What? Who? Why?

Over many years our academy players have connected with a methodology built for long-term success. We have created a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where players learn the game through consistent teaching references.

Many players who go on to university soccer arrive with years of experience in this reference-based environment — helping them understand the game more clearly and develop with greater confidence.

Our Philosophy

The academy balances training and competition, but above all we value the human experience of sport. Children should be treated as children: their abilities, needs and enjoyment must remain the starting point.

Kids play because they enjoy it and because of the friendships they build — the same reasons many of us fell in love with the game. Through the EPIC mission (Environment, Patience, Independence, Consistency) we aim to be both inclusive and enjoyable.

The Learning Process

We help players learn:

• What information to look for in the game
• Where to find that information
• How to respond successfully once they recognize it

Young players need the ball, the game and insightful leadership. We meet players where they are and teach to their stage of development.

Community

"It takes a village to raise a child." The same is true for sport. It takes coaches, parents, clubs and mentors to build an environment where children develop a lasting love for activity, health and sport — so we work with as many people and organizations across Northern BC as we can.

Consistent Teaching

Across age groups and teams, players hear the same key messages and references, so they can move between coaches and groups while building on the same understanding.

In many environments each coach teaches from personal experience — valuable, but often inconsistent. Since 2014, EPIC has built a shared framework of playing references for players and coaches. We aim to be more than teams wearing the same uniform: a community connected by a shared understanding of the game.

Coach Development

At festivals, jamborees and tournaments, community coaches — often parents — have joined our environment and gained experience alongside our staff. Through the Teams Program we continue to share the EPIC curriculum with mentorship, guidance and feedback, an approach that has worked well for EPIC on Vancouver Island.