt, shorts and socks to be worn at all sessions, along with a size 1 soccer ball.
• Non-volunteer fee (1 per family per season): $60
  • Should already be accounted for through each player's existing Grassroots Base Program registration.
  • Fee is credited into accounts at the end of the season for those who volunteer with the club. Visit our Volunteering page to find volunteer opportunities!

Financial assistance: Atlético Ottawa Juniors works with valued organizations and community partners to help families needing support for their child (or children) to be able to play soccer and be healthy. Visit our Financial Assistance page for more information.

Withdrawals: visit our Refunds & Withdrawals page to request a credit or refund. All refunds are subject to the Refund Policy. Only approved requests will be processed.