WIA NEXT STEP

Residency program - Sept 2027

Where players transition into the senior game and prepare for the next level

  • Two male soccer players competing for the ball on a green field, with one in a red shirt and black shorts, the other in a white shirt and gray shorts, during a match at night.

    PLAYER PROGRESSION

    WIA Next is designed for players transitioning from youth soccer into senior, collegiate, and higher-performance environments.

    The program supports players who are preparing for the next stage of their journey, whether that is competing in the senior game, pursuing post-secondary opportunities, or continuing to develop within a high-performance environment.

    Training focuses on helping players refine their game, adapt to the physical and tactical demands of senior football, and prepare for opportunities at the next level.

  • A soccer player in an orange and blue striped jersey tries to kick the ball while a player in a red jersey slides on the ground to block the shot during a soccer match on a green field with a black fence and trees in the background.

    PLAYERS EXPERIENCE

    Players train in a competitive, high performance environment designed to prepare them for the demands of the senior game.

    Through consistent training and match play, players continue developing their technical quality, tactical understanding, physical preparation, and decision-making under pressure while building accountability, leadership, and independence.

    Competition platforms include the Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) and Pacific Coast Soccer League (PCSL), providing players with meaningful senior competition and exposure within established adult and high-performance environments.

  • A group of soccer players wearing red jerseys and black shorts on the field during a game. Some players have blonde and dark hair. One player has a visible number 10 on his jersey. The background shows a chain-link fence and green trees.

    OUR APPROACH

    WIA Next is designed to bridge the gap between youth and senior football through purposeful training and meaningful competition.

    Players train in an environment that emphasizes long-term progression, personal responsibility, and continued development both on and off the field.

    Coaches work closely with players to support their individual goals, whether pursuing university soccer, senior football, or opportunities within higher-performance environments.

WIA NEXT STEP - 2026/2027 Season

APPLICATIONS

~

APPLICATIONS ~

  • THE OBJECTIVE

    WIA NEXT is the final stage of the Westcastle International Academy player pathway. Designed for ambitious players pursuing professional football, collegiate soccer, or international playing opportunities, the program provides a full-time high-performance environment that bridges the gap between youth football and the senior game. Players are evaluated on competitive level, commitment, long-term goals, and readiness for a demanding high-performance environment.

    PROGRAM DETAILS

    The program runs from September to June and combines training, competition, and pathway support within one integrated environment.

    Players are expected to commit fully to training, matches, and their individual development.

    CHARACTER AND RESPONSIBILITY

    Players are expected to take ownership of their development and approach the environment with maturity, consistency, and accountability.

    The program also encourages leadership, professionalism, and giving back to the community through mentorship and involvement within the club.

  • WIA Next Step is designed for players preparing for the next stage of the game.

    The program bridges the gap between youth and senior football, providing a high-performance environment focused on continued development, meaningful competition, and future opportunities within the game.

    TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

    Players train three times per week in a structured environment focused on technical quality, tactical understanding, physical preparation, and professionalism.

    Training sessions are designed to prepare players for the demands of senior football while continuing to develop confident, intelligent, and adaptable players.

    COMPETITION ENVIRONMENT

    Players compete in senior and high-level youth environments, including the Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) and Pacific Coast Soccer League (PCSL).

    These environments expose players to faster, more physical, and more demanding game situations that help prepare them for the senior and high-performance game.

    Competition placement is based on readiness and managed to ensure players are challenged at the appropriate level.

  • PROGRAM FEE

    2026/2027 Season

    Program fee (Sept - June): $3675

    • Program: $3,500

    • GST $175

    Additional Fees

    • Kit Fees

    Payment plans and sibling discount available.

  • TBA

  • Mon PHYSICAL TRAINING - PISE

    Tue 8:00pm CML

    Wed 8:00pm CML

    Thur 8:00pm CML

    Sat 8:00pm Starlight Stad - Game

    Sun REST AND RECOVERY

    • Regular match play in demanding Men’s League environments against experienced senior opponents accelerates player development and prepares athletes for collegiate and professional football.

  • COLLEGE PATHWAY

    WIA NEXT provides comprehensive college recruitment support through participation in premier college showcase events, including the Surf College Showcase (San Diego), Las Vegas College Showcase, and FTF College Showcase (Vancouver). Players also have access to the Vancouver Whitecaps Caps to College program, along with guidance on recruitment, player profiles, highlight videos, and navigating the Canadian and U.S. college pathway both athletically and academically.

    INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

    Through WIA's established partnerships with clubs in Sweden, selected players are placed with Swedish clubs to compete at the U19 level, providing a direct pathway into European football.

    This unique opportunity allows players to train and compete in a professional environment while continuing their development, gaining international experience, and increasing their exposure to professional clubs and post-secondary opportunities. WIA works closely with its partner clubs to ensure each player's placement supports their long-term football and academic goals.

APPLICATIONS

“We need to develop individual players so every player within our academy has his own individual plan to make the steps needed to finally get to the very top.“We use our [academy] team more or less not to win games, but to try to develop as many individual players as possible .”

Eddie Mukahanana, Technical Director