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Q: How did the idea of CEFA originate?

A: The concept of the CEFA was thought about in the Winter Indoor season of 2007-8. We felt the need to develop players in the area to their maximum potential. By doing this we can give them the opportunity to compete for spots in Germany (Bundesliga League teams) and throughout the world. If not for a Professional career then perhaps a University opportunity or….. just to become a better soccer player.

Q: What are the costs and how does it apply to your Academy player?

A: Costs are on a monthly basis and are located on our website. Payment is due before the 10th of each month. Cheques are made out to CEFA and we are currently working on getting the other forms of payments set up.( Visa/Mc, Debit and automatic withdrawels.) Non payment each month nullifies the players Academy sessions. Each member is also required to purchased the Academy Outfit. This includes: Tracksuit, Jersey, Shorts, Socks and a pair of Capris. Jersey and tracksuit comes with their last name on the article.

Q: Why have you begun working with Germany?

A: Germany for us is the result of having a Direct contact in Germany. Our German Cooperationpartner, the DFCA e.V., looks after all of the requirements the players will need before they travel to Germany and while they are there. His role is a multitude of things:

• Contact German Clubs and set up Tryouts
• Look after all Accommodations, Transportation and Meals
• Run program in Germany
• Works closely with the CEFA on a weekly basis
• Bring on Coaches in Germany to Coach as well as have personnel in place for Tryouts
• Open up other countries besides Germany as well

We feel with him on board we have a distinct advantage of giving our players a huge jump on everyone else wishing to make a career out of soccer. Our role in Canada is to set up Flights, send the required Euros to Germany for the Academy, hotels if needed, transportation and administer what ever else needs to be taken care of. And of course TRAIN the boys!

Q: Europe is expensive though?

A: Yes, it definitely is expensive….but well worth it! Consider the fact that Canada has 2 Professional teams and Germany for example has 60. If your son/daughter is looking to try their hand at a career in soccer……what Country will give them the better opportunities?

When you add up all the costs of travel, accommodations and food, it does add up…..but over the course of it all…. is well worth the experiences the players will remember forever and perhaps forge ahead with a career.

This is one of the reasons we opened up our Academy in Germany as well. With our own facilities in Oberbergkirchen now, we can cut some costs down for the players who travel to Germany for Tryouts. The players will live in our own house there. It sleeps up to 20 players! Very nice, Very big! We can now offer programs for our players to actually stay in Germany for up to a year! In this Time they have by the DFCA e.V. morning practice, Games during the weekends and of Course learn the German language each week . Of course we still can set up any other types of tryouts as well. 3 months can also be done along with the one year trip. The one year trip however is only available to 18 year olds and older.

Eventually we would like to subsidize some of the costs through Corporate Sponsorships and have the CEFA large enough to offset some of the costs. We will also partake in some basic Fundraising activities to help everyone out as well.

Q: Are all the players lumped together like we see at some academies?

A: No….definitely not. The CEFA is set up in a way that, players of equal caliber practice together. We will have an ELITE group of players in each age group eventually. It is from the Elite groups that the players will be chosen to go to Germany. The players who are not in the Elite groups right away can of course develop themselves and be moved into the Elite Group. Players can also be moved out of the Elite groups if they do not maintain and improve their skills.

By separating the groups into Elite and Advanced groups, every player will be getting exactly the type of training they need. There would be many similarities in the sessions with the Elite groups, however, participating at a more intense level. The goal of the Advanced group of course is to move themselves up the ladder to the Elite group. By doing so they will not only gain confidence in themselves but also become an even bigger contributor to their Club or Community team they play for.

Q: Do you practice year round?

A: We would love to be able to go year round and will do so if possible, however we do live in Canada and have learned to expect the unexpected as far weather goes. We will stay outdoors as long as we possibly can. Yes it will be cold from time to time. Winter sessions will be at the Indoor soccer centres as well as we have requests in for the Kinsmen Fieldhouse. Here the players would have access to the Fitness centre, Running Track and the field itself. All in an effort to maintain top conditioning essentials.

Q: How are the costs?

A: The costs are very reasonable when you consider the time you receive as well as the Quality you are getting. Check out our website www.dfca.info for the information. Remember the ultimate goal is for the players to achieve the level they have set for themselves and are prepared to put in the Time, Effort and Investment required. Indoor costs will be posted shortly and will of course be a bit higher than outdoor due to rentals.

Q: Who else is working in the Academy?

A: We have a couple of people working with us. Myself ( Wayne Kaiser ), Jose Acosta and Graham Dickson. All of us have a long list of accomplishments and have put together numerous Club teams that have won dozens of Championships. I have my “Pre B “ Alberta, Canada License and have set up a number of trips for teams that have travelled across North America and Europe. My role is to look after the administration side of things as well as help coach if and when needed. Jose Acosta is working with the Goalies.

If you have more questions please feel free to call me @ 780-916-9819 or pull me aside at a session and ask.