CANADA SOCCER PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (Under 14 - 17)


Considered an integral part of the Canada Soccer Player Pathway (LTPD Stage 4), the Player Development Program (PDP) is defined by our National Association as the highest level of youth competition in our country. Available only to National Youth Club Licence holders, it will create a “best-on-best” Canada Soccer-aligned competition in our province. As one of the inaugural recipients of the National Youth Club Licence, Edmonton Scottish United Soccer Club was excited to participate in the launch of the league in 2021.

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The Alberta Player Development League (APDL) plays a crucial role in the development pathway for aspiring players, opening doors to provincial, post-secondary school, national, and professional playing opportunities.

Participating clubs in the AYSL include Scottish United SC, St Albert Impact, BTB (2010 level and younger), Calgary Foothills, Cal West, Calgary SWU, Calgary Rangers, Calgary Villains, Calgary Mackenzie United, and Calgary Blizzards (2010 and younger).


Player Development Program INTAKE

The next Formal Intake for the Player Development Program (for Birth Years 2011 through 2008) will be in August 2024 (dates and times to be released by June 30, 2024). Additionally, there is an Open Transfer Window for prospective players between April 1 - 30, 2024. For more information, please contact our Technical Staff.


Player Development Program Information

  • Evaluations are games-based, with the goal of assessing players in 11 v 11 settings.

  • Our Player Development Program aims to elevate training and development standards for both players and coaches, providing our top players with the opportunity to maximize their full soccer potential.

    This high-performance program follows age-appropriate training practices, with a focus that varies throughout the year. We carefully structure and deliver training sessions, taking managed calendar breaks into consideration.

  • Scottish United’s PDP nurtures athletes who possess the ability and desire to train at a high level, enabling them to evolve into exceptional players aligned with our club-wide philosophy, game model and training approach.

    In addition to their skills, PDP players must demonstrate a high level of commitment, intrinsic motivation, and a desire to realize their utmost potential.

  • To ensure the highest quality coaching for our PDP teams, Scottish United is committed to appointing Nationally Certified coaches in accordance with the CSA's Player Development Pathway requirements.

    Scottish United SC is also proud to now offer semi-professional opportunities through its League1 Alberta franchises (male and female). During the 2023 exhibition season, over 16 PDP players represented our League1 teams.

  • Scottish United SC is committed to providing a progressive year-round program.

    Our PDP players benefit from a high-level periodized 3:1 training-to-games ratio, ensuring a minimum of 4.5 hours of on-field training per week.

    Additionally, we offer strength and conditioning programming throughout the season, optimized to provide the best annual calendar that accommodates training, competition, rest, recovery and quality time with friends and family.

    DETAILS

    • Approximately 20 league games

    • AYSL Cup Games

    • National Event in August 2024 for the top two AYSL teams in the 2009 and 2007 age groups (girls and boys)

    • National Event in August 2024 for the top two APDL teams in the 2007 and 2009 age groups (girls and boys)

    • 11 v 11 games from September to the end of October (Fall Season)

    • 3 training sessions per week from September to mid-November

    • 1 Strength & Conditioning session per week (2 times weekly during Club Programming window)

    • 1-2 doubleheader weekends in Calgary for 2007 boys/girls and 2008 girls in September and October (limited to one doubleheader per month)

    • Mid-week and Calgary weekend games for 2010 boys/girls, 2009 boys/girls, and 2008 boys in September and October

    • Periodized break in late November and December with club programming focused on strength and conditioning. A minimum 2-week complete break from all programming will be observed.

    • January to March: Indoor Provincial League, with matches held in Red Deer

    • March 2024: Indoor APDL provincial competition for all divisions

    • April to July: The remaining 11 v 11 season, including 2-3 doubleheader weekends in Calgary for 2007 boys/girls and 2008 girls (limited to one doubleheader per month)

    • August: Provincial event for teams not attending the National Competition (details to be determined)

  • As a parent of a Scottish PDP player, your commitment is as crucial as that of your athlete. It is vital that you support their journey and assist them in reaching their potential by ensuring their attendance at all training sessions, games, and team events. Your unwavering support and encouragement are essential for your athlete to realize their dreams.

    Program fees are set yearly, with payment plans available. Fees include AYSL league costs, sports science, facility usage, technology and sideline apparel. Details will be posted in advance of program evaluations.