A group of young Canadian players take the next steps on their journey in the Men’s EXCEL Program as Canada prepares for the 2019 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship. The 11-day camp takes place in Mexico from 4-14 March at the Mexican Football Federation training centre through a collaborative effort with Canada Soccer’s United 2026 partner Mexico.

“Some of these players are right at the start of their journey in the Men’s EXCEL Program, so they will be exposed to new concepts, new ideas, and a new program that is fully aligned to the Men’s National Team tactical and cultural frameworks,” said Andrew Olivieri, Men’s EXCEL U-14 to U-17 Program Director. “Many of these players have already been exposed to these concepts through our NEX-PRO Integration strategy and can now get the opportunity to experience it in a Best with Best environment.”

Ahead of the Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship, Canada have been diligent in synergizing its Men’s EXCEL Program with the professional clubs in Canada, formalising the monitoring and tracking systems, periodising competition programs, and aligning calendars ahead of the international competition in May. Canada Soccer have worked hand-in-hand with the clubs in their own environments, evaluating a wider base of players while working together with the clubs to develop players both on and off the field on the pathway to the Men’s National Team.

“We have undergone a thorough assessment process and we’re excited to bring this talented group of young Canadian players together as they prepare for the Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship,” said Olivieri.“The development of these selected players as well as an ongoing identification process of new talented players both domestically and abroad will continue over the cycle as we remain focused on developing more Atiba’s more often for the Men’s National Team.”

The Canada squad features players from clubs in Canada and abroad, working with academies including Vancouver Whitecaps FC, FC Edmonton, Toronto FC, Impact de Montréal, and Canada’s provincial and territorial member associations. In the past year, Canada Soccer has worked closely with each of those Canadian clubs.

As part of the camp in Mexico, Canada will have the opportunity to face academy clubs from CF America and UNAM Pumas.

CANADA SOCCER MEN’S EXCEL PROGRAM

Canada Soccer’s Men’s EXCEL Program channels our nation’s exceptional players into the best soccer environments. The Canada Soccer Pathway works in collaboration with our provincial and territory partners as well as the professional clubs and academies. For Canada’s elite players, the program emphasizes player development on the pathway to representing Canada’s Men’s National Team in international soccer.

Canada Soccer's Men's National Youth Teams have won two CONCACAF titles: both the 1986 and 1996 CONCACAF Men's Youth Championships. Canada have qualified for eight editions of the FIFA U-20 World Cup and six editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

CANADA

GK- Benjamin Collins | CAN / Académie Impact Montréal

GK- Eleias Himaras | CAN / Toronto FC Academy

GK- Marc Kouadio | USA / Montverde Academy

CB- David Amla | CAN / Académie Impact Montréal

CB- Maxime Bourgeois | CAN / Académie Impact Montréal

CB- Nathan Demian | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy

CB- Gianfranco Facchineri | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy

FB- Mckail Brathwaite | CAN / FC Edmonton

FB- Keesean Ferdinand | CAN / Académie Impact Montréal

FB- Kobe Franklin | CAN / Toronto FC Academy

FB- Rohan Goulbourne | CAN / Toronto FC Academy

M- Julian Altobelli | CAN / Toronto FC Academy

M- Matt Catavolo | CAN / Académie Impact Montréal

M- Simon Colyn | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy

M- Jamie Dunning | NED / Feyenoord

M- Tomas Giraldo | CAN / Académie Impact Montréal

M- Kamron Habibullah | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy

M- Damian Iamarino | ITA / Chievo Verona

M- Damiano Pecile | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy

M- Ralph Priso-Mbongue | CAN / Toronto FC Academy

M- Sean Rea | CAN / Académie Impact Montréal

F- Jayden Nelson | CAN / Toronto FC Academy

F- Jérémie Omeonga Nkoy | CAN / Académie Impact Montréal

F- Jacen Russell-Rowe | CAN / Toronto FC Academy