QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Everything Parents Want to Know
Yes. Most of our players also participate in school or community sport. Academy training complements – and often significantly improves – performance in those settings. Many parents find our European technical training fills gaps that recreational leagues don’t address.
We operate a strict no-refund policy once a program has commenced. For a full breakdown of terms, including medical exceptions and financial commitments, please review our Refund & Financial Commitment Policy during registration
Our academy operates at selected facilities across GTA. To ensure the highest development standards, we group players strictly by age and skill level, which means schedules and locations are specific to each squad. Once registered, all training calendars and real-time updates are managed through the PlayMetrics app. For current availability and the schedule for your child’s age group, please message us on WhatsApp at info@shakhtaracademy.ca or contact us at (437) 448-5567.
Shakhtar Academy is inclusive of all players. For our youngest athletes (ages 3–5), training is conducted in a mixed-gender environment to foster social and motor skill development. Starting from age 6, we offer dedicated girls-only groups, provided there is sufficient enrollment. We maintain flexibility in grouping to ensure the best competitive environment for every player. Please contact us to check the current availability for your daughter’s age group.
Your monthly tuition covers professional training under our authentic European methodology, access to premium indoor/outdoor facilities, and invitations to academy tournaments. It also includes full access to the PlayMetrics app for performance tracking and schedule management. Please note that the official training kit is provided as part of the one-time registration fee. Additional specialized camps and tournament travel fees may apply.
We accept new players year-round with rolling enrollment. Our Grand Opening is May 2nd, 2025, with special founding member benefits. Contact us to find the next available start date for your child’s age group and schedule your free trial session.
We ensure a perfect fit through our mandatory complimentary evaluation session before you commit. This allows your child to experience our coaching and environment firsthand. Once registered, we operate a strict no-refund policy to maintain group stability and professional standards. If your child faces challenges, our technical staff will work closely with them to adjust their placement and ensure a positive development path.
Included with your Registration Fee ($125): The official FC Shakhtar training kit (jersey, shorts, socks). All training essentials like balls, bibs, and specialized equipment are provided on-site.
What you provide: Football boots (cleats), shin guards, and a water bottle. We recommend weather-appropriate athletic clothing for outdoor sessions.
Optional: Goalkeeper gloves (for keepers).
We can recommend local retailers if you need help selecting proper equipment for your child’s age group.
That’s exactly what Playmetrics is for. After each session, your coach logs specific observations about your child’s performance and development. Over time, you’ll have a clear picture of their progress – real insights from their coach, not a generic report card.
Yes. We offer assessment sessions to evaluate players for competitive team placement. Talented players identified through our academy are tracked through our internal scouting system and may receive opportunities within the Global Shakhtar Academy Network.
We maintain a maximum 1:8 coach-to-player ratio across all programs. This ensures every child receives individual attention and proper technique correction during training sessions.
Absolutely not. Over 60% of our Kittke Miners and U7 players start with zero experience. Our coaches are trained to welcome beginners and create a supportive, judgment-free environment. We start with the absolute basics and progress at each child’s pace. Many of our most advanced players started as complete beginners.
We offer more than just soccer training; we provide a professional ecosystem built on the heritage of a UEFA Champions League club.
Our key differences are:
- Official Professional Methodology: We use the exact training curriculum developed by FC Shakhtar’s lead coaches. Our focus is on the “Shakhtar Way”—developing technical mastery and proactive “game intelligence” from the age of 3, rather than just physical results.
- Talent Monitoring System: Every player is part of a structured developmental pathway. Through the PlayMetrics platform, we digitize progress, ensuring that talented athletes are identified and tracked within our professional framework.
- Global Academy Network: We are part of an international family (Ukraine, USA, Europe). This gives our players exposure to global standards and the “Unbreakable” club philosophy, connecting local talent to a broader football community.
We love having you at the fields—your energy is what fuels our “Unbreakable” spirit! To make sure every player gets our coaches’ full attention on the pitch, we save the detailed feedback for scheduled catch-ups rather than quick sideline chats. You’ll stay fully in the loop through regular updates in the PlayMetrics app, and we’re always happy to set aside a dedicated time to talk so we can give your child’s progress the focus it deserves.