Each Competitive squad consists of talented young players selected by our Technical Staff through the evaluation process. Returning Academy or Competitive players are not subject to formal tryouts, since they are evaluated routinely over the course of their previous season. Players considered "new" (those who did not play competitively with the club in the most recent season) must register for an evaluation. This is done via PowerUp, our registration platform – look for a product that includes the term "Evaluation Fee" once logged in. New players will then be contacted by the relevant Staff Coach to formally set up an on-field evaluation. These often take place within the structure of existing programs themselves, to give our staff the best possible chance of placing each player in the most appropriate environment.

Returning players should simply register for the "Base Competitive Fee" on PowerUp to be considered for the following season. Note that players who participated in the program in one season are not necessarily guaranteed a position in the same program the following season. New groups are formed every season with each player's current ability and development in mind.

Following the evaluation period, trialists will be notified of their evaluation result by their respective Staff Coach. Players will be placed at the level that currently best suits their ability, with their long-term development in mind. Players who are selected for the program will be sent a Competitive Program invitation letter, which will invite them to accept a position in the squad for the season.

Training sessions are designed by our Academy Staff and are aligned with the club's long-term technical plan. Our technical plan incorporates a blend of technical exercises and small-sided match play, ensuring that players can develop through repetition first, and then have the opportunity to apply their learnings in realistic game scenarios. Team coaches are also granted creative freedom to work on their specific team's needs, again with the support of our Academy Staff. Finally, players learn principles of play, how to work as a team and how to compete through the matches themselves, as is key to any competitive-level program.

During the winter months, teams will receive two training sessions (one on turf in a dome, and one futsal session in a gym) alongside weekly games which are played in Ottawa's long-standing Coliseum League. Teams will compete in 7v7 matches against clubs from around the region at RA Centre Dome, hereby benefitting from more touches on the ball and a healthy dose of competition.

Note that the program structure may differ slightly for the U18-U21 groups - more details will be communicated to registered players by our staff.

U13-U18 Boys Competitive Director: Kousha Aminian

Kousha serves as Ottawa TFC’s Boys Competitive Director. Having grown up playing his entire youth career with Ottawa TFC’s predecessor Cumberland Cobras, he is now involved in multiple areas of the club including our boys High Performance Academy. Kousha holds a National B Diploma and is heavily involved in the success and growth of the club's programs. His presence and approach is always appreciated by his players, making him an important piece of our culture.

U13-U18 Girls Competitive Director: Raz El-Asmar

With a resume that includes over 30 years of coaching (at youth and collegiate levels) and 15 years of experience managing youth programs, Raz has developed a reputation for being a caring, dedicated and passionate leader around the soccer community in Ottawa. Having built Ottawa TFC predecessor Capital United from the ground up and helped the club achieve provincial success, he has been recognized for his selfless work on and off the field. Raz holds a Canada Soccer National A License and now serves as the club’s Technical Director.

Registration, PowerUp or payment questions: register@ottawatfc.com

Learn more about our club staff by visiting our Staff page.

Players are required to wear their OTFC uniforms from the summer. New players at the club will receive a complimentary practice shirt.

Other club gear items will be required for players accepted into the program, such as game uniforms, shorts, socks and a backpack – more information will be communicated by the coaching staff at the start of the season.

Uniforms and club apparel can be purchased online directly from our supplier.

Ottawa TFC also offers a specialized program for goalkeepers, which is heavily recommended for Competitive players who are either exploring this unique position or already committed to it. For more details, visit the GK Training program page here.

Ottawa TFC programs will be taking a holiday break during which programs will not run, unless otherwise stated. This season's break will take place between Wednesday, December 21, 2025 and Sunday, January 4, 2026. Activities will be resuming as scheduled on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Camps are sometimes offered during club breaks for players who wish to get some extra training or simply can't stay away from the pitch – visit our Camps page to see this year's offering.

Applicable registration fees (U14-U17)

• Evaluation fee: $65 (new players only)
  • Players who participated in Academy or Competitive programs during the Summer 2024 season are not required to pay this fee. Any other players are considered "new" and subject to this evaluation fee.
• Base Competitive fee: $550
  • All players looking to play in Academy or Competitive programs for the season must pay this initial fee upon registration. Players who are not selected will see this fee credited/refunded.
  • Players will not be considered registered (and therefore not considered for squad selection at the start of the season) until this fee is paid or instalments are set up.
• Competitive fee: $400-600
  • This additional program fee will be added to the accounts of selected players once they have accepted their invitation to the Competitive program.
  • U18 to U21 competitive fee will be between $50-150 due to a lower training load.
• Non-volunteer fee (1 per family per season): $55
  • Fee is credited into accounts at the end of the season for those who volunteer with the club. Visit our Volunteering page to find volunteer opportunities!

Please note that U18-U21 fees are to be confirmed and will be added to this page once finalized.

Financial assistance: Ottawa TFC works with valued organizations and community partners to help families needing support for their child (or children) to be able to play soccer and be healthy. Visit our Financial Assistance page for more information.

Withdrawals: visit our Refunds & Withdrawals page to request a credit or refund. All refunds are subject to the Refund Policy. Only approved requests will be processed. Note that evaluation fees are non-refundable.