At Guildford Athletic Club (GAC), we’re proud to provide a clear, supportive, and development-focused pathway for every player — from their very first touch of the ball to competitive play and beyond.

No matter where your child starts, there’s a place for them to grow, learn, and love the game in a positive, inclusive environment

💙 Building Players for Life

The Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) model is Canada Soccer’s framework for helping every athlete reach their full potential — in sport and beyond.

It’s based on the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model created by Canadian Sport Centres and is grounded in research on how children grow, learn, and thrive through sport.

LTPD is designed to align training, competition, and recovery with each player’s stage of development — ensuring players enjoy the game, stay active, and continue progressing at their own pace.

🌟 The Goals of LTPD

LTPD aims to:

• Promote lifelong enjoyment of physical activity and soccer participation.

• Provide a structured development pathway for players of all ages and abilities.

• Support best practices for training and elite player development.

• Encourage long-term excellence through proper guidance and progression.

💪 Benefits of LTPD

By following the LTPD model, Guildford Athletic Club helps players:

• Develop strong technical skills through progressive, age-appropriate training.

• Build confidence and resilience both on and off the field.

• Experience success at every stage, no matter their level of play.

• Stay motivated and engaged for lifelong participation in soccer.

🗺️ The Pathway in Action

At GAC, our programs are structured to align with the LTPD stages — from Minis (U3–U7) through High Performance Academy and beyond.

This approach ensures each player receives the right training, at the right time, in a supportive and inclusive environment.

📍 Learn more about the Canada Soccer Player Pathway