The District Training Centre (DTC) program has been designed to give players who are committed to the game of soccer an opportunity to further challenge and enhance their abilities through additional training.

This program is offered to our elite players between the ages of 11 and 17 who have been identified on recommendations from Academy and/or Team Coaching Staff and are invited out on a season to season basis to participate. Training is provided under the guidance of Technical Director/Club Head Coach Larry Ladobruk and Staff Coach Laurie McIvor. 

The main focus of the program will be the implementation of fundamental skills, tactical, physical and mental development.  The overall objective to participate in intersquad and exhibition games with other DTC’s in the city and out of town tournaments.

The following are essential elements for player selection and development in the training program:

TECHNICAL

PASSING:

·        Proper Pace

·        Accuracy

·        The ability to utilize different types of passes

·        Ability to hit a “driven” ball

·        Can use both feet

DRIBBLING:

·        Comfortable on the ball – using both feet

·        Can take players on

·        Has moves that can buy time and space

·        Shielding

·        Good first touch with feet with and w/out pressure

·        Good first touch with body with and w/out pressure

·        First touch is taken away from pressure and /or is productive

SHOOTING:

·        Accuracy “Hits the Target”

·        Power

·        Mentality to finish

HEADING:

·        Defensive headers – high and far

·        Attacking headers – low and accurate

·        Accuracy

TACTICAL

ATTACKING DECISIONS:

·        Takes up supporting positions

·        Creativity; dynamic with the ball

·        Executes combination plays

·        Smart movement without the ball

·        Ability to read the game

·        Speed of play

DEFENDING DECISIONS:

·        Immediate chase if you lose the ball

·        Patience in 1v1 situations

·        Provides good distance/angle of cover

·        Provides balance

·        Willing to take instructions

·        Courageous and takes chances

·        Shows a passion for the game

·        Can recover after a mistake

·        Has exemplary work rate

·        Willing to try new things

FITNESS

·        Technical Speed – ability to manipulate the ball with legs and feet at speed and maintain control

·        Mental Speed – ability to be aware of all factors and options inside and outside of the game

·        Speed of Action – processing the information form the game and choosing an appropriate response

·        Pure Speed – ability to overcome distance between two points in the shortest amount of time