Canada First Academy at a Glance
Canada First Academy (CFA) is a Toronto-based soccer academy for recreational and elite player training. President and Director, Rene Kwol, founded CFA in February 2012 as a non-profit organization, implementing the highly successful German talent development program. Coach Kwol is certified with a German UEFA B – Elite Youth License specialized to train elite youth players of all ages.
CFA runs two programs, the academy Team Program and FUNdamentals.
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The Team Program is affiliated with the Ontario Soccer Association (OSA) and plays regular games against other OSA affiliated teams in the Ontario Academy Soccer League. It runs through out the year.
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FUNdamentals is a program for kids age 5-10 who want to learn how to play the game in a fun learning environment. It works to help players develop basic skills and ignite a passion for the game.
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Our Unique Approach
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Our unique approach and emphasis on individual development sets CFA apart. Our player centric development plan ensures optimal education for each player based on their specific needs and talents. The approach is systematic, age specific and individual. We develop strong personalities with optimal techniques under pressure, high tactical skills, fitness and determination. CFA's program is derived from the successful Talent Development Program of the German Soccer Association DFB, which kindly supported CFA's program set up.
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At CFA, we focus on individual development by conducting a thorough skills and personality assessment upon entry into the Academy. Individual player profiles are conducted and maintained so individualized programs and training can be facilitated by our high-performance coaching staff. Continuous feedback is provided so players, and parents, can see the progress and areas for future improvement. The Senior Profiles of our players are identical to the performance profiles used by the Bundesliga Academy players and the Junior profiles are developed by CFA.
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In addition to developing individual player technique and tactics, CFA also focuses on flexibility, coordination and speed – all fundamental for elite soccer players. Regular running technique training and fitness programs are included as part of the program for Academy players.
We strive to provide the optimal environment for our players to become confident, exceptional soccer athletes with strong personalities, who also excel in their academic education.
Our Vision
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Our Values
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Testimonials
My son has had a fantastic experience with CFA. Quality instruction and great people.
David Gugel
What do you look for in a soccer team for your boy or girl? In the year that we have been with Canada First, our twin girls have had more enjoyment and development than in any of their previous four years of organized soccer. Our girls had previously played with both a TSA rep team and a SAAC team. Why does Canada First stand out among the crowd?
(1) leadership: Rene Kwol is passionate about the game. His vision is one of developing and fostering that love for the game in both his coaches and players. His approach is one of development first and foremost. Rene won’t sacrifice proper development in pursuit of short term wins;
(2) coaches: not only are the coaches well-credentialed, but they take an acute interest in every single player. Training sessions are well-organized and thoughtfully directed, all the while maintaining an emphasis on the players having fun. Our girls don’t have to be dragged to practice, they wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!
(3) the players: an advantage of being a part of a tighter club that isn’t focused on quantity as much as quality, is that the players not only become very friendly towards each other, but they support and encourage each other’s development;
(4) the CFA community: the parents are always friendly with each other, happy to assist with equipment or car pooling. If you are wondering about whether or not there are other soccer options available to your child, I encourage you to give CFA a try.
Lawrence Calenti
CFA offers dedicated soccer players great coaching in a supportive, technical environment. Management's dedication to player development rather than winning is a welcome alternative from other soccer academies. Players are taught the value of teamwork, fair play and dedication to self-improvement. The academy's focus on player development regardless of gender or age means that the focus is on skill and love of the game. My daughter loves playing with CFA, and has improved immensely since joining. I recommend the academy to all parents who have have kids that love the Beautiful Game and want to excel in it. The coaches are great, the kids welcoming and the parents well-mannered and helpful. Thanks CFA for helping my daughter to keep loving the game.
Maxx-Phillipe Hollott
Canada First Academy belongs to the most and best academy in Toronto. It has great trainers and very passionate parents. I am very happy to have chosen Canada First Academy for my child.
Bereket Tequabo
For over two years now my son has been training with Canada First Academy for Soccer Excellence in Toronto. In that time he has become a much more well-rounded child and rep soccer player.
Rene Kwol and his entire Soccer Academy coaching staff do an exceptional job at promoting the importance of fitness, unselfish play, ball control and ball movement through positive reinforcement and a great team atmosphere. Teaching my son to play with skill and confidence.
I would highly recommend this program to any family looking to surround their children with positive role models, great kids and welcoming parents.
Jeremy Linskill
My son has been training with Canada First Academy for Soccer Excellence for over 4 years now. His soccer skills and game awareness have increase dramatically thanks to the focused coaching and training he has received. He has become more disciplined both on the field and off.
Would highly recommend this program. The parent community is also wonderful!
Stephen T
My son Christopher has been attending CFA for two years now and during this time I've seen him develop from a strong defensive player into a dynamic all round player. Ball movement and unselfish play is the CFA way. His first touch and decision making has improved dramatically during this time and his confidence has soared.
Highly recommended.
Richard Gregory
You have a great soccer program where the kids are able to learn and play. I admire your natural ability to connect to each and every player. Xavier really enjoyed his time with you guys and we're hoping to join again in the future.
Lo-An Le
My son Ryan has been a member of CFA since it's inception. Over the last nine months, with the benefit of Rene's professional coaching and guidance, he has become a much stronger player and a more confident person. In addition to his soccer training Ryan has received invaluable advice and exercises from Angela Wolch (First Line Kinesiologists). These player specific exercises have allowed Ryan to overcome some growing pains and will continue to help him become a more complete elite athlete in the future.
Ryan truly enjoys the positive and professional atmosphere that has been created by all (players and coaches) at the academy. He is always looking forward to his next training session. Thank you for all the hard work and passion that you bring to the "Beautiful Game".
Sarah Eshelby, Soccer Mom
On behalf of Eamonn – I’d like to thank you and your team for your dedication and genuine commitment to football and coaching – and recognizing that “football is a game that you play with your brain.” Bringing a very modern and scientific approach to coaching has been a new experience for us. You are innovative and Eamonn was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to see and experience your methods and coaching style first hand. He has become a better, stronger and more intelligent player.
George Cairns
David Gugel
What do you look for in a soccer team for your boy or girl? In the year that we have been with Canada First, our twin girls have had more enjoyment and development than in any of their previous four years of organized soccer. Our girls had previously played with both a TSA rep team and a SAAC team. Why does Canada First stand out among the crowd?
(1) leadership: Rene Kwol is passionate about the game. His vision is one of developing and fostering that love for the game in both his coaches and players. His approach is one of development first and foremost. Rene won’t sacrifice proper development in pursuit of short term wins;
(2) coaches: not only are the coaches well-credentialed, but they take an acute interest in every single player. Training sessions are well-organized and thoughtfully directed, all the while maintaining an emphasis on the players having fun. Our girls don’t have to be dragged to practice, they wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!
(3) the players: an advantage of being a part of a tighter club that isn’t focused on quantity as much as quality, is that the players not only become very friendly towards each other, but they support and encourage each other’s development;
(4) the CFA community: the parents are always friendly with each other, happy to assist with equipment or car pooling. If you are wondering about whether or not there are other soccer options available to your child, I encourage you to give CFA a try.
Lawrence Calenti
CFA offers dedicated soccer players great coaching in a supportive, technical environment. Management's dedication to player development rather than winning is a welcome alternative from other soccer academies. Players are taught the value of teamwork, fair play and dedication to self-improvement. The academy's focus on player development regardless of gender or age means that the focus is on skill and love of the game. My daughter loves playing with CFA, and has improved immensely since joining. I recommend the academy to all parents who have have kids that love the Beautiful Game and want to excel in it. The coaches are great, the kids welcoming and the parents well-mannered and helpful. Thanks CFA for helping my daughter to keep loving the game.
Maxx-Phillipe Hollott
Canada First Academy belongs to the most and best academy in Toronto. It has great trainers and very passionate parents. I am very happy to have chosen Canada First Academy for my child.
Bereket Tequabo
For over two years now my son has been training with Canada First Academy for Soccer Excellence in Toronto. In that time he has become a much more well-rounded child and rep soccer player.
Rene Kwol and his entire Soccer Academy coaching staff do an exceptional job at promoting the importance of fitness, unselfish play, ball control and ball movement through positive reinforcement and a great team atmosphere. Teaching my son to play with skill and confidence.
I would highly recommend this program to any family looking to surround their children with positive role models, great kids and welcoming parents.
Jeremy Linskill
My son has been training with Canada First Academy for Soccer Excellence for over 4 years now. His soccer skills and game awareness have increase dramatically thanks to the focused coaching and training he has received. He has become more disciplined both on the field and off.
Would highly recommend this program. The parent community is also wonderful!
Stephen T
My son Christopher has been attending CFA for two years now and during this time I've seen him develop from a strong defensive player into a dynamic all round player. Ball movement and unselfish play is the CFA way. His first touch and decision making has improved dramatically during this time and his confidence has soared.
Highly recommended.
Richard Gregory
You have a great soccer program where the kids are able to learn and play. I admire your natural ability to connect to each and every player. Xavier really enjoyed his time with you guys and we're hoping to join again in the future.
Lo-An Le
My son Ryan has been a member of CFA since it's inception. Over the last nine months, with the benefit of Rene's professional coaching and guidance, he has become a much stronger player and a more confident person. In addition to his soccer training Ryan has received invaluable advice and exercises from Angela Wolch (First Line Kinesiologists). These player specific exercises have allowed Ryan to overcome some growing pains and will continue to help him become a more complete elite athlete in the future.
Ryan truly enjoys the positive and professional atmosphere that has been created by all (players and coaches) at the academy. He is always looking forward to his next training session. Thank you for all the hard work and passion that you bring to the "Beautiful Game".
Sarah Eshelby, Soccer Mom
On behalf of Eamonn – I’d like to thank you and your team for your dedication and genuine commitment to football and coaching – and recognizing that “football is a game that you play with your brain.” Bringing a very modern and scientific approach to coaching has been a new experience for us. You are innovative and Eamonn was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to see and experience your methods and coaching style first hand. He has become a better, stronger and more intelligent player.
George Cairns
CFA Partners
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Team Doctor and Physiotherapy
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Kinesiology
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Goal Keeping
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Running Technique Coaching
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Fitness Partner
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Outfits and equipment
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