Academy Teams U7-U13
TOSL league and festival play for boys and girls, with no summer commitment
Program Overview
Between U7 and U13, the goal is building great soccer players without burning out young athletes or specializing in one sport too early. TOP Soccer's Pre-Academy and Academy programs give boys and girls a structured, competitive environment built on Long-Term Player Development, high-quality coaching, and set seasonal schedules that make it easier to play other sports alongside soccer.
Our Pre-Academy Program (U7-U8) introduces young players to a more structured development setting and serves as a bridge from Rec Programs to our Academy and Competitive pathways. Academy teams (U8-U13) play in the TOSL, the Toronto district league operated by the Toronto Soccer Association, through a mix of festivals and league play. The season runs from mid-April to late October, and there are no team commitments in July or August.
Our Programs
Pre-Academy and Academy
Pre-Academy (U7/U8)
Pre-Academy is a pre-competitive program for U7 and U8 players who are thriving in recreational soccer and ready for more structure. Players train twice a week from April to June and early September to late October. Pre-Academy programs are led by certified TOP Soccer coaches and feature 2x practices per week. Pre-Academy programs do not participate in external games or festivals.
The Pre-Academy Program does not overlap with TOP Hockey and TOP Lacrosse, providing players and families with a balanced schedule, great development, and a transition into competitive soccer. Most Pre-Academy players graduate into our U8 and U9 Academy teams the following season.
Academy Teams (U8-U13)
To encourage players to play a variety of other sports, Academy teams train four times a week from mid-April to June, three times a week in September, and two times a week in October. U8 and U9 teams play TOSL festivals, with two shorter games each Saturday. U10 to U12 teams compete in TOSL league play, with one full-length game per week while in-season. TOSL Games run in May, June and September, and teams also attend 2 to 3 festivals or tournaments each season, depending on age.
For all Academy Teams, there are no team commitments in July or August. Players who want extra development can join optional summer and winter skills programs, but attendance never affects team selection.
Season at a Glance
What each month looks like
| Program | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Academy U7/U8 | Off | Off | Off | Off | Off | Training 2x/wk | Training 2x/wk |
| Academy U8-U9 | Training 4x/wk | TOSL Festivals | TOSL Festivals | Off | Off | TOSL Festivals | Training 2x/wk |
| Academy U10-U12 | Training | TOSL League | TOSL League | Off | Off | TOSL League | Training |
Academy teams train 4x per week (Apr to June), 3x per week in September, and 2x per week in October. Game frequency and festival dates may shift slightly; full schedules are published in advance.
Team Selection
We don't believe a single tryout is a fair way to evaluate a young player. Academy teams are formed through an application process that considers previous experience, multi-sport history and family philosophy. Placement isn't first come, first served. Returning players get first right of refusal, and once we know how many spots are open in each age group, we reach out to applicants as room becomes available.
We generally run multiple teams per age group, so most interested players find a place to play. Priority is always given to athletes who play more than one sport at TOP. Pre-Academy uses direct registration, with no application required.
Depending on age group and the number of teams offered, teams are formed by Open Rosters, Balanced Set Rosters, or Tiered (Skill Based).
Player Registration
Pre-Academy U7/U8
Fall · 2018-2019
Schedule & Register ▾Fall 2026
Pre-Academy (U7/U8)
| Team | Session 1 | Session 2 | Dates | Cost | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boys U7/U8 (2018/2019) | Wednesdays 6:00pm to 7:15pm* The Bishop Strachan School |
Saturdays 9:00am to 10:15am St. Michael's College School |
Sept 12 to Oct 31 | $695 + HST | Register Here |
| Girls U7/U8 (2018/2019) | Wednesdays 6:00pm to 7:15pm* The Bishop Strachan School |
Saturdays 9:00am to 10:15am St. Michael's College School |
Sept 12 to Oct 31 | $695 + HST | Register Here |
*Sessions run until 7:15pm in September. In October, end times may be adjusted for reduced daylight. School outdates TBC.
Fall 2027 (September to October): Schedule and registration details coming soon.
Program Note: Programming is subject to minimum registration requirements, and schedules and groupings may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience.
Online registrations may include a small credit card processing fee applied by our payment provider.
Academy Teams (U8-U13)
April to October · 2014-2019
View Teams ▾Outdoor 2027
Academy Teams (U8-U13)
| Team | Birth Year | Teams | Competition | Weekly Commitment | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U8 | 2019 | Boys & Girls | TOSL Festival | 4x Apr-Jun, 3x Sept, 2x Oct | Apply Now → |
| U9 | 2018 | Boys & Girls | TOSL Festival | 4x Apr-Jun, 3x Sept, 2x Oct | Apply Now → |
| U10 | 2017 | Boys & Girls | TOSL League | 4x Apr-Jun, 3x Sept, 2x Oct | Apply Now → |
| U11 | 2016 | Boys & Girls | TOSL League | 4x Apr-Jun, 3x Sept, 2x Oct | Apply Now → |
| U12 | 2015 | Boys & Girls | TOSL League | 4x Apr-Jun, 3x Sept, 2x Oct | Apply Now → |
| U13 | 2014 | Boys & Girls | TOSL League | 4x Apr-Jun, 3x Sept, 2x Oct | Apply Now → |
Teams formed by Open Rosters, Balanced Set Rosters, or Tiered (Skill Based), depending on age group and number of teams. Game frequency and festivals may change slightly. Full seasonal schedules are published in advance.
Application Process
- 1Apply: Complete the Application Form to register your interest.
- 2Availability: Returning families get first right of refusal; remaining spots are filled from applications.
- 3Evaluation: Staff review each application for program fit, with priority for multi-sport TOP athletes. Invitations go out as spots open.
- 4Acceptance: Team details, fees and schedules are shared before you accept.
- 5Registration: A non-refundable deposit secures the roster spot; the balance is paid in instalments.
- Set Seasonal Schedule: Full schedules published in advance, designed for busy, multi-sport families.
- Development Model: Training guided by the Ontario Soccer / Canada Soccer Long-Term Player Development curriculum.
- Field Locations: All practices in Midtown Toronto (De La Salle, BSS, St. Mike's, Deer Park, Branksome Hall, Havergal).
- Registration Fees: Include all practices, games, festivals, coaching, referee fees, admin fees, Ontario Soccer fees and player insurance.
- Coaches: Every TOP Soccer coach meets all Ontario Soccer requirements.
- Extra Training: Optional summer and winter skills programs for players who want more.
FAQs
Questions parents ask
Are there tryouts for Academy teams?
No. At the grassroots level (U8 to U13), teams are formed through an application process that looks at previous experience, multi-sport history and family philosophy. Returning players get first right of refusal, and priority goes to athletes who play more than one sport at TOP.
Should my child do Pre-Academy first?
It isn't required, but it's the most natural route in. Pre-Academy gives U7 and U8 players structured team training in the fall, and most players move into our U8 and U9 Academy teams the following season.
How many games are there per season?
U8 and U9 teams play TOSL festivals on Saturdays (two shorter games per festival) in May, June and September, for a total of 14 to 16 games. Older Academy teams play one full-length league game per week while in season, for about 15 games. Teams also attend 2 to 3 festivals or tournaments, depending on age. Pre-Academy does not play external games.
Is there anything in July and August?
No team commitments. Optional summer skills programs are available, but attendance has no bearing on team selection.
Do players need to buy a uniform?
Academy players purchase the TOP Soccer Adidas kit every two years. It includes 2 to 3 game jerseys, shorts, socks, a custom Adidas tracksuit and a custom Adidas backpack.
Watch & Explore
Get to Know TOP Soccer
Ready to find your pathway?
Questions? Contact us at soccer@topsports.ca or call (647) 249-9466