TOP Soccer Club
Academy Teams
Our Academy program is designed for players U8 to U12 who are interested in a competitive soccer program with a focus on Long-Term Player Development, quality coaching, and full-season set schedules that make it easier for kids to play multiple sports. We offer Academy teams during the outdoor season which runs mid-April to end of October. Teams compete in the TOSL league or festival schedule throughout May, June, & September, with additional festivals in April/May/October. TOP Soccer teams take a two-month break during the summer where there are no team events, practices, or games.
Each season we offer multiple teams per age group, split by gender, skill level, or mixed ability. Interested players must fill out an application form to register their interest in joining the program. Once we have determined how many players are returning from the previous season’s team, interested players will be notified if/when there is room in their desired age group. Acceptance to the program is not on a ‘first come first serve’ basis, but is determined by an evaluation of the player’s previous experience and application. Priority will always be given to athletes who play more than one sport at TOP.
TOP Soccer
Academy Teams — Outdoor 2026
| Team | Birth Year | Teams Offered | Competition | Structure | Rosters | Weekly Commitment | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U8 | 2018 | Boys & Girls | TOSL | Weekly Festival | Mixed Ability | 3x sessions per week | Apply Now → |
| U9 | 2017 | Boys & Girls | TOSL | Weekly Festival | Mixed Ability | 3x sessions per week | Apply Now → |
| U10 | 2016 | Boys & Girls | TOSL | League Play | Tiered | 3x sessions per week | Apply Now → |
| U11 | 2015 | Boys & Girls | TOSL | League Play | Tiered | 3x sessions per week | Apply Now → |
| U12 | 2014 | Boys & Girls | TOSL | League Play | Tiered | 3x sessions per week | Apply Now → |
* Game frequency and festivals may change slightly. Full seasonal schedules are published in advance.
- Modified Schedule (No Summers): Mid-April → end of October, no events in July & August.
- Weekly Commitment: Two weeknight trainings + one weekend training or game, Midtown Toronto fields.
- Development-First: Age-appropriate environment with ≈3:1 practice-to-game ratio.
- Professional Coaches: Technical staff, non-parent coaches, modern curriculum.
- Multi-Sport Friendly: Minimal overlap with TOP Hockey & TOP Lacrosse.
- Player Pathway: Clear progression U8 → U13+ with consistent standards.
- League Play: U10–U12 teams play in TOSL League; U8/U9 play in TOSL Festivals.
- Tournaments/Festivals: Teams play 2–4 festivals or tournaments per season (age dependent). Most tournaments are local, but U10+ teams may attend travel tournaments.
- Field Locations: All practices take place in Midtown Toronto (De La Salle, BSS, St. Mike's, Deer Park, Branksome Hall, Havergal).
- Registration Fees: Fees include all practices, games, festivals, coaching, referee fees, admin fees, Ontario Soccer fees, player insurance, and more.
- Coaches: All TOP Soccer coaches complete all requirements set out by Ontario Soccer.
- Additional Training: Players on Academy teams have opportunities to attend additional skills programs throughout the season during the summer and winter.
- Apply: Complete the Application Form to register your interest.
- Availability: Returning families have first right of refusal; remaining spots are filled from applications.
- Evaluation: Staff review for program fit; invitations sent as spots open.
- Acceptance: Team details, fees, and schedules are shared prior to acceptance.
- Registration: Non-refundable deposit secures your roster spot; balance in instalments.
Questions? Email soccer@topsports.ca.
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FAQs
Common Questions
How are teams selected? Are there tryouts?
At the Grassroots level (U8-U12), we do not believe tryouts are a suitable way to evaluate players. We use the analogy of given students a math test before the first day of math class - it doesn’t help their long-term development and often results in kids leaving sport all together. Teams are selected by Application Process, factoring in previous experience, multi-sport history, and family philosophy, amongst other criteria. Generally we offer multiple teams per age group, which allows us to provide a place to play for the majority of interested players.
What League do TOP Soccer teams play in? How many games per season?
TOP Soccer teams play in the TOSL, a regional league based in Toronto operated by the Toronto Soccer Association. At the Grassroots level, U8-U9 teams play weekly festivals on Saturdays (2x shorter games per festival) throughout May, June, and September, totalling 14-16 games. U10-U12 teams play in a league format with a longer weekly game on Saturdays, totalling 15 games per season.
Are players required to purchase uniforms?
Yes, each two years TOP Soccer players are required to purchase our Adidas player kit, which incudes 2-3 game jerseys, 1x shorts, 1x socks, custom Adidas tracksuit, and custom Adidas backpack.
Do you offer year-round programs?
As part of our commitment to multi-sport development, our programs follow a seasonal schedule and we do not mandate training in the off-season. For players who are interested in extra training, we offer optional programs in the summer and winter months, however attendance at these programs has no bearing on selection to a TOP Soccer team.