The RUFC Open Development ACADEMY is a one day a week (Friday) soccer skill development program for U8-U18 girls and boys (2018-2008) and is aimed at bridging the gap between recreational and competitive soccer player.

Players born 2019-2020 please refer to the Mini-Kickers. Players born 2021-2022 please refer to the Kids4U or Parent-Tot Program.

If you are looking for Open Development team-based programming, visit here.

As a Canada Soccer Quality Soccer Provider, all programming aligns with the CSA Long Term Player Development (LTPD) model and players will be grouped with an emphasis on extending and supporting the player's stage of development. There will be an emphasis on individual and small group development, using deliberate practice to develop soccer and physical literacy skills. Players will train weekly in a developmentally stage and age-appropriate programming.

The Open Development Academy is led by RUFC Technical Director, David Thorburn and Player Development Manager, Scott Guy.

Program Overview:

Ball Mastery – Exercises where each player will work alone with a ball, High repetitions using parts of the body.

Speed – Exercises and games that improve acceleration, running with and without the ball and changes of pace.

Receiving and Passing – Exercises to improve a player’s first touch, so important at all levels and to encourage and teach accurate creative passing.

Finishing – Exercises and games that teach technique and encourage instinctive play.

Moves (1v1) – Exercises and games that teach game winning individual moves that can create space amongst the most packed of defenses.

Group Attack – Exercises and games that improve small-group combination play with emphasis on fast break attacks.

Tactical Awareness – through game literacy activities.

SCHEDULE:

Fridays: September 12, 2025 to February 27, 2026 (21 sessions)

No sessions on October 31, December 19 & 26, January 2 .

5:30pm-6:30pm

Boyd Soccer Complex - Francis Road & #1 Road, Richmond, BC.

Fee: $340

All players receive a RUFC Academy Kit.

Refunds subject to a $50 administration fee are provided up to September 11, 2025. No refunds are provided after the program starts.