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Albion FC Programs OverviewAlbion FC takes pride in offering comprehensive soccer programs throughout the year, catering to Youth Soccer players from U4 to U18, as well as Adult Soccer enthusiasts. Our specialized Adaptive Programs are designed to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can actively participate and derive joy from the beautiful game. Our approach emphasizes positive coaching, complemented by both on and off-field technical support, creating an environment that fosters fun and continuous learning. We are dedicated to supporting and motivating all members of our club, including players, parents, and coaches. Please be aware that our spring programs may involve additional travel.
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Fall / Spring Mini Program (U4-U5) |
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Fall / Spring Mini Program (U4-U5)The Albion FC Mini Program caters to U4-U5 boys and girls and operates as a once-a-week session, taking place on Sundays in Maple Ridge. These one-hour sessions occur on local fields, the timing and location of which are determined by our field allocations with Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. Our primary focus in this program is on instilling the fundamental skills of soccer, including passing, dribbling, kicking, speed and agility, and physical literacy. The utmost priority is ensuring that the kids have a great time and derive enjoyment from the sessions. All activities are conducted by our experienced Albion FC staff coaches. By default, players will be placed on teams with the same gender. However, we are happy to accommodate co-ed requests, including those from families and friends, ensuring a positive and inclusive experience for all participants. Fall ScheduleSunday ProgramLocation: Samuel Robertson Secondary Turf Time: - U4-U5 players will attend at 9:00am
- U6 players will attend at 10:00am
- U7 Rising Starts will attend at 11:00am
Spring ScheduleProgram only offered on Sundays during Spring Location: Samuel Robertson Secondary Turf Time: - U4-U5 players will attend at 9:00am
- U6 players will attend at 10:00am
- U7 Rising Starts will attend at 11:00am
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Fall / Spring Mini Program (U6) |
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Fall / Spring Mini Program (U6)The Albion FC Mini Program designed for U6 boys and girls operates as a once-a-week session, occurring on Sundays in Maple Ridge. Each session, lasting an hour, is conducted on local fields, and the timing and location are determined by our field allocations with Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. Our emphasis in this program is on advancing players' skills, with a continued focus on passing, dribbling, kicking, basic technical aspects, speed and agility, and physical literacy. We also introduce some of the fundamental rules of the game and team play concepts, all within an environment that prioritizes enjoyment. The on-field activities in this program alternate on a weekly basis between skill development and team play with a technical focus. All sessions are led by experienced Albion FC staff coaches. By default, players will be placed on teams with the same gender. However, we are happy to accommodate co-ed requests, including those from families and friends, ensuring a positive and inclusive experience for all participants. Fall ScheduleSunday Program Location: Samuel Robertson Secondary Turf Time: - U4-U5 players will attend at 9:00am
- U6 players will attend at 10:00am
- U7 Rising Starts will attend at 11:00am
Spring ScheduleProgram only offered on Sundays during Spring Location: Samuel Robertson Secondary Turf Time: - U4-U5 players will attend at 9:00am
- U6 players will attend at 10:00am
- U7 Rising Starts will attend at 11:00am
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Fall / Spring League Soccer (U7)
Future Stars ProgramU7 boys and girls teams actively participate in our local "in-house" league, utilizing fields in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. In this age group, we warmly encourage parents to take on the role of volunteer coaches, with unwavering support from our dedicated staff coaches during both practice and game sessions. For parents who are new to the game, rest assured that the expertise of our staff coaches is readily available to guide you on your coaching journey. The time commitments for the team include: - One weekly practice session, skillfully led by volunteer coach(es) with oversight from a designated staff coach or program director.
- A weekend game, organized and conducted by the volunteer coach(es), within our "in-house league." All games are scheduled for Sundays, with fields and times to be determined.
Fall ScheduleSunday Program Location: Samuel Robertson Secondary Turf Time: - U4-U5 players will attend at 9:00am
- U6 players will attend at 10:00am
- U7 Rising Starts will attend at 11:00am
Spring ScheduleProgram only offered on Sundays during Spring Location: Samuel Robertson Secondary Turf Time: - U4-U5 players will attend at 9:00am
- U6 players will attend at 10:00am
- U7 Rising Starts will attend at 11:00am
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Fall / Spring League Soccer (U8-U18) |
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Fall / Spring League Soccer (U8-U18)From this point forward, the symbiotic progression of skill development, team dynamics, and technical aspects of the game becomes integral as players advance through different age groups. Our club ensures that abundant resources are at the disposal of our volunteer coaches, with the added benefit of fully-funded BC Soccer Coaching Courses. Player skill development varies based on physical growth, cognitive abilities, and the drive to excel. Consequently, players and parents within the U8 to U12 age range can opt for team placement in either our development stream or recreational stream. Prospective development stream team members undergo evaluation by our technical staff before final team selections are made. In these programs: - Weekly practice session is led by the team's volunteer coach(es).
- Weekend games, coached by the volunteer coach(es).
- Players chosen for a development team in the U8-U10 age group will receive direct communication containing a link to confirm their acceptance and settle the fee difference. It is essential to acknowledge that enrolment and participation in the Academy is mandatory for all U8-U10 players selected for development teams. Detailed cost information will be provided in advance.
For U8-U12 teams, district play is the norm, with locations and times varying in both the fall and spring seasons. Meanwhile, U13-U18 teams engage in district interlock play, with locations and times also subject to variation in both fall and spring. Schedules for each season can be found on our Schedule page. - Boys will play on Saturdays
- Girls will play on Sundays
- Schedules are set by the league and each home club schedules their games weekly.
- Schedules are posted 6 weeks ahead and available online
- Field locations and times will vary, depending on whether the games are held at home or away.
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U8 - U12 Two Streams for Interactive Play |
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U8 - U12 Two Streams for Interactive PlayAlbion FC Soccer Club provides two streams for U8 - U12 League Players: Recreational Stream and Development Stream. Both streams offer players the ability to develop their technical skills, comprehension of team play and formations. In addition, participants continue to develop their individual agility, balance and coordination in a fun and challenging environment without the fear of failure. We believe ability-based teams allow all players to play at their skill and confidence level. We want all players to be challenged, and to enjoy their playing experiences which supports Long Term Player Development. With two streams, our league teams are more balanced in overall ability which allows for a more competitive environment and offers all teams a chance for success. Development teams are formed at U8 based on technical staff evaluations conducted during the U7 Future Stars program, our Academies and camps. Developmental team rosters Carry a smaller number of players to facilitate call ups from the House stream which is an important part of our player development strategy. Players chosen for a development team in the U8-U10 age group will receive direct communication containing a link to confirm their acceptance and settle the fee difference. It is essential to acknowledge that participation in the Academy is compulsory for all U8-U10 players selected for development. Detailed cost information will be provided in advance. Technical staff work with team officials to provide opportunities for House stream players to practice and play games with Developmental teams over the course of the season. These opportunities are at the discretion of our technical staff, conferences with Development Team coaches identifying team needs, and discussions with House Team coaches on their player potential and skill set. Changes to rosters may be made before, during, or after a season on player placement for all U8 - U12 age groups.
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AcademyThe Albion Academy Training Curriculums encompass a diverse array of both technical and tactical drills, complemented by skill enhancement, speed and agility training, shooting and finishing, as well as instruction in defending techniques and creative attacking strategies. The ultimate objective is to integrate these elements seamlessly during controlled scrimmages and game scenarios. Each curriculum is meticulously crafted in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Long-Term Player Development by BC Soccer and Soccer Canada. This program serves as a platform for players to refine their on-field playing and strategic thinking abilities, providing them with comprehensive tools and training resources as they advance in their soccer journey. The progress of academy players is closely monitored and documented through a mid-term player progression report and a year-end report card. These reports serve as valuable tools for both parents and players, aiding them in determining the next steps for the player's development. Upon registration in the program, participants receive an Albion FC track suit, which we encourage all players to wear during their training sessions. CurriculumIntroduction and Fundamentals: - Warm-up exercises and basic agility drills
- Introduction to soccer rules and field positions
- Passing and receiving techniques
- Basic ball control and dribbling exercises
- Small-sided games to encourage teamwork
Technical Development: - Advanced passing techniques (volleys, chips)
- Shooting and finishing drills
- Defensive skills and positioning
- Goalkeeper training (if applicable)
- Increasing ball control and agility
Tactical Understanding: - Introduction to team formations
- Offensive and defensive strategies
- Position-specific training
- Small-sided games with tactical focus
- Decision-making exercises
Physical Conditioning: - Speed and agility training
- Endurance building exercises
- Strength training (age-appropriate)
- Injury prevention and warm-up routines
- Soccer-specific fitness drills
Game Understanding: - Full-field scrimmages
- Emphasis on applying learned techniques in real-game situations
- Review of in-game decision-making
- Analysis of professional matches
- Team-building activities
Review and Showcase: - Review of key learnings
- Individual player assessments
- Showcase matches or tournaments
- Awards and recognition ceremony
- Goal-setting for continued development
Academy ScheduleFall Season Day: Wednesdays Location: Samuel Robertson Secondary Turf Time: - Skill Academy 6pm
- Goalie Academy 7pm
Spring Season Day: Thursdays Location: Samuel Robertson Secondary Turf Time: 6pm (both Goalie and Skill) |
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Goalkeeper Academy (U8-U16)Albion FC is proud to offer a Goalkeeper Academy program specifically designed to provide continuity for existing goalkeepers and new opportunities for those looking to develop their goalkeeper skills. We are very fortunate to have one of the Lower Mainland’s premier goaltending coaches, Matthew Carson, bringing his knowledge and expertise into this program. As with any specialized position, the techniques and requirements of the goalkeeper role require tailored development approaches delivered by professional coaches. Parents will have the opportunity to observe their children as they engage in exciting and intense drills, specifically designed to hone the goalkeeper’s individual skills. Participants work in age specific and ability level groups to maximize the effect of their sessions. Topics covered throughout the season are: • Speed
• Agility
• Power
• Positioning
• Distribution
• Diving
• Handling
• Shot stopping
• Crosses and Communication As part of the registration package, all players will receive a t-shirt that is to be worn during their sessions. |
Non Competitive Skill Programs |
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Non-Competitive Skill ProgramsWorld Cup Free PlayAlbion FC World Cup program is all about playing games. Players are placed on teams each week and play a mini tournament that is supervised by staff coaches emphasizing positive encouragement with little interference in the course of play. Studies have indicated, and parents can verify, that the creativity of free play — without interference from adults — helps youth to learn leadership skills, conflict resolution, and problem solving. Free play is essential in developing motor skills, core strength, agility, balance, and coordination. Activities in the program, are central to the physical, mental, social, and emotional development of children.
Skill DevelopmentThe Albion FC Skill Development is for players looking for a more individualized approach to their soccer experience. Skill Development is about touches on the ball and will provide a focus on individual player development over team play. Training is delivered via small group utilizing station based activities with the focus being on technical and physical advancement. Small- sided games are used to provide context and enhance learning. Fun & FitnessThis program is designed for the new or beginner player looking to get fit and develop basic soccer skills. Participants Kids learn and have fun without the fear of failure or criticism. We offer a non-threatening, positive environment filled with fun soccer and fitness activities. Players are grouped by age and ability where the focus is on activities and games that promote physical literacy. Physical Literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding that provides children with the movement foundation for lifelong participation in physical activity.
As part of the registration package players will receive a t-shirt to wear during their sessions.
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Adaptive ProgramThe Albion FC Adaptive Program allows children and youth an opportunity to learn and experience soccer in a barrier free environment. The goal is to give children the opportunity to make new friends, learn the basic skills of soccer and overall motor skills.
This program uses soccer as a foundation for young players to grow and develop as people while creating new friendships along the way in a fun and safe environment. It does not matter if a child or youth player has ADHD, mental health, behavioural, developmental disability, or intellectual disability as our goal is for them to play with smile on their face.
The sessions include: SAQ, fundamental motor skills, fun games, basic passing and shooting drills and is facilitated by our Technical Director Billy Johnstone who has over 15 years of experience with BC Special Olympics in coaching soccer. Billy’s credentials include: - Two National titles as Head Coach of the BC Special Olympics team
- Head Coach of the Canadian Special Olympics Soccer Team
- As Head Coach the team won the gold medal at the 2007 World Special Olympics Games in Shanghai, China.
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Co-ed Walking Soccer (age 50+) |
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Co-ed Walking Soccer (age 50+)This program is a non-competitive, self-refereed version of soccer (overseen by a staff coach), where participants walk instead of run and play with smaller-sized nets. It is open to all adults (50+) in the Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows community. All sessions include proper pre-game warm-up conducted by our staff coach followed by a small-sided game. - The benefits of Walking Soccer are:
- Improve fitness
- Improve overall health
- Improve blood pressure & blood sugar levels
- Reduce risk of cardiovascular disease & strokes
- Improve balance & strength
- Socialize and meet new people in the community!
Along with all these great health benefits, walking soccer is social and FUN! Please note: You must be 50 years or older to participate in these sessions.
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