Registration Open April-July 2021

Our 2020-21 Season like many other sports seen some disruption! yet we stay prepared and ready to return with plans in place to face whatever restrictions we see. Our 2020-21 season kicked off in September as planned and continued through into December outdoors due to a lack of any indoor facilities. Government restrictions have seen us take an extended break from December but we anticipate returning as soon as we are permitted. The plan at this stage is to resume the second half of our season outdoors and in April and go through until the end of July. If restrictions are lifted to the Orange level and indoor space is made available we will start to resume training in March. Our Boys and Girls Academies are already over 80% Full but we are opening up registration for the remaining vacancies we have, we do not do tryouts to select players but we are interested in players looking to learn and develop their games. Spaces are allocated on a first come first served basis, we have an equal number of spots for boys and girls and we offer a monthly payment plan for fees.

Boys Junior Development Academy

Academy Prep 2014/15

The Academy Prep Program focuses heavily on helping young player develop the essential technical skills they will need later on when they enter the Academy Program. Players also participate in a variety of small sided games 1v1, 2v2 and 3v3 formats​

Junior Boys Academy 2010/11/12/13

The Junior Boys academy is where players start to learn the Fundamental Principles of Play and HOW to play the game individually and in pairs. The curriculum starts to focus more and more on learning how to play and decision making within the game.

Boys Academy 2008/09

The boys academy is the final stage of our Academy program and players are learning the second set and more advanced Principles of Play. At this stage most of the focus is on decision making within the game and playing in small units and as a team.

Girls Junior Development Academy

Academy Prep 2014/15

The Academy Prep Program focuses heavily on helping young player develop the essential technical skills they will need later on when they enter the Academy Program. Players also participate in a variety of small sided games 1v1, 2v2 and 3v3 formats​

Junior Girls 2010/11/12/13

The Junior Girls academy is where players start to learn the Fundamental Principles of Play and HOW to play the game individually and in pairs. The curriculum starts to focus more and more on learning how to play and decision making within the game.

Girls Academy 2007/08/09

The boys academy is the final stage of our Academy program and players are learning the second set and more advanced Principles of Play. At this stage most of the focus is on decision making within the game and playing in small units and as a team. ​

Part of Southwest United FC

The 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. 

Want More Info On Joining?

If you are interested in joining one of our Academies please contact us however is most convenient for you. The first step is for us to check that we have availability for your player in the location that best serves you. We will then send you the current Academy Membership Information Package which outlines info days, times, duration, membership options, registration fees and what you can expect for your player while they are enrolled in the Academy. If you are sending us a text or message please include your players gender, year of birth and the location you are interested in. Please be advised we do not hold or reserve spaces they are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Send Us A Text

Text is a very quick and convenient way to get hold of us. Just drop us a text on 519 890 7923 we will reply ASAP

Send Us A Facebook Message

Click the Facebook logo. Like and Follow our page and drop us a Facebook Message to get in touch.

Give Us An Old Fashion Call

Yes we do also answer the phone like the old days! If you have questions and want to discuss things call us 519 890 7923

Send Us An Instagram Message

Click the Insta logo to get in touch with us and see the latest at both of our Academies drop us a message.

Email Us

A Different Approach & Philosophy

Equal Opportunity

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.

Boys & Girls

We offer an equal number of spaces for boys and girls in our Academy. Boys and Girls are integrated and both get the same level and standard of coaching. We believe it is important that we treat all of our players equally in terms of the opportunity they get and the education they get.

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 Teams

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. This also ensures all players get a chance to work with our mots qualified coaches.

Coaching Standards

All coaches must complete our 16 Hour Academy 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 Coach in the region.

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.

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.

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

Travel & Inter Academy Teams

Inter Academy Teams

All players will get the opportunity to play in our Inter Academy matches held on Saturdays in Chatham. Players will play with and 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't subscribe to grouping players solely by their year of birth.

Southwest Utd FC Travel Teams

Firstly lets be very clear that with the current ongoing Covid situation no one knows yet what if any Travel Soccer programs will be permitted in our regions and in Ontario this Summer and we would caution you on joining teams and programs that are promising entry into leagues and competitions outside of their own club at this stage. For the 2021 Summer Season any Travel Soccer we participate in will be in SW Ontario. Our goal is to offer every player in the Academy the opportunity to play in some travel soccer matches and have the experience of playing externally against other teams, this is an important part of the overall experience we want to provide all players. With all of these factors in mind we are going to adopt a wait and see approach to external play outside of our Academies and we are going to make sure we provide the best possible experience we can within our Academies. If and when Travel Soccer is permitted we will present all options to Academy Players families and we will go from there.

Academy FAQ's

What Ages Do You Accept?

We currently accept players age 5 to 13 in the Academy Program. Our 5 to 7 year olds will start out in the Academy Prep Program where they will focus more heavily on development of Technical skills so they are able to follow the Academy training curriculum. Players are moved up into the Academy program as soon as they are ready.

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.

Is There A Cost For Uniforms?

All players need to get started is an Academy Training shirt these are $15. The approximate cost for the Academy Travel Team kit is $50. We 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 and No !!! We run our own Internal Gamedays, Tournaments and Matches in the summer though they differ greatly from House Leagues run by recreational volunteer clubs. We do not believe that Leagues are a good development tool for young payers as it places to great a focus on Winning only and is designed as an adult spectator event. This program is included for all of our Academy players in addition to their weekly practices . We place a great emphasis on teaching players HOW to play rather than the outcome of the games.

Can I 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.

CHATHAM SOCCER ACADEMY

Our Location

We use several locations depending on the time of year and availability of spaces. Our current training sessions are being  held at the Chatham Christian School on Keil Dr South.

  • CALL OR TEXT 519 890 7923
  • CHATHAM, ON

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