New Developmental League Launching This Fall — Tryouts Open Now!
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RDT Soccer Academy

Winnipeg Developmental Soccer League

RDT Soccer Academy Logo

Developing the next generation of soccer talent

RDT Soccer Academy is our in-house developmental league for players ages 7 to 12. Designed to nurture young athletes in a fun and challenging environment, our academy aims to build confident, skilled, and team-oriented players who love the game.

We’re kicking off this season with 16 developmental teams, four teams per age division. Due to limited spots, these teams will be structured as boys teams to start, but female athletes are strongly encouraged to try out. As the program grows, our goal is to introduce both boys and girls divisions.

Program Overview

Season Dates

Tryouts: September and October
Season Start: October - April
(Approx TBD games plus playoffs)

Tryout Registration

TBD

FEE

Tryout: $20 per session (max 2)

League: Approx. $TBD

Duration

Weekly Training: 2 x 90-minute sessions
Weekly Game: 50-minute match and 10-minute warm up

NOTE: We recommend registering for our Grassroots Training Program so that your child still has game time if they do not make the cut during the tryout. If Accepted into the Academy you’ll be moved into the Academy group and the remaining program fees will be collected.

What’s Included With The LEAGUE

  • A team-specific Jersey, Socks and Shorts
  • Two sessions per week (training + games)
  • Referees and certified coaching staff
  • Progression pathway toward competitive-level soccer

Secure Your Spot Today

Register For Tryout
Register For League
Program registration is currently closed!

Equipment to Bring

  • Indoor soccer cleats
  • Shin guards
  • Water bottle
  • A positive attitude ready for action!
 
Jersey, Socks and Shorts will be provided if you qualify for the League.

Age Divisions

  • U8 (and U7) Boys: Born 2019-2020
  • U9 Boys: Born 2018
  • U10 Boys: Born 2017
  • U12 (and U11) Boys: Born 2015-2016
 
Due to limited team numbers, this season is boys-only. However, girls are encouraged to register and try out or join our Girls Advanced Soccer Development Program. Future seasons aim to include both boys and girls divisions.

Locations and Schedules

Developmental League Training

All training sessions are held at SJR School (River Field) – 400 South Drive

  • U8 Division (2018–2019 born) – Monday & Wednesday | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
 
  • U9 Division (2017 born) – Tuesday & Thursday | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
 
  • U10 Division (2016 born) – Monday & Wednesday | 6:30 – 8:00 pm
 
  • U12 Division (2014–2015 born) – Tuesday & Thursday | 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Developmental League Matches

All games are held at John Blumberg Park – 4540 Portage Ave

  • U8 Division (2018–2019 born) –  Thursday | 6:00 – 9:00pm
 
  • U9 Division (2017 born) – Wednesday | 6:00 – 9:00pm
 
  • U10 Division (2016 born) –  Thursday | 6:00 – 9:00pm
 
  • U12 Division (2014–2015 born) – Wednesday | 6:00 – 9:00pm

Tryouts & Assessments 2025 (2026 TBD)

  • Held at Winnipeg Soccer South Complex – 211 Chancellor Matheson Rd and Axworthy RecPlex at the UofW 350 Spence Street.
  • Each player will receive 2 scheduled assessment sessions, however players may only need one assessment to be placed.
  • Winnipeg Soccer South Complex Dates: 
    • U12 Division – Monday March 23 | 7:05 – 8:05pm
    • U10 Division – Thursday March 26 | 6:15 – 7:15pm
    • U9 Division – Monday March 30, | 6:00 – 7:00pm
    • U8 Division – Wednesday April 1 | 6:00 – 7:00pm
  • Axworthy RecPlex Complex Dates: 
    • U12 Division – Friday April 24 2026 | 7:00 – 8:00pm
    • U10 Division – Friday April 24 2026 | 7:00 – 8:00pm
    • U9 Division – Friday April 17 | 7:00-8:00pm
    • U8 Division – Friday April 17 | 7:00-8:00pm

Developmental League 2025 (2026 TBD)

All sessions held at SJR School (River Field) – 400 South Drive

U8 Division (2018–2019 born)

  • Practices: Monday & Wednesday | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
  • Games: Thursday | 6:00 – 9:00pm

U9 Division (2017 born)

  • Practices: Tuesday & Thursday | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
  • Games: Wednesday | 6:00 – 9:00pm

U10 Division (2016 born)

  • Practices: Monday & Wednesday | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
  • Games: Thursday | 6:00 – 9:00pm

U12 Division (2014–2015 born)

  • Practices: Tuesday & Thursday | 6:30 – 8:00 pm
  • Games: Wednesday | 6:00 – 9:00pm
  • Potential for additional practices on Fridays (additional cost for this)

Why Join the Developmental League?​

RDT Soccer Academy is more than just a training program, it’s a stepping stone for players who are ready to grow, compete, and enjoy soccer at a higher level. Here’s why it’s the right choice for your child:

Player Development
  • Focused coaching that builds individual technical skills
  • Tactical understanding taught through structured gameplay
  • Increased touches on the ball and decision-making opportunities

 

Professional Environment

  • Trained coaches for every team
  • Refereed games for real-match experience
  • Sessions built around development, not just participation

 

Pathway to Higher Levels

  • Designed for players ready to go beyond grassroots
  • Tryout-based selection ensures competitive but fair environment
  • Ideal for those aiming for club, school, or higher-level programs

 

Weekly Training + Games

  • Two scheduled soccer days each week (practice + game)
  • High repetition and consistent development
  • Full-field 6v6 matches to promote movement and teamwork

 

Positive Team Culture

  • Emphasis on respect, communication, and effort
  • Supportive coaches who mentor and guide young players
  • Team-first mentality to help build confidence and connection

 

Parent Confidence

  • Transparent structure and expectations
  • Clear progression from grassroots to academy-level play
  • Coaches assess readiness and provide appropriate feedback

What The Coaches Are Looking For At THe TRYOuts

  • Effort & Attitude: Try your best, be respectful

  • Coachability: Listen, stay focused, be willing to learn

  • Technical Skills:

    • Dribbling

    • Passing

    • First touch/receiving

    • Shooting

    • Defending

  • Awareness & Movement:

    • Move into space

    • Make decisions early

  • Teamwork & Communication:

    • Share the ball

    • Talk and collaborate with teammates

Preparing for Tryouts

Before Tryouts:

  • Practice with the ball daily (15–20 min)

  • Play mini-games with friends

  • Watch soccer to learn movements and passing

  • Rest well and eat a healthy meal beforehand

During Tryouts:

  • Arrive early and warm up

  • Stay positive, even after mistakes

  • Ask questions if you’re unsure

  • Show your love for the game – enjoy yourself!

How to Register

  • Register for the Mini Soccer Training

    • This secures your spot and covers the initial fee

  • Register for a Tryout Assessment

    • $20 per assessment, max of two

  • If Accepted into the Academy:

    • You’ll be moved into the Academy group

    • Remaining program fees will be collected

  • If Not Accepted:

    • Player continues in the Indoor Mini Soccer Program

    • No additional fees required

Frequently asked questions

The Academy is the perfect middle ground. It’s more structured than community soccer but less intense than “Premier” club soccer. Our assessments are meant to ensure your child is placed where they will succeed, not to “cut” them from the program. If a player isn’t quite ready, we may recommend our Grassroots program to help them build the necessary foundation first.

We consciously schedule our Academy sessions to minimize conflicts with major Winnipeg club timelines, allowing motivated players to use RDT as their primary or supplemental training. Our goal is to support the player’s overall development without forcing them to choose between their club team and academy training.

At the Developmental League level, all sessions and games are led exclusively by our RDT professional coaching staff. Trained parent coaches can be given Assistant Coaching positions within our academy.  We ensures that every player receives high-level technical instruction and tactical guidance from experienced coaches trained in our specific academy curriculum.

While the Academy is more competitive than our Grassroots programs, we still prioritize technical growth over “winning at all costs.” Because we group players by skill level, everyone is pushed at a pace that is challenging yet achievable. Beginners are encouraged to attend an assessment to see if this environment is right for them.

In the Developmental League, teams are formed primarily based on skill assessment to ensure balanced and fair competition. While we take friend requests into consideration during the registration process, we cannot guarantee them as we do in our Grassroots programs, as maintaining balanced rosters is a priority for league play.

We recommend arriving 15 minutes early. This allows time for parking and for your child to change into their gear so they are ready the moment the “green light” is given for our turf time. Being ready to go ensures we maximize every minute of our high-value academy sessions.

The U of M offers free parking in the lot.  The U of W offers paid parking in the underground parkade as well as free street parking on weekends.

While consistent attendance is encouraged for team cohesion, missing a week won’t leave your child behind. Our curriculum is “module-based,” meaning each week stands alone in its technical focus, allowing players to jump right back in upon their return.

Absolutely! We encourage parents to watch and support the players. We just ask that parents remain in the designated spectator areas (stands or behind netting) to ensure the safety of the players and to allow the coaches to have the players’ full attention.

The registration fee for the Developmental League includes a full RDT Academy kit (match jersey, training shirt, shorts, and socks). We want our players to look and feel like a professional team when they step onto the pitch.

Ready to join the action?

Spaces are limited. Secure your spot to begin your Academy journey!
Register For Tryout

Ready to join the action?

Spaces are limited. Secure your spot to begin your Academy journey

Register For Tryout
Register For League

Red Card Soccer Store

Red Card Soccer

Visit the Red Card Soccer Store for exclusive discounts

All RDT participants will receive exclusive discounts at the Red Card Soccer Store on all equipment, footwear, and apparel.

Contact Dante Albi, (204) 795-9699

Visit Red Card Soccer