July 19, 2011
Toronto FC Academy and the Windsor FC Nationals are pleased to announce
their affiliation not only to the club, but to the community. It is because of clubs such as the Windsor FC Nationals, who are committed
to their community, that Toronto FC wants to create a structured path to excellence. The goal is to provide stability and continuity
in the development of players in Ontario and Canada through partnerships with youth clubs across each who meet and have goals to meet
Toronto FC standards for development and elite play. Toronto FC envisions establishing Club Academy Programs (CAPs) working in
coordination with the Toronto FC Academy. The CAPs will demand a premium level of training that will allow the chance for involved
players, Under 9 to Under 17, to be monitored and scouted in progression toward joining the Toronto FC Academy as full-time members.
The CAPs will create training environments that simulate the professional experience that Toronto FC’s current Academy teams are
accustomed to, and through club cooperation, will allow for friendly competition and collaboration for additional scouting opportunities.
Academy Director Stuart Neely is quick to point out that the major focus driving this initiative is the development of coaches.
“Toronto FC Academy is dedicated to the development of coaches in our CAPs as it is those who are working with the players on a
daily basis. Our program will provide ideas, knowledge and sharing of visions that will help us all. One of my roles here at Toronto FC
will be to ensure that all aspects of this program are fully developed from coaching information, identification of players to coaching
initiatives. It is the beginning of something exciting.”
Windsor FC Nationals' President Mike Baraslievski is pleased that the club has been chosen for this opportunity. “Toronto FC has
recognized the important role that our club plays in elite player development in Windsor and Essex County. This affiliation, and our
joint commitment to player development at the highest level, means that we will be able to provide new opportunities to the players in
our district. We are also excited to offer our coaching staff, already the most highly certified club staff in our area, the chance to
further develop under the guidance of a professional club. We now have a direct system in place for our players who dream of one day
playing professional soccer.”
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