Foothills Academies
Foothills Academies are at the forefront of soccer education. We have two … one for our male players and one for our female players. Each is designed to align with the various ages and stages of youth development. We are committed to the continuous refinement of our Academies. We stay ahead of other clubs in Calgary (and arguably Canada) by shadowing soccer leaders like Manchester City, Anderlecht, and Espanyol, and then incorporating the best practices we discover.
Supporting Our Players’ Development:
Central to our philosophy is a commitment to player development, acknowledging that kids learn and grow at different levels. Across Tier 1 to Tier 3, there is consistent training staff, shared Academy experiences and programming hours, and a unified curriculum. We understand that players progress and develop at different ages and stages of their soccer journey. Our Tier 2/3 players are an excellent illustration. Many have successfully transitioned into post-secondary play, exemplifying the comprehensive and supportive nature of our developmental pathway.
Women In Sport:
Our commitment to women in sport is exemplified through our highly successful Girls Academy. The Academy has been instrumental in developing and producing players who have transitioned through our pathway to professional leagues worldwide. At the core is a specific female curriculum meticulously crafted by coaches specializing in the unique needs and challenges of female athletes. This approach ensures that our female players receive targeted guidance and support, contributing to their success not only with Foothills but also on the global stage of professional soccer.
Our Academies' Technical Pathway
Our Academies include a comprehensive technical curriculum meticulously tailored to address the distinct needs of each age group. The curriculum serves as the guiding force for our players as they progress through our soccer phases, ensuring that they are provided with the right tools and training based on their evolving proficiency levels.
Player Development Plan
At the heart of our commitment to individual growth is the Player Development Plan—a personalized roadmap for each player’s journey. This plan involves regular reviews and progress tracking and offers targeted feedback, ensuring that every player experiences a tailored and progressive development pathway.
Team Development
Our Team Development program embraces a holistic approach that is the cornerstone of the Foothills team experience. Beyond just building excellent players, we prioritize the development of outstanding individuals. Our focus lies in creating an environment where players refine their skills and emerge as well-rounded and responsible individuals, both on and off the field.
How Our Holistic Approach Develops Excellent Players and Outstanding People
Calgary Foothills Soccer Club is committed to nurturing soccer talent and instilling values that extend beyond the game. Our holistic approach emphasizes the importance of character development, leadership skills, and teamwork, creating an environment where players thrive as athletes and as responsible and contributing members of society. That is the Foothills Way.
Foothills Skills Program (U9 - U13)
Foothills recognizes that players progress and develop differently and have built our Academy curriculums to support those differences. For all Tier 1-3 teams and players, there is consistency in training staff, Academy hours, and programs. We firmly believe in the idea that players will experience growth and development at different ages and stages of their soccer journey. Our Tier 2/3 players are an excellent illustration. Many have successfully transitioned into post-secondary play, exemplifying the comprehensive and supportive nature of our developmental pathway.
Everyone is Different but Equal:
The Skills Program is designed to enhance a player’s connection with the ball during a crucial age and stage in their development. Each individual is different, and to nurture their ability to learn, we provide them with a balance of guidance and the chance to explore. The Skills Program is designed to graduate players who have technical ball mastery and the confidence to execute their skills.
By acknowledging that learning styles differ among players, the program encourages a personalized journey, ensuring that each participant receives the necessary support to maximize their potential.
Continuous Improvement:
As with all aspects of the Foothills Way, our Skills Program continuously evolves and improves to support an optimal learning environment.
The curriculum adapts to the latest advancements in player development, ensuring that participants are exposed to cutting-edge techniques and strategies. The focus on creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment extends beyond the training sessions, incorporating ongoing assessments and feedback loops to fine-tune outcomes in response to individual and collective progress.
Ultimately, the Skills Program is more than a set of drills – it’s a holistic approach to player development that nurtures technical proficiency and the self-assurance required to excel on the field. Through a combination of innovative coaching methods, individualized attention, and a commitment to staying at the forefront of development, the program shapes well-rounded players ready for their next phase of competition.
Grassroots and Youth Club Phases:
Partners in our Communities
Foothills is an active part of the following communities and offers a variety of activities within them:
- Auburn Bay
- Canyon Meadows
- Chaparral
- Copperfield
- Cranston
- Deer Ridge
- Deer Run
- Evergreen
- Langdon
- Mahogany
- McKenzie Towne
- Legacy
- New Brighton
- Queensland
- Walden
Focus On Fun
Most teams arrange fun events throughout the season for their players. The Club provides opportunities as well. Arguably, our most popular are our end of season Minifests. Check out the video from one of our past events!
Resources For Our Coaches
Our Coach Development and Mentorship Program
Foothills provides FREE coach education for all U4-U18 assistant and head coaches. We offer education in line with the current Canada Soccer Association Community Stream:
- Active Start (U4-U6 Coaches) – Provides a basic understanding of physical literacy.
- Fundamentals (U6-U8 Coaches) – Develops the basic understanding of physical literacy following the Canada Soccer Long-term Player Development model.
Coach Resources
Click the link below to access “Club Coaches Only” information.
