2026-27 Online Registration Opens – Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 8 AM

How do I register? → Soccer Registration Website

Royal Bay Secondary Soccer Academy

The Royal Bay Soccer Academy is proud of its longstanding commitment to the development of student-athletes of all abilities. Since 2009, the Academy has provided players with a supportive and challenging environment focused on developing technical skill, tactical understanding, physical literacy, and a lifelong passion for the game. Based at Royal Bay Secondary, our program is designed to help students grow not only as soccer players, but also as leaders, teammates, and individuals.

What does a typical week in the Academy look like?

Many of our Academy athletes are also involved with local club teams, balancing games and additional training throughout the week. With overall player wellness and long-term development in mind, Mondays are typically reserved for “off-field” development sessions. These may include fitness training, strength and conditioning, yoga, recovery sessions, classroom learning, guest speakers, sports psychology, injury prevention, and athlete wellness education.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are primarily “on-field” training days, where students participate in technical and tactical sessions designed to improve individual skill, decision-making, positional awareness, and overall game understanding.

Post-Secondary Pathways and Athlete Support

The Royal Bay Soccer Academy is committed to helping student-athletes explore opportunities beyond high school soccer. Through connections with coaches and programs at post-secondary institutions — including the University of Victoria (UVic) and other colleges and universities — students gain valuable exposure to potential pathways in collegiate athletics.

Our staff works to support athletes who are interested in pursuing soccer at the next level by helping them better understand the expectations of post-secondary programs, preparing them for recruitment opportunities, and connecting them with coaches when appropriate. While the Academy welcomes players of all levels and aspirations, we are proud to help create opportunities for students who are interested in continuing their athletic and academic journeys after graduation.

Who is the coaching staff for the Soccer Academy?

Royal Bay Soccer Academy is supported by a highly experienced coaching and support staff who have worked with athletes across a wide range of ages and competitive levels. Our current staff includes:

• Michael Veenema (Juan De Fuca Technical Director and Royal Bay Soccer Academy Alumni)
• Connor Marzinzik (Juan De Fuca Technical Director and Wave Program Coach)
• Cameron Griffin (UVIC and former CPL Goalkeeper Coach)
• Adam Ranns (Athletic Therapist — available Thursdays for injury assessment, taping, and rehabilitation support)
• Jess Marchand (Strength and Conditioning Coach)

Are there games in Soccer Academy?

Throughout the year, the Academy aims to organize exhibition matches and training opportunities with other schools and academies. Previous opponents have included Reynolds Academy, St. John’s Academy, and Shawnigan Lake School. Additional match opportunities and schedules will be communicated as they become available.

What kind of commitment is Soccer Academy?

Soccer Academy is a significant commitment that requires consistent effort, responsibility, and a positive mindset. While we welcome players of varying experience and ability levels, students should understand that the program involves regular physical activity throughout the week and places importance on healthy habits such as nutrition, hydration, recovery, and sleep.

Students are expected to demonstrate consistent attendance, strong effort, and positive conduct both within the Academy and throughout the school community. Our success as a program depends on each student’s commitment to their own development and to supporting those around them.

How will my child be assessed?

Royal Bay Soccer Academy uses a combination of objective, subjective, and self-assessment practices to evaluate student growth and participation. Students are assessed daily using the BEAP model (Behaviour, Effort, Attitude, and Participation), in addition to evaluations of skill development, fitness, classroom learning, and written assignments.

Students receive ongoing feedback throughout the year, including four formal report card updates.

Evaluation Breakdown

• BEAP (Behaviour, Effort, Attitude, Participation) — 60%
• Skill Development and Progression — 20%
• Fitness and Theory — 10%
• Written Work — 10%

Some things you may want to know

The Royal Bay Soccer Academy is a positive, welcoming, and supportive environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves, build confidence, and enjoy the process of improvement.

A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to the group are among the most valuable qualities a student can bring to the Academy. Our code of conduct emphasizes responsibility, respect, and leadership, helping ensure that every member of the program contributes to an environment where all athletes can reach their full potential.

Thanks for your interest in the Royal Bay Soccer Academy. We look forward to having the opportunity to work with you in the future.

Andrew Flello & Dylan Pagnotta  –  Royal Bay Soccer Academy Directors

aflello@sd62.bc.ca

dpagnotta@sd62.bc.ca

Royal Bay Soccer Academy