WIA NEXT STEP

(U18+)

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

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APPLICATIONS ~

  • THE OBJECTIVE

    WIA Next is where players transition into the senior game and prepare for the next level.

    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

  • The final training schedule and field locations are still being confirmed and will be shared once finalized.

  • WIA competes in the Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) during the winter season and transitions to the Pacific Coast Soccer League (PCSL) in the spring.

    This dual-league structure ensures players maintain consistent, high-level competition year-round.

    Competing in both the VISL and PCSL gives young players valuable experience against mature, physically developed opponents—an essential step in preparing for the professional game.

    Regular match play in demanding environments accelerates development and eases the transition to higher levels of competition.

  • COLLEGE PATHWAY

    WIA Next supports players pursuing post-secondary opportunities through access to the Vancouver Whitecaps Caps to College program.

    Players receive guidance with recruitment, player profiles and video, showcase opportunities, and navigating the college pathway both athletically and academically.

    INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

    Through our partnership with Halmstads BK in Sweden, players may access international training camps, exhibition matches, and European football experiences.

    These opportunities expose players to different football environments and, for selected players, may lead to extended training or playing opportunities abroad.

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