Chatham Soccer Academy

2020-21 Season Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the 2020/21 Season. This season we are accepting boys and girls ages 6 to 13. Players who will turn turn 6 before December will be accepted. Spaces are very limited with only 82 Spaces Available for the upcoming season. Spaces are allocated equally between boys and girls. No Tryouts required, spaces are allocated on a first come first served basis. Please see below what our Year Round Soccer Academy provides.

Part of Southwest United FC

Welcome To Chatham Soccer Academy

The Chatham Soccer Academy Is The Only Year Round Soccer Club/Academy in the Chatham Area. We Are Focused On Developing Soccer Players. The Chatham Soccer Academy is part of Southwest Utd FC. We offer players age 6 and up the opportunity to train and play year round at a variety of appropriate levels.

We offer both internal play, Inter Academy play vs our Lakeshore Academy location and Travel Soccer in Ontario and Michigan. All players will be placed and play on a team throughout the season.

Teams and training environments are fluid throughout they year to enable players to train and play at the level they are currently at rather than being locked into one team or group. Our focus is on teaching players HOW to play the game and the fundamentals they will need to take their game to whatever level they aspire to in the future.

Full Season Academy Includes

Year Round

Players get 1 or 2 training sessions per week plus matches on weekends from September thru till the the following July. The season is broken down into 3 blocks with breaks in-between.

Xmas Break

December is a the first scheduled break for our players. Take time off over the Holiday period, recharge the batteries and be ready for the Winter session.

Summer Training

The Spring/Summer session consists of 1 weekly practice on Mondays for all players. Starts May 3rd runs through until July 21st . Sessions are outdoor at the John McGregor School.

Fall Training

2 practices are available per week. Practices are held on Monday and Wednesday. Start Sept 9th runs through until Nov 30th. Outdoor training at the Christian School.

Winter Training

2 practices are available per week. Practices are held on Monday and Wednesday. Starts Jan 4th runs through until March 31st sessions are indoors at St Clair College.

Summer Academy League

In addition to weekly training sessions on Monday nights players also play on teams in our Summer Academy League on Wednesday nights. Sessions are outdoor at the John McGregor School.

Fall League

Our Fall League is outdoors at the Chatham Christian School on Saturday mornings. League runs from Sept 12th to Nov 14th. Matches are included in your Academy membership.

Winter Futsal

We will host 4-6 Indoor Futsal Tournaments over the Winter at St Clair College Healthplex. These Tournaments are included in all players Academy membership.

Spring/Summer Travel Teams

We field Travel Teams at all age groups for boys and girls. Players can choose to play on one of the teams we do not require Tryouts. We want all Academy players to have the opportunity to play Travel Soccer.Teams will be created in January ........

Fall Travel Teams

Matches may be arranged against our Lakeshore Academy and other teams in the region if the Covid19 restrictions are relaxed. These are included in your Academy membership.

Spring Break

Players will have a 3 week break in April before we commence the Spring/Summer block of the season which is usually the busiest.

Travel Teams Cont

....... options to play in the Spring Michigan Youth Soccer League or to play in Summer Travel Soccer in Ontario will be discussed with the parent groups and a decision made on where to play. *Additional fees apply to cover entry fees and costs associated

2020-21 Academy Membership Options

Due to the Covid situation and the uncertainty surrounding youth sports at this time we are moving to a monthly membership payment program for all of our Academy Membership plans. This enables us to respond quickly and suspend payments during the season should it be necessary, rather than trying to deal with refunds.

2020-21 Season Membership
2 Training Sessions Per Week
Fall League,Winter Futsal,Summer League

This is our best value Academy Membership option. This gives players access to 2 practice sessions per week throughout the entire season plus all matches. This is the best option for those players who want to focus on Soccer year round or those who really want to see improvements in their understanding of the game and technical ability on the field. This is also the recommended option for those who wish to play travel soccer in the Spring/Summer.

2020-21 Season Membership
1 Training Session Per Week
Fall League,Winter Futsal,Summer League

This Membership option is designed for those players who want to play and practice throughout the year but may have other activities and interests they are balancing along with Soccer. Players get 1 Practice per week + access to play in all matches. Ensure you keep learning and improving through the year. Upgrade your membership at anytime through the season. Players who choose this option are still eligible to play on our Travel Soccer teams.

Got Questions? Text Us On 519 890 7923

2020-21 Info Package

If you would like even more detailed information on what the Chatham Soccer Academy offers and all of the membership options for the 2020-21 season please complete the form and we will email you a copy of this seasons membership package. This package gives more detail on the complete season and all playing options from local academy play to inter academy play and travel team options. Registration fees and membership payment options included.

How Our Academy Works

1 Program For All

All players who join our Academy get access to the same number of training sessions each week and are taught how to play soccer the same way based on the Fundamental Principles Of Play. Players get access to 2 training sessions per week plus the chance to play on a variety of teams and competitive matches.

Player First

Every player comes before the team. At the grassroots and foundation stage the focus must be on each individual player and developing their understanding of the key principles of "HOW" we play soccer, not on creating teams that win at any cost without using the key principles of "HOW" to play.

Coaching Standards

All coaches must complete our initial United Soccer Coaching course and spend time as an assistant on the field before taking charge of their own group. Our Academy Head Coaches have also completed additional Ontario Soccer Licenses, USSF Licences and we have one of the only Canadian Childrens A Licence Coaches in the region.

Coaching Pools

Our Academy coaching staff works as a collaborative pool and are involved with as many players at different age groups as possible. This fosters a club atmosphere and gives players a chance to learn from all coaches.

Varied Game Formats

Game formats are not designed for the adult spectators or the coaches, they are used to provide the most enjoyment and learning opportunity for the players. The game formats are designed to encourage learning of the principles of how we play soccer.

Training Groups

We believe in trying to give players an opportunity to practice and play with a variety of players. Groups are not set in stone, sometimes we may have balanced groups, best with best groups, groups with friends and groups with different ages. This approach is best for every players overall development.

No Tryouts

We do not use tryouts as a method to select players or place them on teams. All players are welcome to join our Academy and then they are placed on a team that suits their current needs. Our goal is to develop as many players individually rather than to only collect the best players in order to put together winning teams. We believe in a holistic approach and trying to develop all players.

Academy & Travel Teams

Inter Academy Teams

All players will get the opportunity to play on one of our Academy teams in our Fall Academy League and in our Winter Futsal Tournaments. Teams will play against teams from the Lakeshore Soccer Academy. Teams are created to balance players ability levels and also playing with friends. Players are afforded the opportunity to move between teams to give them different challenges throughout the year.
The goal is to facilitate players development and help them to put into a game what they learn at practice. Players will be placed an a team that plays at their specific level , we don subscribe to grouping players solely by their year of birth.

Southwest Utd FC Travel Teams

Travel Teams are formed in January of each year from players at the Chatham and Lakeshore Soccer Academies. These teams are for players who want additional external play and competition out side of our academies in the Spring and Summer Season. We do not hold tryouts teams are selected from the existing players in the Academy. Once a team is formed we then work together with our parent group to determine where the team will play and what competition is appropriate for each team. Some may opt to play in the Michigan Youth Soccer Leagues, some may stay and play locally in SW Ontario. Our goal is to find the right level of competition and fit for each team.

CHatham Soccer academy

Testimonials

★★★★★ 5/5

Focusing on skills has helped develop my boys into better all around soccer players. Very professional and competent coaching staff who are extremely knowledgeable and a passionate about the beautiful game. I would recommend to anyone who wants their kids to learn how to actually play the game and have a deeper understanding of the sport itself.

Jack

SWU is truly a gem of a club. The coaches are so committed to individual training and team building. The approach is unique in the region and I truly was happy to have my sons be a part of the club. SWU forever!!

Chris

Great coaching at an exceptional level. I wish I had that when I was playing. Jon and his team are wonderful.

Lalit

★★★★★ 5/5

If you’re looking for your children to learn actual soccer skills, not just how to kick the ball the furthest, this is the place for you! Emphasis is on passing and ball control, and the 3 versus 3 format during games is fantastic for them having lots of playing time to practice. Coach Jon also notices and compliments players on seemingly small things that would be overlooked by other coaches, like a great pass, instead of just focusing on goals! So good for developing confidence in young players when the focus isn’t on the REALLY fun stuff like goals.

Ashley

My kids have been with Southwest for almost 3 years now. We belong to a fantastic club, with incredible coaches who truly care about the kids and helping them succeed. We all look forward to soccer each week, especially Thursdays when we get to be involved in the sport with our children! Thanks Jon, Luc and the rest of our Southwest family!

Kayla

Our Academy Season

Year Round Season Designed For Soccer Players

Our season starts in September and runs through to the end of July. Soccer is not a 3 month per year sport, it requires consistent training over a longer period in order for players to learn how to play and develop their technical skills, this can not be done playing 3 months a year and taking 9 months off. We offer players consistent training and lots of opportunities to play matches. Players join our Academy for the full season which is broken down into three blocks Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer with scheduled breaks in December, April and August.

Fall

Weekly Academy Training Sessions In Chatham. Outdoor Fall Inter Club Academy Leagues Between Lakeshore Academy and Chatham Academy Teams For All Players. Based on current Covid situation we will not be fielding teams in the Fall of 2020 in the Michigan league.

Winter

Players Continue With Weekly Academy Training Sessions In Chatham. We Also Run An Indoor Winter Futsal Inter Club Academy Tournaments For All Players Held In Chatham. This Brings Together Players From Our Lakeshore And Chatham Academies.

Spring/Summer

Weekly Academy Training Sessions In Chatham. Outdoor Spring Academy Leagues For All Players. Opportunity For Players To Play For Southwest Utd FC Academy Travel Teams In Ontario Summer Travel Soccer Or In The Spring Michigan League.

Academy FAQ's

Do I Have To Join For The Full Season?

No you do not have to join for the Full season however, we give priority to those who want to commit for the entire season so registration is done in phases. In the first phase we offer memberships to those who want the Full Season option. If there are any spaces remaining we will then offer players a chance to join for the Fall or Winter.

Do You Have Travel Teams?

Yes our Academy combined with our Lakeshore Academy fields travel teams for boys and girls 2008-2012 under our parent club Southwest Utd FC. we do not do tryouts, players are simply selected from those attending our Academies. We have the option of playing in the Michigan Youth Soccer League or in local Ontario travel soccer competitions.

Can I Join And Then Play For Another Travel Team?

No. Once you register with our Academy you can only play within our Academy or for our Travel Teams. Ontario Soccer Association rules are that a player can only be registered with one grassroots club. If you wish to play for another team then you must register with that team and participate in their programs.

How Much Is The Academy Kit?

All players must purchase the basic Academy kit this compromises of a Home and Away shirt, shorts and socks. This kit will be used for all training sessions and matches both local and travel. The approximate cost for the Academy kit is $50. We also run a fundraiser program called the Odd Job Fundraiser where players will participate and are expected to raise $50 on their own to pay for their kit.

Do You Have A House League In The Summer?

Yes we run our own Internal League/Tournament programs in the summer though they differ greatly from House Leagues run by recreational volunteer clubs. This program is included for all of our Academy players in addition to their weekly practices in the Summer. We place a great emphasis on teaching players HOW to play rather than the outcome of the games.

CHATHAM SOCCER ACADEMY

Our Location

We use several locations depending on the time of year and availability of spaces. Our current Summer Academy Session is being held at the Chatham Christian on Keil Dr South.