PHILOSOPHY

– Our mission –

to provide a platform to
 turn potential into excellence
 in all we do – on and off the field

We strive to ensure that players are developing rapidly while being trained and supported by the best staff and playing against the best competition. Players will learn to excel in a progressive environment, which should help in preparing players to take the Canadian game to the next level.

Our system provides the opportunity for players to compete in top-level soccer throughout the year. We believe that every player is capable of improving his or her overall soccer performance. We are committed to providing the instruction and support to give our players the best opportunity to reach their potential, regardless of age or level.

All of our players deserve the same opportunity to improve their overall soccer performance, in a manner that is relevant to their potential. This includes increasing their technical skill sets and their understanding of basic tactical relationships, (1v1 to 4v4), and improving their fitness level and their willingness to compete.

We believe that youth sports programs encourage and promote healthy strong kids, families and communities by placing a priority on family involvement, healthy competition rather than rivalry, the value of participation over winning, team building as well as individual development, a positive self-image and a sense of fair play and mutual respect for others.

Given Brampton’s and Cambridge’s culturally diverse demographic, challenges can arise on how to bond everyone together. One vehicle to overcome these challenges is the continued use of Sports to unite our youth into one cohesive unit. One example of a sport, which embraces our goal, is soccer.

As a team sport, soccer promotes fairness and tolerance. The game helps to overcome barriers between the sexes, facilitate mutual understanding, and contribute towards positive personality and character development. It provides lessons in strategies of peaceful debate, nurtures the ability to handle defeat and shapes personality.

We look to utilize the social and educational potential of soccer and sport in general for youth development. We encourage socially disadvantaged young girls and boys in such a way that they are able to take charge of their own lives and shape them in a positive manner.

AFC Southampton holds each play accountable to our 5P Motto:

  • Play
  • Possession
  • Passing
  • Pressing
  • Position

    OUR VALUES

    RESPECT

    UNITY

    CREATIVITY

    ACCOUNTABILITY

    ASPIRATION

    OUR BELIEFS

    We Play The Right Way
    We uphold the true values of the game, not just the pitch, but off it too.

    We Grow Talent
    We have a history of turning potential into excellence.

    We Push Boundaries
    We lead, not follow. We constantly innovate beyond the expected in every aspect of our club.

    We Never Stop
    We constantly strive to be better in everything that we do.

    Playing Philosophy

    At AFC Southampton, we aim to play positive attacking football at all times. We emphasize keeping possession of the ball with the aim to go forward when the opportunities arise. We want our teams to play soccer with a controlled tempo from back to front; with the aim to dominate possession of the ball so we can dictate the flow of the game.

    We train well rounded players who are comfortable with and without the ball, and aim to create players who are comfortable anywhere on the field that contribute to our team goals across all phases of play.

    Our tactical philosophy is a play style that includes toughness, dispersing the ball rapidly, and approaching the game with a high degree of confidence.

    However, with that in mind, there remains a certain core player quality that is central to all AFC competitive programs and our mission is to develop players who can compete at the highest level.

    We strive for players to have

    • Outstanding character
    • Highly developed competitive instincts
    • Technical excellence
    • Very advanced speed of play
    • Excellent levels of fitness
    • Excellent movement off the ball
    • The ability to defend well individually and in groups
    • Advanced levels of tactical awareness

    Football Psychology

    Teamwork

    Remember to be a team player. No matter how good you may think you are, you would have no success without the hard work of your teammates. Praise them! Encourage them! Sacrifice yourself for them! Treat them as you would like to be treated!

    Commitment

    Dedication to a particular organization, cause, or belief, and a willingness to get involved. People who are committed to an organization or effort truly believe that it is important, and they show up, follow through, and stick with it.

    Humility

    Always remember that you were given, as a gift, the ability to walk, run, jump and do the things necessary to play football. Be grateful for that gift and remember where it came from. Also, remember that other persons in our community were not given the same gifts you have. Respect them, care for them and love them.

    Adaptability

    The ability to adjust to new conditions and the surrounding environment. Adaptation in sport is the process of getting accustomed to a particular exercise or training program through repeated exposure.

    Integrity

    The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, moral uprightness and the state of being whole and undivided. It is also the characteristic of a person who demonstrates sound moral and ethical principles at what they do. Honesty and trust are central to integrity.

    Perserverance

    Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success – the ability to keep doing something in spite of obstacles. People who persevere show steadfastness in doing something despite how hard it is or how long it takes to reach their goal. 

    Communication

    To be aware and focus on all levels of communication: talking, body language, tone, volume, and facial expressions. We learn to adjust our communication based on our interactions with different people and situations.

    Success

    Success is knowing that what you are doing is helping you and others lead a better, happier, healthier life. Have a goal, plan the steps to achieve the goal, implement the plan, and finally achieve the goal.

    10

    Academy
    Commandments

    open doors

    clean boots

    greet visitors

    shake hands policy

    shirts tucked in / socks up

    ambassador role

    24hr professional

    on time, never late

    welcome newcomers

    be honest, tell the truth

    EXPLORE AFC

    STAFF

    Our team focuses on the individual - we nurture and develop players to become the best they can be.

    TRAINING

    View our training model, game training approach, and learn more about how we develop players.

    HISTORY

    Learn more about Athletic Football Club Southampton Sports Group development over the years.

    SAFEGUARDING

    Learn how Athletic Football Club Southampton safeguards all players and children in each program.

    ACHIEVEMENTS

    View the Athletic Football Club Southampton's awards, trophies, and achievements.

    HOME FIELD

    View our practice and game field locations for each program.

    CONTACT US

    Send us a message for more information regarding our programs, training, or anything else.

    Our Partners