For the first time, Toronto FC Academy will be holding Scouting Combines outside the Greater Toronto Area for players born in 1993, 1994, 1995 or 1996. These one-day events will give players the opportunity to play in front of Toronto FC Academy coaches who will be identifying talent outside GTA with the aim of extend invitations to phase two of trials for the Junior Academy program.
The following dates have been confirmed:
February 10 - WATERLOO - RIM park
February 12 - OTTAWA - Ottawa Coliseum
February 15 - HAMILTON - Player Paradise Sports Complex
The scouting combines are by invitation only. Any players interested in participating must submit a recommendation form signed by their club head coach and/or Technical Director. To access the Recommendation Form, click here. Send the recommendation form by fax to 416-815-5452 or by email to academy@torontofc.ca
"Toronto FC Academy's goal is to find and develop players that will one day suit up for Toronto FC here at BMO Field," said Earl Cochrane, director of Academy. "We presently have a handful of players who are on the cusp of breaking through and feel now is the right time to cast a wider net across the province."
"As with our current crop of Academy players and trialists, we are of course looking for players with the qualities that make them stand out from the pack - good vision, technique, skill, pace, etc - but also possess qualities that separate them from other elite players and will allow them to thrive in our Academy program - hard work, leadership, discipline, good character and a positive attitude towards the game, the staff, and their colleagues."
Any player who is offered a position with the Academy will be asked to participate in the Toronto FC Homestay program for players that live outside the GTA. Built along the same lines as the long-standing junior hockey billeting program, the Homestay program started in September 2009 and allows players to attend school in the morning and train with the Academy in the afternoon. Academy players take part in a customized academic program overseen by the Toronto District School Board, at no cost to them.
