Programs
VanU Programs
We have programming for players from age 3 to age 17. No matter your experience level, there’s a program at VanU that’s right for you!
Keep reading below to find the program that best suits your interest.
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First Kicks (U4 - U8) 2025-2026 Season
This program is for players born in the years: 2018 (U8) 2019 (U7), 2020 (U6), 2021 (U5), 2022 (U4)
This program is designed with one goal in mind…FUN! Participants will take part in a variety of activities that will help with their physical literacy, introduce them to the technical aspect of the game and will see them take part in game play.
This program’s curriculum has been influenced by the Canadian Soccer Association’s new Children’s License. A nonlinear pedagogical approach will be adhered to and the main developmental goals for these age groups are physical literacy, having fun with friends and the ball, enjoying unstructured play, and most importantly, we want them leaving the field each day with a strong sense of belonging.
At VanU, we offer First Kicks program in the Fall, Winter, and Spring across multiple locations. To understand each location option please click on the link in the table below for further information:
Fall
Winter
SECOND KICKS (U8 - U10) 2025-2026 Season
Second Kicks (U8, U9 & U10) is the subsequent program to our First Kicks program. In First Kicks, players were limited in their exposure to game-based soccer, and played alongside several different 12 player teams. In Second Kicks, Boys join a team of 14-16 players, while Girls join a team of 12 – 14. Teams practice together once per week in sessions that are led by volunteer parent coaches but supported by several staff coaches who are on the field with them, and then finish off with a game on the weekend. On game days, teams will play 6-a-side games versus another team. Boys play their games on Saturdays, while Girls play their games on Sundays.
UBC/Trimble Park Location
LENGTH OF SEASON
First week of September 2025 until late February or early March 2026 (six months). There will be a winter break from mid-December through early January.
PRACTICES
Second Kicks team will have one training session per week which are ran by parent volunteer coaches at UBC Ken Woods Field. Teams are supported by VanU staff coaches at these practices.
VanU holds our members’ feedback in high regard, and consequently we have adjusted the practice schedule process to accommodate your needs. During the registration process, members will be able to request a specific training day. We know you have a busy schedule, and VanU wants to make it easier for you to plan your schedule. Please note that while you request to be put on the same team as a friend we prioritize giving you the training day and time you requested and that may not align with what your friend has requested.
PRACTICE TIMES
2016 Boys – Tuesday 6pm or Wednesday 6pm
2016 Girls – Tuesday 6pm or Wednesday 6pm
2017 Boys – Tuesday 5pm or 6pm, or Wednesday 5pm or 6pm
2017 Girls – Tuesday 5pm or Wednesday 5pm
2018 Boys – Tuesday 5pm or Wednesday 5pm
2018 Girls – Tuesday 5pm or Wednesday 5pm
GAME DAYS
Each weekend, teams are divided into two new groups to play two separate games simultaneously, side-by-side. Boys play on Saturdays and Girls play on Sundays. The Game Schedule is available at the end of August, and will be shared with those who have registered. Games will take place Trimble Park, with the occasional game played at Churchill Secondary School Field.
Games start and end at the same time and the teams do a single cheer and handshake at the end of the games with all players and coaches involved. Coaches can, and are encouraged to move players between the two fields, known as the Challenge and Development fields throughout the game. Every player should experience both fields through the course of the season.
For the 2025/2026 season, teams will play at designated time slots as shown below.
U8 – 11am
U9 – 12pm/1pm
U10 – 10am
Please note that Girls teams are combined at U8/U9 and separate at U10 to provide a better program experience for all players based on the registration numbers.
KITS/JERSEYS
Players will receive two jerseys (home and away), shorts, and socks. Make sure you select the appropriate sizes in your registration form. Players are responsible for bringing their own shin guards, cleats, and water bottles. Check the schedule to see if you are the home team or the away team and wear the corresponding jersey.
The kit is supplied by Macron. To view Macron’s size charts, click here.
COST/PAYMENT PLAN
The registration fee for all programs can be found on our Fees page.
If you would like to set up a payment plan for the program, please contact our Director of Operations (loretta@vancouverunitedfc.com) who will be able to assist you.
Memorial South Turf Field/Churchill Secondary School Field Location
LENGTH OF SEASON
First week of September 2025 until late February or early March 2026 (six months). There will be a winter break from mid-December through early January.
PRACTICES
Second Kicks team will have one training session per week which are ran by parent volunteer coaches at Memorial South Turf. Teams are supported by VanU staff coaches at these practices.
VanU holds our members’ feedback in high regard, and consequently we have adjusted the practice schedule process to accommodate your needs. Please note that while you request to be put on the same team as a friend we prioritize giving you the training day and time you requested and that may not align with what your friend has requested.
PRACTICES TIMES
All Teams – Wednesday 5pm
GAME DAYS
Each weekend, teams are divided into two new groups to play two separate games simultaneously, side-by-side. Boys play on Saturdays and Girls play on Sundays. The Game Schedule is available at the end of August, and will be shared with those who have registered. Games will take place at Churchill Secondary School Field.
Games start and end at the same time and the teams do a single cheer and handshake at the end of the games with all players and coaches involved. Coaches can, and are encouraged to move players between the two fields, known as the Challenge and Development fields throughout the game. Every player should experience both fields through the course of the season.
For the 2025/2026 season, teams will play at designated time slots as shown below.
U8 – 11am
U9 – 12pm/1pm
U10 – 10am
Please note that teams may be combined between age groups at this location to provide a better program experience for all players based on the registration numbers.
KIT/JERSEYS
Players will receive two jerseys (home and away), shorts, and socks. Make sure you select the appropriate sizes in your registration form. Players are responsible for bringing their own shin guards, cleats, and water bottles. Check the schedule to see if you are the home team or the away team and wear the corresponding jersey.
The kit is supplied by Macron. To view Macron’s size charts, click here.
COST/PAYMENT PLAN
The registration fee for all programs can be found on our Fees page.
If you would like to set up a payment plan for the program, please contact our Director of Operations (loretta@vancouverunitedfc.com) who will be able to assist you.
Divisional Soccer (U11 - U18) 2025-2026 Season
Our Divisional program spans the U11 to U18 age groups. Here, players join a team they’ll play with through the entirety of the season. Within each age group there are divisions: Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3.
The Divisional season runs from September until March – or later if teams have reached the later stages of cup play, with a winter break taking place from mid-December through early January. Boys teams will typically play their games on Saturdays, while girls play their games on Sundays.
For the 2025-26 Fall/Winter season, the U11 to U18 age group will be for players born in 2015 to 2008. Please view the table below to find the age group that lines up with your birth year.
U11 | 2015 |
U12 | 2014 |
U13 | 2013 |
U14 | 2012 |
U15 | 2011 |
U16 | 2010 |
U17 | 2009 |
U18 | 2008 |
Leagues
When players get to U11 they leave the in-house VanU league we run at lower age groups and most enter the BC Coastal Soccer League (BCCSL). The BCCSL is for Divisional boys and girls teams playing from U11 to U18,. BCCSL consists of teams from all seven Districts in the Lower Mainland: VYSA, Burnaby District Youth Soccer, North Shore Youth Soccer Association, North Fraser Youth Soccer Association, South Fraser District Association, Fraser Valley Youth Soccer Association, and Richmond District Association. More info on the BCCSL can be found here.
Divisions
As mentioned above each age group has three different levels or “divisions”. These are called Division 1, 2, and 3. There are important distinctions between these divisions.
Each division and age group has different commitments as part of their programming and registration fee structure, which will be detailed below.
Division 3: This is a more recreational division. Players are provided with one practice per week (the day of the week will depend on which team they’re placed on), and a game on the weekend, both of which are volunteer-led with club support from staff coaches provided at some training sessions. The price for this program is $580, and all players are provided with two jerseys, a pair of socks, and shorts which are theirs to keep.
Division 2: This a higher level of play compared to Division 3. Players at this level are provided with one practice per week (the day of the week will depend on which team they’re placed on) and a game on the weekend, both of which are volunteer-led. The price for this program is $580, and all players are provided with two jerseys, a pair of socks, and shorts. Teams have the option to request a second weekly training time at an additional cost if there is strong support on the team to do so.
Division 1: This is the highest level of play in our Divisional program. The commitments and registration fees for Division 1 are different depending on their age group:
U11/U12 Division 1 (VanU Plus)
This program begins in April and runs to the following March. VanU Plus players will have three training sessions per week – training at VanU Academy once per week, training with Van U/Whitecaps program once per week, and one training session with their staff coach. There is a spring component once a week (8-10 weeks) with a staff coach that players are expected to attend.
There is optional participation in Cascadia Spring League. Other games and tournaments are also optional. Attendance at tournaments is to be decided by the team themselves, and teams will need to cover the costs for any tournaments they choose to attend.
Please note that the Academy sessions are on Mondays and the VanU Plus boys teams train with the Whitecaps on Tuesdays and the girls on Thursdays. Attendance is mandatory at the Academy sessions in the Fall and Winter. The price for this program differs depending on the age group and whether you are part of Division 1A or 1B. Regardless, registration fees will include the full team kit (jersey, a pair of socks and shorts), as well as the registration for Academy and the Academy kit.
U13 Division 1
Players are asked to attend three practice sessions run by professional staff and a game on the weekend which is also led by staff and a volunteer coach. There is a spring component once a week (8-10 weeks) that players should attend. All players are provided with their standard team kit (jerseys, a pair of socks and shorts).
U14 Division 1
Players are asked to attend three practice sessions, two of which are run by volunteer staff and one is run by a staff coach, and a game on the weekend which is also led by a volunteer coach. All players are provided with their standard team kit (jerseys, a pair of socks and shorts).
U15 – U18 Division 1
Players are asked to attend two practice sessions and a game on the weekend, all of which are run by a volunteer coach. All players are provided with their standard team kit (jerseys, a pair of socks and shorts).
Metro
Heading into the 2025-2026 season, VanU’s final Metro team will be in the U18 Boys age group. We do not have a 2008 Girls team in the Metro division. The season runs September 2025 to completion of Cup and League play in 2026 with training taking place twice a week. Teams may opt in for additional academy training at extra cost.All players are provided with their standard team kit (jerseys, a pair of socks and shorts).
Age Group Considerations
All U11-U12 divisional teams play eight-a-side games on half fields. Over the past few years, the worldwide training of youth soccer players has changed from getting players into an 11-a-side format as quickly as possible to a more gradual progression through the use of small-sided games. The reasons for this are varied, but among the most important is that, in smaller sided games, players are provided with more opportunities to have “touches” on the ball. By increasing the amount of ball time per player, you improve the quality of training for your players. With this in mind, BC Soccer has mandated that all U11 and U12 teams play in 8-aside leagues.
Coaches, managers, parents and participants are reminded that 8-aside is non-competitive; teams are not playing for league titles or cups. The emphasis is on the fun and enjoyment of soccer and the full participation of all team members in every game. There are no standings kept and no Cup competition at these ages.
Academy Programming
The VanU Academy is responsible for program, player, and coach training and development. The Academy also develops and operates training programs for those players wanting enhanced technical and tactical training. The Academy supplies professional staff to work, in differing forms, with teams in all age groups from U4 First Kicks to U18 Divisional teams. The Academy offers once-a-week training programs during the Fall, Winter, and Spring season. These programs are offered during weekday evening while in-season.
VanU has an Academy or Camp program running every month of the year. Our Academy runs for twelve sessions in the Fall, six sessions in the Winter and eight sessions in the Spring.
VANU Skill Centre
As a CSA Club License holder (https://canadasoccer.com/play-landing/club-licensing-program/national-youth-club-licence-holders/) our club is excited about being able to offer our players an environment which will allow them to discover and fall in love with the game of soccer.
Skills Center Tournament Opportunities
In addition to the training programming, which will take place on weekends (please see day and times below) from September 2025 to March 2026, we will also be offering a tournament outlets where players can take part in various local tournaments: Labor Day weekend, Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas break, Early March and potential to a few other local add ons (extra tournament fees apply).
*Due to the growth and volume of these opportunities, and feedback provided by staff, participants and members; we will be limiting the number of teams we enter per tournament to ensure appropriate staffing needs are met.
VYSA & Pull Out Game Participation
We will be entering Skills Centre teams into the VYSA League. Players participating in this will need to be ready to play home or away games that can take place anywhere in Vancouver and potentially in Richmond.
As we have done over the last year; each taking on various names (Club Academy Series, Pull out games, invite only games), we will again select rosters from what the club staff deem our top performers (at this time), and play best on best game vs other lower mainland clubs and potentially some interior and island clubs.
Teams and rosters will change from week to week, and game to game, but anyone wanting to be considered for these games, must pay the bond/fee associated to this aspect of the program. As with last year, anyone not taking part in a minimal amount of games will be credited any amount owed.
Training Environment
Built upon the guiding principles of our club’s Game Model at these age groups, our training sessions are designed to better prepare our participants for the competitive nature of the tournaments we are entering.
This is not a team-based program, and friend requests are not taken into account. When opting into this program, you are accepting that training groups are the sole responsibility of the staff and that groups are formed for a variety of reasons, and are not always what you would perhaps see within their own team environment.
Our blended training group model that blends both Model Players (invited players into the environment who are showing accelerated development), Interested Players (players who want more programming but who register on their own accord), and players across various age groups ensures that our training groups are highly competitive and rarely lack any energy.
Players entering this program should enter knowing that there may be a change to their weekly schedule, depending on how they are progressing. Moving players from one training group to another ensures that all participants have the ability to be challenged appropriately.
“Player Models” (Invited players; please attend our Information meeting to hear more), will take part in their own training groups, however, those groups will allow for growth throughout the year as we look to add to them from our Open groups.
Anywhere between 4-6 players registering by way of our open registration process will have an opportunity to train within the invited group(s) on a week-to-week basis. These decisions are merit based and will factor in staffing reports, attendance and attitude throughout the program. This will allow for a more catered and specialized training program for all groups where there has been an exponential amount of interest.
The training curriculum, overall environment, program expectations for the players, and all other pertinent programming details will be managed by our Academy Manager.
Attendance
In the event your child misses more than 3 sessions without notifying the staff by way of our attendance tracking form (which will be provided within your welcome email), the club reserves the right to remove you from the program, and a refund will be provided based on the current program refund policy. Any removals from the program past the 8 week mark (halfway) will be done so without a refund being provided.
Training Environment
The training curriculum, overall environment and program expectations for the players and all other pertinent programming details will be managed by our Technical Programs Manager and myself, the Technical Director of the club.
Built upon the guiding principles of our club’s Game Model at these age groups, our training sessions are designed to better prepare our participants for the competitive nature of the tournaments we are entering.
This is not a team based program, and friendship requests are not taken into account. When opting into this program, you are accepting that training groups are the sole responsibility of the staff and that groups are formed for a variety of reasons, and are not always what you would perhaps see within their own team environment.
Communication
Any questions regarding this program should go directly to Nick Perugini, the club’s Academy Manager: nick@vancouverunitedfc.com
Invitations and Rationale
Players who will receive an “invitation” are what we consider “player model” within their respective age group and have excelled in one or more of the following categories: Athletic Ability, Technical Proficiency, Tactical Awareness, Sportsmanship and Socio-Emotional Maturity. These players would form a core for the training groups, thus impacting those around them (younger/older, Invited/Open Registrants) and furthering everyone’s developmental goals.
Players not receiving an invitation are encouraged to register for one of the “open” spots if this program is something that interests them. General registration will open shortly, and will be communicated by Loretta Abdi, our Director of Operations, via our club-wide PowerUp communication channel.
Spots are very limited, so please ensure you pay close attention to the enrolment opening date and time; age groups have been known to sell out within 10 minutes of opening. You cannot reserve a spot within the program prior to the open registration period.
Program Dates (16 Weekends):
Sept. 13th & 14th / 20th & 21st / 27th & 28th
Oct. 4th & 5th / 18th & 19th / 25th & 26th
Nov. 1st & 2nd / 8th & 9th / 15th & 16th / 22nd & 23rd / 29th & 30th
Jan. 17th & 18th / 24th & 25th / 31st & Feb. 1
Feb. 7th & 8th / 21st & 22nd
Session Days & Times:
*all times are subject to change & those changes will be communicated in the event they occur*
Saturdays
2013 & 2014 Girls
9am to 10:15am
2015 & 2016 Girls
10:15am to 11:30am
2017 & 2018 Girls
11:30am to 12:45pm
Sundays
2017 & 2018 Boys
9am to 10:15am
2016 Boys
10:15am to 11:30am
2015 Boys
11:30am to 12:45pm
2015 Boys (Invite)
– 12:45pm to 2:00pm
2014 & 2015 Boys (Invite)
– 2pm to 3:15pm
2014 Boys (Invite)
– 3:15pm to 4:30pm
2012, 2013 & 2014 Boys
– 3pm to 4:15pm
Training Location:
UBC Fields to be determined
Cost:
The registration fee for all programs can be found on our Fees page
Jersey
All participants will be required to wear VanU Academy Jersey
***If you do not have an Academy Jersey, you will need to purchase one. Anyone needing to purchase a training jersey should indicate this as part of the registration and our administration team will be in touch with you regarding payment and pick up. Jersey orders should be placed before the 2nd session
Rain coats: we want to encourage all participants to wear a VanU branded shell raincoat. Anyone needing to purchase a training jersey should indicate this as part of the registration and our administration team will be in touch with you regarding payment and pick up. (There are limited quantities of these available).
*THIS PROGRAM WILL BE OFFERED TO MEMBERS WHO ARE REGISTERED FOR THE FALL/WINTER SEASON
Upon registration, please be prepared to input your receipt number for the program you are currently registered for. Players not registered for the fall/winter season will have their skill centre registration cancelled and a refund provided.
ABOUT THE LEAGUE
The BC Soccer Premier League (BCSPL) was established by BC Soccer in conjunction with Canada Soccer, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and the BC Soccer membership. The overall objective of the league is to support the development and identification of players within a standards based environment for Under 14 through Under 18 male and female programming. Each year, the BCSPL plays a spring/summer season (phase 1) starting in late February and culminating in the Provincial Premier Cup in late June. The fall season (phase 2) consists of 9 to 10 weeks of league play. Together with its Development Partners, the BCSPL focuses on player, coach and referee development within a standards based game environment.
https://www.bcspl.ca
VanU, having achieved the Canadian Soccer Association’s National Youth Club License in 2019, now enters teams in BCSPL. All new BCSPL franchises enter teams at the youngest age group, known as the ‘U14 Intakes’ each year. This sees us add two more teams every year. In 2024, we will add two more, taking us to eight (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012) born teams on both the girls and boys side. Here is the program we have put together for this group.
BCSPL EVALUATIONS:
There are no “tryouts” or specific evaluation dates for this level for members of our Club. All current Vancouver United FC members who are within the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 age groups at our Club are evaluated throughout the season within their current environments (as part of the clubs season long evaluation process) and if requested to, are able to take part in training sessions and games as part of the fluid roster and permitting process.
For players currently playing U13 at our club; VanU staff evaluate the player pool throughout the entire season and select players into the BCSPL at the appropriate signing windows provided by BC Soccer. Our development pathway however does not simply revolve around the BCSPL level, as we aspire to build out entire age groups; our BCSPL & Division One (next level) are in regular contact with one another and both programs adhere to similar philosophies revolving around long term player development and sustainability.
INTERESTED PLAYERS FORM
(This is for non members only)
For any players who are currently NOT Vancouver United FC members born in 2012, 2011 , 2010, 2009 and 2008; and who would like to express their interest in joining the Vancouver United FC BCSPL program please complete the form below:
Players who are already registered and playing with Vancouver United should not use the above form, as they are always in consideration
The following fee structure is based on the 2025/2026 season.
FEES BCSPL Intake 2012
Registration fee will be $3000 – $3300. This will include professional coaches for all training sessions and games, uniforms, training kit (including a tracksuit and bag), all travel within the season schedule costs. There will be no additional fees for this program. Payment will be due in three instalments due as follows:
- $800 (non refundable) within 48 hours upon accepting a spot on the team.
- $1600 on or before March 1st 2024
- $600 – $900 on or before May 1st 2024
- Credit card surcharges of 3% are charged by the issuer.
FEES BCSPL 2008 - 2011
Registration fee will be $3000 – $3300. This will include professional coaches for all training sessions and games, uniforms, training kit (including a tracksuit and bag), all travel within the season schedule costs. There will be no additional fees for this program. Payment will be due in three instalments due as follows:
- $800 (non refundable) within 48 hours upon accepting a spot on the team
- $1600 on or before February 1st 2025
- $600 – $900 on or before May 1st 2025
- Credit card surcharges of 3% are charged by the issuer
PROMOTION OF PLAYERS
- Our main focus is to facilitate and support the promotion of our players to higher levels of play (National teams, Provincial High Performance Program, Whitecaps Academy/REX).
- As our players near graduation out of the program (U16 to U18), our aim is to help their exposure to the various Universities and Colleges who recruit out of the BCSPL
QUESTIONS
- If you have any questions regarding this program, please feel free to contact our Technical Director and BCSPL Technical Lead Maurice Hayes
Game Officials
VanU runs clinics for those who want to become game officials (referees and assistant referees) once a year. Information is sent directly to members or will be published on this page. To referee small sided games (U9 and U10) you must be at least 12 years old to take the Small Sided Games course. You can also be an assistant ref (linesman or lineswoman) at this age once you’ve taken the same course. To be a game official for U11 to U18 games you must take the Entry Level Referee Clinic.
Before taking further interest, please read through the BC Soccer Website for referees (Click Here)
For general questions about becoming a referee at VanU please contact info@vancouverunitedfc.com
UPCOMING REFEREE COURSES
There are currently no referee courses scheduled by VanU for the upcoming season. Details will be published on this page when the courses are available. Members are able to attend a course externally and register with the club to become a referee.
To find a local course and to learn more about the referee programming please Click Here
