Player Development Program – APDL Players

In July 2019, Canada Soccer announced that 39 clubs across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario had provisionally earned the National Youth Club Licence (NYCL). This designation represents the highest amateur youth club recognition in the Canada Soccer Club Licensing Program. Overall, seven clubs in Alberta met the 142 licensing criteria. Four of those clubs are based in Calgary.

Calgary Rangers Soccer Club became one of only seven clubs in Alberta to earn the National Youth Club Licence. In addition, Rangers became one of the first 39 clubs in Canada to receive the designation in August 2019.

The Alberta Player Development League (APDL) launched during the 2021 outdoor season for the U15 age group. The league first included players born in 2006. Since then, Alberta Soccer has continued expanding the structure by adding a new birth year annually at the U14 level. As a result, the full U14 to U17 structure became operational in 2023.

Only clubs that hold the National Youth Club Licence can participate in the APDL. Therefore, the league brings together some of the top player development environments across Alberta.

The Canada Soccer National Youth Club Licence recognizes organizations that meet high standards in governance, administration, infrastructure, and technical leadership. Furthermore, licensed clubs support Canada Soccer and Provincial Soccer pathways while competing at the highest levels of youth soccer in Canada. Because of this, clubs that achieve the designation earn recognition as Canada Soccer Approved Youth Soccer Clubs.

Alberta Player Development League

Alberta Soccer launched the Alberta Player Development League to create a standards based environment for performance level players across the province. Canada Soccer approves all league standards. These standards include full year periodized technical training plans, minimum coaching licence requirements, video analysis, and organizational excellence.

The APDL focuses on creating the best possible training and competition environment for every individual player. In addition, Canada Soccer Regional Excel Directors and U15/U17 National Team Head Coaches regularly attend league matches and events to scout players throughout the season.

At Calgary Rangers, we continue to build a high performance environment that supports long term player development. Our APDL program includes an approved yearly technical training plan, licensed coaches, strength and conditioning support, mental performance education, nutrition guidance, and video analysis. Additionally, players train in an environment designed to prepare them for higher levels of competition both within Alberta and beyond.