Presentation Brochure - Académie de l`Impact de Montréal

INFORMATION BOOKLET
As parents, we want what’s best for our children. This is the basic principle that guides all of our
efforts at the Montreal Impact Academy since 2010. We strive to offer the best possible coaching for
our young players, at all levels, to ensure their development.
Whether it’s technically, with our coaches, therapists, mental health trainers, our doctor and support
staff, or be it academically with the assistance that we offer for homework or accommodation with
host families, our only goal is to create an ideal environment for the development of our youth.
We place a heavy emphasis on our Academy, because it is one of the pillars of the identity of the club
and our philosophy to develop local players will strengthen the sense of belonging between our fans
and the club.
This approach has clearly paid off since 2010, with a number of professional contracts being signed
in MLS by players from the Academy, but also with national team appearances by a number of young
players from within our system. In addition, our youth teams have had some exceptional performances,
including our U16 and U18 teams who finished amongst the best of 80 academies across the U.S. and
Canada last season. All this has been in conjunction with a very high success rate in school.
Based on these results, and the desire to develop local talent for the pro team as proven by the recent
signings of Anthony Jackson-Hamel, Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé and Louis Béland-Goyette, we’ve decided
to go even further with the construction of our own training centre in 2015.
This new centre, located in the old Caserne Letourneux close to Stade Saputo, will finally allow us to
consolidate all of our teams under one roof to better ensure their development.
As we seek to prepare our young players to hopefully join the professional ranks one day, we also
want to prepare them for life. To do this, we want them to feel like they are a part of a family as they
step through the doors of the Academy.
With this new training facility, they will have a place they could call home.
Joey Saputo
President
Montreal Impact and Stade Saputo
3
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
ACADEMY
One club, one identity, one history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Director’s message: Philippe Eullaffroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
What is the Academy?
Mission, objective, philosophy and player origins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
The staff and infrastructures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
The educational aspect
Operations, typical day and partner schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
The sporting aspect
Presentation, competition network and national team. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
The Academy Institute and commitment to the community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Housing, transport and costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Recruiting / Tryouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Academy products with the pros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
PRE-ACADEMY
Pre-Academy
Objectives, operations, competition, coaching, cost and recruitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4
ONE CLUB, ONE IDENTITY, ONE HISTORY
ONE CLUB,
ONE IDENTITY,
ONE HISTORY
Full name
Impact de Montréal FC,
Montreal Impact
Nicknames
Le onze montréalais,
Le bleu-blanc-noir,
IMFC
Founded
1992
Professional Status
Since December 1992
Colours
Blue, white and black
Stadium
Stade Saputo
Capacity: 20,801 seats
Professional league
Major League Soccer
President and owner
Joey Saputo
Head Coach
Frank Klopas
Player with most
games played
Mauro Biello (389 games)
Top scorer
Mauro Biello (77)
5
ONE CLUB, ONE IDENTITY, ONE HISTORY
1993
1996
2002
Since 2012
1
FLEUR DE LYS
The official emblem of Quebec found on the provincial flag and historically a
symbol of the French monarchy. The fleur de lys was also used by explorer
Jacques Cartier when he first sailed to America in 1534. It represents the
unique francophone character of the province.
2
SILVER
The silver used in the logo represents the silver background used in
Montreal’s coat of arms.
5
7
3
1
BLUE
The team’s predominant colour since its inaugural season in 1993. Refers to
the colour of the provincial flag and represents Quebec. It also represents
the Saint-Lawrence River, surrounding the island of Montreal.
3
4
SCARF AND UPWARD SLANT IN THE TEAM’S NAME
The scarf with the club’s name represents our supporters. The upward slant
symbolizes the team’s steady growth and progression over the years, and
its evolution in Major League Soccer. It is also a symbol of continuity, as it
hints back to the Montreal Impact’s inaugural logo in 1993, as well as the 2002
version that had a predominantly upward slant.
4
8
5
TOUS POUR GAGNER
The team’s new motto, which refers to the importance of unity for victory.
Also reminds us that the club is the sum of relentless effort from players,
staff, partners and supporters who make this organization a great success.
6
2
THE SHIELD
The traditional shield shape of the logo is consistent with the shape of soccer
logos around the world. It is also a derivative of the City of Montreal’s shield.
6
7
FOUR STARS
The four stars represent the four original settlers of Montreal as illustrated on
the flag of the city: the French, the English, the Irish and the Scots.
8
BLACK AND BLUE STRIPES
The black and blue stripes refer to the club’s first jersey, especially the year
the club won its first championship in 1994.
6
ONE CLUB, ONE IDENTITY, ONE HISTORY
TITLES
Championships: 3
1994 Champions APSL (American Professional Soccer League)
2004 Champions A- League.
2009 Champions USL (United Soccer League)
Voyageurs Cups: 6
2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Canadian Championships: 3
2008, 2013, 2014
7
ONE CLUB, ONE IDENTITY, ONE HISTORY
HIGHLIGHTS
• D
ecember 10, 1992, the news spreads through the media. The Saputo Group
acquires an APSL franchise. Montreal becomes the second Canadian city
to join the league after Vancouver.
• F ebruary 2, 1993, at a press conference held at the Château Vaudreuil Sheraton,
the Saputo family unveil the name of the club (Impact), its colours (blue,
white and black) and the identity of its first ever head coach: Eddie Firmani.
• M
ay 14, 1993, the Impact plays its first ever game in Los Angeles against
another expansion team, the Los Angeles Salsa. Dino Lopez becomes the
first player to score a goal in an Impact uniform. The Salsa wins the game
in penalties.
• O
ctober 15, 1994, soccer fever erupts in Montreal with a crowd of
8,000 spectators at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex to witness the
clubs first ever championship after defeating the Colorado Foxes 1-0.
• 1 998 Season, the Impact posts a 21-7 record and earns a fifth straight
playoff berth. The Montreal squad beats the Staten Island Vipers in the
first playoff round, but loses in the second against an old rival, the
Rochester Raging Rhinos, for the second time in three years. In the spring
of 1999, Saputo yields the Impact to a group of local businessmen. The
new ownership chooses not to play the 1999 outdoor season in order to
better prepare the 1999-2000 indoor season, which would be played at the
Claude-Robillard Sports Complex.
• 2 001, the season was difficult; Ionian’s sudden withdrawal in mid-season
as ownership group forced the A-League to take over the team. But by
accepting to finish the season despite drastic budgetary cuts, the players
basically salvage soccer in Montreal. In spite of the difficult circumstances,
the Impact come within only one win of clinching a playoff berth. In 2001,
the team still managed to win the Montreal Cup, a six-team international
tournament. In the fall, Joey Saputo announces a brand new start for the
Montreal Impact, now a non-profit organization whose future is ensured
for at least the next five years thanks to the financial support of investors
such as the Government of Québec, Hydro-Québec and Saputo.
• S
eptember 18, 2004, the Impact triumphs over the Seattle Sounders 2-0 on
goals by Mauricio Vincello and Fred Commodore to win the A-League title,
their second North American Championship in team history, 10 years apart.
• I n July, 2006, Joey Saputo concludes a deal with the Régie des installations
olympiques to construct a new soccer specific stadium seating
13,034 spectators, close to Olympic Stadium, at a cost of $17 million.
The ground-breaking ceremony was held on April 18, 2007 and the team
played its first game there on May 19, 2008.
8
ONE CLUB, ONE IDENTITY, ONE HISTORY
• J anuary 17, 2007, the Impact announces the creation of its farm team, the
Trois-Rivières Attak, which serves as the club’s reserve team and plays in
the Canadian Soccer League, starting in May.
• F ebruary 25, 2009, the Impact makes history again on February 25, 2009, by
defeating Mexican club Santos Laguna 2-0 in front of 55,571 spectators at
Olympic Stadium. However, the Impact is eliminated from the CONCACAF
Champions League 5-4 on aggregate goals, after a 5-2 loss in the away-game
played on March 5 in Torreon, Mexico.
• O
ctober 17, 2009, in the championship final, the Impact wins the aggregate
goal home-and-away series, defeating its Canadian rivals, the Vancouver
Whitecaps, with a 6-3 score: 3-2 on October 10 at Swangard Stadium and
3-1 on October 17 at Stade Saputo in front of a sold out crowd.
• M
arch 17, 2010, the Impact ends its association with the Trois-Rivières
Attak as its reserve team and announces the creation of its own Academy.
The U23 team, playing out of Montreal, joined the Canadian Soccer League
in May, 2010.
• M
ay 7, 2010, the organization announces that it will become the 19 th team in
Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2012.
• M
arch 9, 2011, with its entry into MLS set for the following year, the Impact
unveils detailed plans to expand Stade Saputo, going from 13,034 to 20,801
seats.
• A
pril 18, 2011, the club announces the creation of four new teams within
the Academy: U18, U16, U14, U13.
• August 6, 2011, the club unveils its new logo for MLS.
• A
ugust 31, 2011, is the date of the official commencement of the club’s
sports-etudes program within the Academy.
• M
arch 17, 2012, the club plays its first ever home game in MLS, against the
Chicago Fire, in front of 58,912 spectators at Olympic Stadium. The team
then establishes a club record on May 12 versus David Beckham and the
LA Galaxy with 60,860 spectators.
• A
pril 3, 2012, the Impact announces that its U16 and U18 teams would join
the USSDA in 2012-2013, grouping the top 80 youth academies from across
North America in one championship, which includes teams from all MLS
clubs.
9
ONE CLUB, ONE IDENTITY, ONE HISTORY
• M
ay 24, 2012, the club announces the signing of its first ever Designated
Player, forward Marco Di Vaio. The Italian striker is later joined by World
Cup winner Alessandro Nesta on July 5, 2012.
• J une 5, 2012, Montreal Impact defender Karl W. Ouimette becomes the first
player from the Academy to sign a pro deal with the team in MLS.
• F ebruary 26, 2013, two other players from the Academy sign pro deals:
Maxim Tissot and Wandrille Lefèvre, followed by goalkeeper Maxime
Crépeau on March 5 and midfielder Zakaria Messoudi on June 4.
• A
t the end of the 2013 season, the Impact finishes fifth in the Eastern
Conference and thus qualifies for the MLS playoffs for the first time in its
history, in just its second year in MLS. The team is then eliminated in the
knockout game 3-0 by the Houston Dynamo.
• D
ecember 20, 2013, the club announces the creation of its Pre-Academy,
adding five new teams to the Academy structure: U8, U9, U10, U11 and U12,
starting their season in April 2014.
• J une, 2014, in just its second year in USSDA play, the U18s and the U16s
qualify for the postseason. The U18s make a run to the semi-finals, winning
the bronze medal by beating FC Dallas 3-2.
• J uly 3, 2014, Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé becomes the sixth Academy player to
join the pros, followed by forward Anthony Jackson-Hamel, on August 1,
and then midfielder Louis Béland-Goyette on September 12.
• S
eptember 4, 2014, Joey Saputo announces at a press conference that
the club will construct a new training facility at the Caserne Létourneux,
grouping all of its teams under the same roof. The club also announces the
creation a new team in USL PRO, as of 2015.
• O
ctober 25, 2014, Marco Di Vaio, the clubs’ first ever Designated Player in
MLS, plays the final game of his career against D.C. United, scoring in the
1-1 draw.
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DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
DIRECTOR’S
MESSAGE The Montreal Impact Academy is more than just a sports structure to develop elite
athletes. It is also an environment for growth, passion and emotion, where effort,
perseverance, friendship and humility are stressed daily to reinforce the club’s identity.
Understanding and adhering to these values are keys to becoming a member of the
Montreal Impact Academy.
We hope that the young people who enter the Academy feel that they are becoming
part of a family. Therefore, all of us educators, administrators and therapists have the
responsibility of communicating the values, knowledge and culture of the club in order
to ensure that our Academy members are at the highest level both on and off the field.
We are there for them to lean on in order to become balanced men with the hopes of
becoming pro soccer players one day.
The club provides the best possible conditions for the development of young players.
Yet, they have another serious challenge as we monitor their educational “performances” very closely as well. We require these young men to prepare for two potential
futures, whether as a pro or through their studies…and this over a period of 11 out of
12 months.
We aim to communicate these values by remaining true to our principles and preparing
them for their future and the future of the club. It’s a challenge that we take seriously
every day. We are determined to create a permanent environment suited to the growth
of our young athletes.
Here, they will share, debate and be creative. At the Montreal Impact Academy, we
want our players to progress and to play the way they live their lives…well, with
passion and emotion.
With these types of players as part of the program, following the Montreal Impact
Academy will not only be an experience as a sports fan, but an emotional one as well.
Philippe Eullaffroy
11
WHAT IS THE ACADEMY?
WHAT IS
THE ACADEMY?
The Montreal Impact Academy’s primary objective, across all of its programs, is to develop young soccer players into professionals in
MLS by offering them a scholastic program adapted to their training schedules, in a structure inspired by European Academies.
The Montreal Impact is the first and only professional club in MLS and in North America for that matter, to offer a sports-etudes program. Starting at 12 years old, the participant becomes part of an educational program recognized by the Ministry of Education, Recreation and Sports, which is adapted towards our training schedule in order to practice every weekday afternoon.
This program is the first step that a player can take, without leaving Quebec, in becoming a professional soccer player. It assembles
young players that will take part, develop with and represent one club: the Montreal Impact.
The Academy teaches a discipline for life oriented towards performance and education, social integration and the achievement of high
objectives. Our goal is also to develop the best possible player who is a responsible person with strong interpersonal skills and adept at
the values fundamental to sports: effort, team spirit, respect of the rules and most of all respect of self. By emphasizing the importance
of education and sport, this philosophy is the best way to educate youth who are preparing for the difficult road to becoming professional
soccer players, all while helping to build their identity.
To achieve these objectives, a regular evaluation program is directed by the coaches and technical staff to measure progress. Players
will get a trimestral breakdown of their performance to get an idea of their level.
The values of the Montreal Impact organization are as present in education, at school and in everyday life as they are on the pitch. The
concepts of respect and communication between educators and players are stressed.
Player Origins
Centre du Québec | 1 %
Outaouais | 3 %
Étranger | 1 %
Mauricie | 3 %
Nouvelle-Écosse | 1 %
Capitale Nationale | 5 %
Estrie | 5 %
Laurentides | 8 %
Montréal | 38 %
Lanaudière | 8 %
Ontario | 13 %
Montérégie | 14 %
Source: Roster 2014-2015, of all 5 academy teams (U13 to U23) - September 2014
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Laval | 13 %
THE STAFF AND INFRASTRUCTURES
THE STAFF
Close to 15 people work full-time in technical, administrative and medical avenues as well as mental health and physical trainers, in
order to ensure the daily development of the 120 Academy members.
A DAILY PERSONALIZED MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP
With the regularity of training and high level matches, the Academy makes a point of ensuring a personalized follow-up of its players to
prevent injury and get the players into top physical condition. This supplemental support is conducted by a head athletic therapist, an
assistant therapist and a physical trainer.
A chief physician and family physician are also made available to the players. The medical component is an essential piece in training a
young player. Our therapists are present at all training sessions and games. Daily discussions with the trainers and the players are held
in order to detect any anomalies, look after injuries and take any necessary action to remain in full health and well-being.
Philippe Eullaffroy
Academy Director
U23 Head Coach
Nicolas Coupleux
Academy
Administrative Manager
Nima Azadeh
Academy Development and
Special Projects Coordinator
Simon Gatti
U23 Assistant Coach
Jason Di Tullio
U18 Head Coach
Wilfried Nancy
U16 Head Coach
Nicolas Gagnon
U14 Head Coach
Serge Dinkota
U13 Head Coach
Antoine Guldner
Academy Mental
Strength Coach
Yannick Girard
Academy Strength and
Conditioning Coach
Yoann Damet
Academy Strength and
Conditioning Assistant Coach
Pre-Academy Coordinator
U12 Head Coach
Youssef Dahha
Academy Goalkeeper
Development Supervisor
Jack Stern
U23 / U18 / U16
Goalkeeper Coach
Owen Braun
U13 / U14 / Pre-Academy
Goalkeeper Coach
Matthew Starr
Academy Equipment
and Team Manager
André Roy
Academy Head Physician
Manon Côté
Academy general practitioner
Sandro Ricciuti
Assistant Equipment Manager
Jean-Yves Grenouillat
Academy Head Scout
Vanessa Contenta
Academy Head
Athletic Therapist
David Nascimento
In-residence animator & coordinator
13
THE STAFF AND INFRASTRUCTURES
INFRASTUCTURES
Impact’s official training centre: Caserne Letourneux
At the beginning of summer 2015, the Academy will be grouped in the same place as the first team, within its new training centre: the
Caserne Letourneux. This new centre will be equipped with two synthetic pitches and two natural fields. It will include offices, locker
rooms, classrooms, fitness and therapy rooms.
14
THE STAFF AND INFRASTRUCTURES
The main field: Stade Saputo
Capacity: 20,801 seats
Surface: Natural grass, 110 metres x 70 metres
The synthetic field
Opened October 1, 2013, this new field, located just next to the main ground at Stade Saputo, is used by the Impact U23 (USL PRO), the
other Academy and Pre-Academy teams, but also by the local community. Designed by the Quebec company Field Turf, it is the first field
in Quebec to equip the Revolution technology, which contains a more durable fiber. The field has also been certified FIFA 2 Star, the
highest grade available for a synthetic surface. The playing surface is 68 meters (width) by 110 metres (length).
15
THE EDUCATIONAL ASPECT
THE EDUCATIONAL ASPECT
Educational Support
The Academy’s sports-etudes program offers a close collaboration between the academic component and the sports component with
a clear and strict rule: priority is given to academic success before sporting success. It is important for us to maintain a good academic
profile with an overall average of 75% and a minimum of 65% in math and French.
During his training, the student-athlete will receive individualized pedagogical guidance:
• A specific education adapted accordingly to the needs of the student-athlete.
• A system in place for lessons missed during sporting activities (games, competitions or national team appearances).
• A supervised and mandatory study period every day (60 min) with access to tutors.
• Recovery and tutorial classes at the request of a coach, teacher, parent or student.
Prepared schedules
The program is unique in North America and specific to the province of Quebec. This formula is an indispensable tool to adapt a regular
academic schedule that still allows training at a high level. This program is recognized and certified by the Ministry of Education, Recreation and Sports and by the Quebec Soccer Federation.
Classes end at 12:25pm, and go from Monday to Friday, to allow for training in the afternoon.
Example of a typical day
• 8:05am: classes begin
• 12:25pm: classes end + lunch
• 1:15pm: bus arrives at training centre (public transit or shuttle service provided by the club for certain schools)
• 1:30-3pm: training for the U13 and U14 groups while U16 and U18s are in mandatory study period
• 3-4:30pm: training for the U16 and U18 players while the U13 and U14 are in mandatory study period
• 4:45pm: end of day for all
The schedule will be adjusted during exam periods, and according to the calendar of competitions.
During the summer, for groups U13 and U14, schedules are in the afternoon from 1:30 - 3pm and for U16 and U18 players, from 3 - 4:30pm.
Holidays: All players are given three weeks off to rest during the summer between mid-July and early August and two weeks for Christmas
leave. The U13 and U14s also have a week during spring break, the first week of March.
16
THE EDUCATIONAL ASPECT
Our high school partners
Our partner schools have a lot of experience in sport-etudes programs, with
a proximity to students and training facilities and personalized follow-up for
classes, exams and tutoring programs. Also, there is close contact between
the school and the Academy to monitor the behaviour of the player, and
communication with parents is stressed.
Our student-athletes from our four partner schools are grouped in classes with
other athletes registered in sport-etudes programs.
ÉDOUARD-MONTPETIT (FRANCOPHONE)
6200, avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin
Montreal (Quebec) H1N 1S4
Telephone: 514-596-4140
ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPÉRY (FRANCOPHONE)
5150, boulevard Robert
Saint-Léonard (Quebec) H1R 1P9
Telephone: 514-325-0480
LESTER B.PEARSON (ANGLOPHONE)
11575 P.M. Favier
Montreal (Quebec) H1G 6E5
Telephone: 514-328-4442
JOHN RENNIE HIGH SCHOOL (ANGLOPHONE)
Subject to certain conditions and transportation to practice
is the responsibility of the parents
501, Boulevard Saint-Jean
Pointe-Claire (Quebec) H9R 3J5
Telephone: 514-697-3210
POST-SECONDARY
The Academy strongly encourages its players to continue their schooling by
going to an Alliance CEGEP. This allows the player to tailor his course schedule
around training hours. For more information: www.alliancesportetudes.ca
POST-CEGEP
Some universities such as UQAM and the University of Montreal/HEC recognize
athlete excellence status, keeping flexibility with its courses and examinations
on the basis of training/competition schedules.
17
THE SPORTING ASPECT THE SPORTING ASPECT The Academy contains about 120 players evolving full-time under the colours of the Montreal Impact and divided into five teams: U23,
U18, U16, U14 and U13, with five other teams in the Pre-Academy (U8 to U12), another 90 players.
The Montreal Impact sports structure
PRO
ES
UD
T-É
T
SP
OR
ACADEMY
U23
U18
U16
U14
U13
PRE-ACADEMY : U8-U9-U10-U11-U12
ÉCOLES DE SOCCER
18
FRIENDLIES /
TOURNAMENTS
THE SPORTING ASPECT COMPETITIVE MATCHES TO
ACCOMPANY THEM IN EVERY
STAGE OF THEIR DEVELOPMENT
U23: USL PRO
Starting in 2015, the U23 team will be joining a professional championship: USL
PRO. This team will be formed mostly of U23 players, and players from the first
team who need playing time.
The USL PRO is a professional championship, which corresponds to the third
division of the North American soccer pyramid, behind MLS and the NASL. In
2015, the championship will be made up of 24 teams grouped into two conferences.
All MLS teams will have a connection to the league, with either a reserve team
or an affiliation with an existing club.
FC Montreal will play in the Eastern Conference alongside Toronto FC, the
Rochester Rhinos, Pittsburgh River Hounds, Harrisburg City Islanders, New
York Red Bulls, Louisville City FC, St-Louis FC, Richmond Kickers, Charlotte
Independence, Charleston Battery and Wilmington Hammerheads FC.
The U18s and U16s: USSDA
The U18 and U16 teams have played in the USSDA since 2012, a league created
in 2009 for the development of soccer academies in the United States and
organized by the US Soccer Federation.
The USSDA represents the highest level of competition for youths in these
categories in North America. This League includes some 80 youth teams, both
from clubs and academies in the United States and Canada, including Major
League Soccer (MLS), the North American Soccer League (NASL) and the
United Soccer Leagues (USL).
Our U16 and U18 teams play about 30 regular season games. The season begins
in early September and finishes in early June. Note: there is a winter break
between December and late February.
The regular season is followed by playoffs to crown a champion in each category
(see format on page 20).
At the end of the 2013-2014 season, in just their second year in the USSDA, the
U16 and U18 teams both qualified for the playoffs. The Impact U18s made it all
the way to the semi-finals, winning bronze in beating FC Dallas by a 3-2 score,
thus finishing as the best U18 Academy team from an MLS club.
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THE SPORTING ASPECT ADDITIONAL USSDA EVENTS
The Winter Showcase in Florida: end of November
The teams play three games during this event. Opponents are selected at random, out of conference. Results count for the regular
season standings and thus playoff qualification in June.
Playoffs and the Summer Showcase: late June and July
After a season lasting ten months, the top two teams from the Western Conference automatically qualify for the playoffs, while the
Eastern and Central Conferences see its first three qualify. In addition, 13 teams will be invited through a ‘wild card’ system based on
the average of points collected throughout the season. The teams will be placed in eight groups of four teams. The same procedure
applies to both age groups.
The U14s and U13s: friendlies
To remove any pressure based on results and in order to optimize the working environment for these age groups, our U13 and U14 teams
are not involved in a regular league, but participate year-round in friendlies against teams from MLS clubs, Quebec, Ontario, the United
States, in addition to taking part in tournaments.
National team
With the recent development of professional clubs and their academies in Canada, the Canadian Soccer Association builds and works
with its five Canadian professional teams: the Montreal Impact, Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, FC Edmonton and the Ottawa
Fury FC, in order to develop the next generation who will represent Canada at the international level, from U15.
Each year, many Academy players take part in training and selection camps, as well as friendly matches to prepare for qualifying
matches for major international competitions: the U-17 and U-20 FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, the Pan American Games and the
biggest international tournament of them all: the FIFA World Cup.
Since 2011, over 60 Academy players have been called for national team duty (U15-U16-U17-U18-U20-U23 and senior)
IN 2013:
Nevello Yoseke and Marco Dominguez, as well as defender Aron Mkungilwa, all three with the Impact U18s, were selected by the
Canadian national team for the U-17 FIFA World Cup, United Arab Emirates, from October 17 to November 8.
IN 2014:
For the first time in our young history, three players from the Academy were called in for national team duty: Karl W. Ouimette, Jeremy
Gagnon-Lapare and Maxim Tissot.
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THE ACADEMY INSTITUTE AND COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY
THE ACADEMY
INSTITUTE AND
COMMITMENT TO
THE COMMUNITY
Throughout the year, our Academy members are involved in activities outside of
soccer as part of the Academy Institute, which will be used to help our players
in their development, their personal culture and as a tool to become a professional player. For example, dance and zumba classes to work coordination and
expression, theatre to work communication and group relationships, courses
on nutrition and the importance of the preparation off the pitch are all available.
The Montreal Impact Academy’s philosophy also places an importance on the
involvement of its players in the community, because our objective is to train
our boys to become responsible men and citizens through various projects,
including Leucan and the Néz pour Vivre initiatives that help young people
affected by cancer, or student retention by working with schools.
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HOUSING, TRANSPORT AND COSTS
ACCOMMODATIONS
For players coming from afar and who require accommodation, we offer:
Host families:
for players under 16
We offer a list of host families with different profiles. Previously visited by a
member of the Academy, the host family agrees to provide services listed below, Monday to Friday (with arrival Sunday evening), in exchange for a monthly
flat rate of $450, paid by the player’s family. When the player must remain some
weekends, a package of $45/weekend (Saturday + Sunday) would be added to
the amount of the monthly fee of $450.
HOST FAMILY SERVICES :
• A place to study
• A private room
• A meal in the morning and evening
• Access to internet and leisure service (TV)
The Academy always prefers placing one of its players from outside Montreal
with a host family who already has a child in one of our programs or one that
is close to the school or the training centre. We also work with other external
families who are candidates to host a young Academy player throughout its
season.
Accommodation in residence:
for players over 16
The player shares an apartment with one or two other players from the Academy.
Each player has his own individual room. The bathroom and the kitchen are
shared between the housemates.
The residence also has common areas: kitchen, living room, TV and prices vary
from $395 to $435/month depending on the size of the rooms including, heating,
electricity, internet and cable TV.
IN-RESIDENCE ANIMATION
Since summer 2014, the Academy has been reinforced with the arrival of a
resources person at the residence. This host is responsible for visiting players
once a week, accompany them and help them when in need, ensure respect for
housework, but also offer monthly activities (ex: karting, cinema, cooking...).
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HOUSING, TRANSPORT AND COSTS
TRANSPORT
Transportation in the morning to go to school and return at the end of the day (practice) is the parents’ responsibility.
Midday, between school and the training centre, transportation via shuttle is provided by the Academy for high schools Édouard Montpetit and Lester B.Pearson (in some cases). Antoine St-Exupéry high school also has shuttle services implemented. Finally, for John
Rennie High School, no shuttle service is available and public transit must be used whenever possible.
Outside of school times, players must attend practices on their own.
COSTS
With a cost of admission more for symbolic purposes, the Impact looks to validate the seriousness of the candidates that wish to
partake in the Academy’s development structure. At the Montreal Impact Academy, talent should take precedence over financial
resources. Consequently, upon completion of secondary two, the student athlete will participate in the program free of charge, upon the
confirmation of his capabilities and commitment to the Montreal Impact after the first two years of high school.
Secondary 1: $500 | Secondary 2: $300 | From Secondary 3 and on: free
Government assistance is available for players in high school (for a 10-month period whose parents are Quebec residents).
Note: the two assistance options cannot be applied at the same time.
FINANCIAL AID
$225/month assistance is available to young players in need of housing.
TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE (not to be combined with financial aid)
$100/month is available for young players over 20km away from the school and with no common or direct transport.
SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR CONSIDERATION BASED ON 11 MONTHS (AUGUST TO MID-JULY):
IN THE CASE OF A PLAYER NEEDING ACCOMMODATION:
Transport: monthly STM pass at $47.25 per month
School expenses: uniform, books, lunch at the school (about $3)
Inexpensive accommodations: • I f with a host family: package (accommodation + breakfast + dinner) $450/month × 11 months + additional fee of $45/weekend
when the player will have to stay in Montreal for training/matches.
• If in residence: (possible from 16 years old and over): about $400/month + fresh food expenses
Annual sport-études: secondary 1 = $500; secondary 2 = $300; FREE from secondary 3 on.
Equipment costs: about $70 for the costs of running shoes +adidas Sandals.
All Impact/adidas equipment are provided free of charge by the club (except soccer shoes).
IN THE CASE OF A PLAYER WHO DOES NOT REQUIRE ACCOMODATION:
Transport: monthly STM pass at $47.25
School Expenses: uniform, books, lunch at the school (about $3)
Annual sports-etudes fees: secondary 1 = $500; secondary 2 = $ 300; FREE from secondary 3.
Equipment costs: about $70 for the costs of running shoes +adidas Sandals.
All Impact/adidas equipment are provided free of charge by the club (except soccer shoes).
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RECRUITING / TRYOUTS
RECRUITMENT
There are two main methods of recruitment for the Montreal Impact Academy:
Open Evaluation Camps
Detection sessions organized by the Montreal Impact are open to all players. They allow the technical staff to identify players corresponding to the profile sought by the Academy. Detection takes place over a number of sessions. Registration is done on the Academy
website only (fees paid online), from September onwards. These camps are held once per year during the following time periods:
• U23 to U18: mid-October
• U13 to U16 (Academy: sport-études program): 1st week of January
• U8 to U12 (Pre-Academy): mid-February
Scouting departments These units are made up of coaches and scouts from all across the province. The network of contacts assembled by the Montreal
Impact helps the club to be on the lookout for players in all regions and all Quebec competitions. When scouted, a player receives a
proposal to attend an evaluation camp or special session.
The academic record is always the final step before approval and a condition for acceptance within the Academy. The general average minimum must be 75% and 65% in mathematics and French.
What player profile are we looking for through detections?
First off, you must be yourself. Do what you know how to do and that you are used to doing. Express your strengths, the coaches will
notice. You will be observed and evaluated on different points such as:
ACTIVITY
We want active players, who put out effort. Resilient players who love soccer as a game and can play it over and over again. What must
you do to get the ball? What do you do when you lose the ball?
ATTITUDE/CHARACTER
We are looking for courageous, determined, positive players who communicate their positive energy through gestures or words and
who are encouraging, not discouraging.
PROCESSING INFORMATION
Can you take in the information around you before receiving the ball; are you able to use this information when you have the ball?
INTENTION OF PLAY
Do you have good ideas when you have the ball, in how to use it, in the way to recover it?
SPEED
We want players who are able to take in information quickly, who offer support on the ball and who are able to run through the play at
good speed.
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ACADEMY PRODUCTS WITH THE PROS
ACADEMY PRODUCTS
WITH THE PROS
Eight players have been rewarded for their work by signing MLS contracts with the Impact’s first team. Defender Karl W. Ouimette was
the first player from the Academy to sign a professional contract in MLS, on June 5, 2012.
The U23 (USL PRO) team players are also called in regularly to take part in training sessions with the first team training.
Karl W. Ouimette
June 5, 2012
February 26, 2013
Maxim Tissot
Wandrille Lefèvre
Maxime Crépeau
Zakaria Messoudi
Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé
Anthony Jackson-Hamel
Louis Béland-Goyette
June 4, 2013
July 3, 2014
February 26, 2013
August 1st, 2014
March 5, 2013
September 12, 2014
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PRE-ACADEMY
WHAT IS THE
PRE-ACADEMY?
The Montreal Impact’s objective for its Pre-Academy is, in its purest form, to teach the basics of soccer to young players (boys) in
Montreal and the surrounding areas (radius of 20km around Stade Saputo), by offering a full season of soccer from mid-April to March,
punctuated by two to four practices (and a game) per week, depending on age category and the period of the year.
By integrating the Pre-Academy program, the 86 players grouped within five teams: U8, U9, U10, U11 and U12, play only under the colours of the Montreal Impact. They benefit from the expertise of qualified coaches who guide them according to the values conveyed
throughout the organization.
Our goal is to provide these young players the basics (technique, attitude, teamwork) of the team’s philosophy and identity developed
through its Academy, but also to train young athletes who are responsible and happy citizens in their social life, who are able to disseminate the fundamental values of sport: effort, surpassing themselves, respect for the rules and respect for others.
These youngsters will follow a strict plan to learn the fundamentals of the game as developed by the Academy.
Quotes
“With these five teams, a young player full of potential can now wear the colours of the Montreal Impact at the young age of 7. He may
grow and evolve under our supervision for several years to perhaps one day enter the Academy and thus, the possibility of reaching the
professional ranks after having spent nearly a dozen years with the club.”
- Joey Saputo, President of the Montreal Impact
“We want to give young players from 8 to 12 years old the opportunity to live their passion, during a whole year, in an environment advocating the values shared by the rest of the club and it’s Academy. We aim to bring these young people life experience through our principles
of play and education; all this under the colours of the Montreal Impact.”
- Philippe Eullaffroy, Montreal Impact Academy Director
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PRE-ACADEMY
In 2015/2016, Montreal Impact’s Pre-Academy will have 86 players (boys only) aged 8 to 12, grouped as follows:
• U8 (born 2007): 14 players including 2 goalkeepers
• U9 (born 2006): 16 players including 2 goalkeepers
• U10 (born 2005): 16 players including 2 goalkeepers
• U11 (born 2004): 20 players including 2 goalkeepers
• U12 (born 2003): 20 players including 2 goalkeepers
What happens during the season?
Here is an example of annual planning:
FROM MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015 TO SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2015 (30 WEEKS)
Normal period
U8-U9-U10 : 2 training sessions + 1 match/week – Synthetic Field at Stade Saputo
U11-U12 : 3 training sessions + 1 match/week – Synthetic Field at Stade Saputo
2 weeks break during construction holidays, and 1 week at the end of October/beginning of November
FROM MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2015 TO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2015 (5 WEEKS)
Transition period (Training load reduced, emphasis on technique through Futsal)
U8-U9-U10 : 1 Futsal practice + 1 match/week – Complexe Marie-Victorin (place to confirm)
U11-U12 : 1 training session + 1 futsal practice + 1 match/week – Complexe Marie-Victorin (place to confirm)
2 weeks break during the holidays, from December 22 2014 to January 4, 2015
FROM MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2016 TO THE END OF MARCH 2016 (12 WEEKS)
U8-U9-U10 : 1 Futsal practice + 1 Field practice + 1 match/week – Complexe Marie Victorin, Stade Hébert (place to confirm)
U11-U12 : Field practices + 1 Futsal practice + 1 match/week – Complexe Marie-Victorin, Stade Hébert (place to confirm)
What are the days and hours of training?
Example of practice schedule from the 2014-2015 season:
28
PRE-ACADEMY
What competitions or leagues will
the Pre-Academy teams participate in?
At these ages, the quality of both training/match is much more important than the results. We prefer to put young players in an environment
conducive to their development without the pressure of competition and results. Our teams at the Pre-Academy will play friendly games
as well as tournaments throughout the 12 months of the program against teams from Québec and Ontario.
Who oversees the Pre-Academy players? A Pre-Academy coordinator works full-time to oversee and supervise the daily structure. He is supported by the administrative staff of
the Academy. Each team includes a head coach and an assistant coach. Goalkeepers also have a dedicated coach.
What are the programs’ costs?
Registration fees will help us offer a full 12 month season of soccer for your child, with the same group of players, training and playing
while wearing the colours of the Montreal Impact. These costs include field rentals, league and tournament fees and referee fees, full
equipment in Montreal Impact colours, salaries for the coaching staff, and many activities proposed throughout the year for players
and their parents.
Cost/year U8-U9-U10: $1550 or $8,38/per hour of soccer
Cost/year U11-U12: $1900 or $7,45/per hour of soccer
A payment plan is available. You may also be eligible for a tax credit of $500. For more information visit l’Agence de revenu du Canada.
THESE COSTS INCLUDE:
• F ield rentals + entries in leagues and tournaments
185h/year (training + matches) for U8-U9-U10
255h/year (training + matches) for U11-U12
• The staff
• A complete package of equipment in Montreal Impact colours:
·2 training kits (2 jerseys, 2 shorts, 4 pairs of socks)
·1 home match kit (1 jersey, 1 short, 1 pair of socks)
·1 bag
·1 training suit
·1 rain jacket
·2 t-shirts
·1 ball
·2 pairs of gloves (for goalkeepers)
In addition, special discounts are available for adidas shoes.
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PRE-ACADEMY
How can one join the Pre-Academy?
The child must first pass through the detection stage. Every year, detections are held mid-February, in two rounds. Participants must be
previously registered online via the recruitment tab of our website:
academie.impactmontreal.com (fee payable online)
NOTE: Tryouts are open to players within a 20km radius of Stade Saputo ONLY (see the map below).
At the end of each season, every player already part of the Pre-Academy will have to once again go through the tryout session step-by-step
to apply for the next age category.
30
NOTES
31
academie.impactmontreal.com
@academieimpact
4750, Sherbrooke Street East
Montreal (Quebec) H1V 3S8