Each Academy squad consists of the most committed and talented players as identified by our Technical Staff through an evaluation process. Returning Academy or 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) 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. These often take place within the structure of existing programs themselves, to give our staff the best possible chance of placing each player in the most appropriate environment.

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 an Academy Program invitation letter, which will invite them to accept a position in the squad for the season.

Players who are graduating from the U10-U12 Academy into the U13 programs may continue their journey into either the High Performance Academy or the Regional Academy, as selected by our Academy Staff based on a variety of factors.

Our U10 to U12 Academy program primarily features a squad approach that ensures players are continuously challenged and exposed to more than just a dozen players. This helps foster a healthy training environment that keeps things fresh and allows for player movement during the season. Players are only placed on team rosters for matchplay, and continuing to work with the entire squad in training sessions. This format enables them to develop positive relationships with all of their "squadmates", play at the level that is currently best for them, and develop a truly development-centric mindset, while competing against other teams and clubs around the region and province. Over the summer months, teams will participate in a mix of 7v7 (U10-U11) or 9v9 (U12) games, whether it be in the form of league play, intrasquad matches, festivals/tournaments or other small-sided games.

Training sessions are led for the entire squad by our Academy Staff and are designed primarily to focus on building individual skill, as is recommended by Canada Soccer and numerous studies for children at these ages. Basic principles of play aligned with the club's game model are also introduced, helping developing well-rounded players that understand the game. Our technical plan 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 at the level that suits them. In the long run, the goal of the Academy is to produce two solid squads by U13, that will compete at the provincial level in our High Performance Academy and at the regional level in our Regional Academy.

If you have questions, please contact the Staff Coach for your program by clicking on their name below!

U10-U11 Boys Staff Coach: Abdoul Barry

Known by many for his endless energy and charisma, Abdoul began coaching at the club in 2021. Having played at the university level in France and contributed to developing the game in multiple communities around the world, Abdoul now oversees our U10-U11 Boys Academy program at the club, as well as assisting in the Boys High Performance Program. His coaching journey since moving to Canada has seen him coach at former OPDL club Markham FC and work with other programs at AOJ, including our U7-U9 Pre-Competitive, U12 Academy, and U13 Regional team. Abdoul holds a Canada Soccer C-License and is currently working towards his CONCACAF B Diploma.

U12-U13 Boys Staff Coaches: Kaden Engbers & Will Francoeur

Having grown up playing his entire youth career with AOJ's predecessor Cumberland Cobras, Kaden began coaching youth programs at 12, eventually progressing to lead the club's Grassroots programs by his late teens. Through his work at the club, Kaden has gained a vast array of experience coaching and coordinating programs from U4 up to U14. He currently serves as the Head Coach of both the U12 Boys Academy and U13 Boys High Performance Academy, and oversees the U4-U13 programs at the club as Associate Technical Director. Kaden holds a National Children's Diploma, the highest Canada Soccer license for programs of this age group, and is currently enrolled in the CONCACAF B Diploma. He also serves as a captain for our Men's First Team.

After having played in the club's Grassroots, Competitive, Academy, and Adults programs over the course of over 20 years, Will has developed into a key staff member. In his decade of experience, he has coached and coordinated many of the U9-U13 Boys Academy and Competitive programs, as well as having helped operate the clubs Grassroots and Open programs. Off the field, Will has also led marketing efforts on social media and behind the scenes, in addition to bringing other projects to life... including this website! Will holds a Canada Soccer C-License and co-leads the U12 Boys Academy program, while assisting in the U10-U11 Academy and U13 HPA programs.

U10-U11 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.

U12-U13 Girls Staff Coach: Caleb Mallette

Known for his relentless work ethic and growth mindset, Caleb is yet another homegrown member of AOJ's core staff. Growing up at the club as a talented player in the Academy, Caleb elected to pursue coaching in his teen years. In his time at the club, Caleb has worked in almost every Girls Academy program and now serves as the Head Coach of both the U12 Girls Academy and U14 Girls High Performance Academy. He holds a Canada Soccer Children's Diploma and is currently pursuing his CONCACAF B Diploma. 

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

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

We are always looking to strengthen our coaching staff and add passionate and experienced leaders to our ranks. There are also a variety of ways to contribute to your child's program by volunteering off the field. If you are interested in helping us make the program better, please visit our Coaching, Employment and Volunteering page and fill out the interest form to let us know!

The exact weekly schedule is still to be determined and will be communicated as soon as possible by our staff coaches.

Note that training days are always subject to change as we manage facilities, league games and staff commitments across a variety of programs. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Academy teams will also participate in at least one tournament outside the city of Ottawa, in addition to other events within the city. More details will be communicated by staff coaches at the start of the season.

Players are required to wear the proper uniforms and gear, in addition to the usual cleats and shin pads, to all training sessions, games and team events. The registration fee includes an AOJ training shirt, which will be handed out during the pre-season.

Other club gear items will be required for players accepted into the program, such as game uniforms, shorts, socks and a backpack – more information will be communicated by staff coaches at the start of the season.

Uniforms and club apparel can be purchased online directly from our supplier. For any questions related to the club apparel orders, please use the Contact section on the supplier's website to request more information.

The club invites committed Academy players to sign up for the Morning Training sessions, which take place bright and early on Friday mornings! This additional program provides our most committed and passionate players with an extra session on the field for focused skills development, and has proven highly beneficial to these talented players in the past.

Enthusiastic players who wish to have an additional training session each week can also register for the optional Skills Centre session. This session typically takes place on Friday evenings at Millennium, with our Academy staff and strongest youth coaches.

AOJ also offers a specialized program for goalkeepers, which is heavily recommended for Academy players who are either exploring this unique position or already committed to it. For more details, visit the GK Training program page here.

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

• Evaluation fee: $65 (new players only)
  • Players who participated in Academy or Competitive programs during the Winter 2025-26 season are not required to pay this fee. Any other players are considered "new" and subject to this evaluation fee.
• Base Competitive fee: $290
  • All players looking to play in Academy or Competitive programs for the season must pay this initial fee upon registration. Players who are not selected will see this fee credited/refunded.
  • Players will not be considered registered (and therefore not considered for squad selection at the start of the season) until this fee is paid or instalments are set up.
• Academy fee: $700 - $800
  • This additional program fee will be added to the accounts of selected players once they have accepted their invitation to the Academy program.
• Non-volunteer fee (1 per family per season): $60
  • 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. Note that evaluation fees are non-refundable.