Academy 67

Academy 67

Since 1967, Blizzard SC has played a key role in developing soccer in Calgary. As a tribute to nearly 60 years in the game, we created Academy 67 (A67) – our dedicated performance program for players who want more.

Academy 67 brings together our camps and advanced training under one unified approach, focused on individual player development.

Designed to complement team environments, A67 gives players the opportunity to train in a more focused and challenging setting – helping them refine technique, improve decision-making, and build confidence on the ball.

Our sessions emphasize:

  • Purposeful, high-quality repetition

  • Technical skill development

  • Game awareness and decision-making
    Confidence and creativity

Whether players are looking to sharpen specific skills or take the next step in their development, Academy 67 provides a professional and supportive environment to help them get there. Led by Josh Pickering and a dedicated support team, A67 operates as a complementary training program — giving players additional opportunities to grow and develop outside of their regular team schedule.

Soccer club emblem for Academy 67 featuring a large orange letter A and a soccer ball, with a black background and light blue border.
A man wearing a black jacket with a sports team logo, standing outdoors on a cloudy day, appears to be speaking or coaching.
Group of six diverse soccer players standing together on a field inside an indoor sports dome, posing for a photo with arms around each other.

About Josh

Josh Pickering brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for developing players at every stage of their journey.

With over a decade of coaching experience across the UK, USA, and internationally, Josh has worked with players of all ages – from grassroots to advanced levels.

He holds a UEFA B Licence and began his coaching pathway in England, earning FA Level 1 & 2 certifications while competing in the English college system. His playing experience includes time in both England and the United States, as well as participation in the National Futsal Series.

Josh has coached within a number of respected programs, including:

  • Leicester City

  • Global Premier Soccer

  • UK Elite

  • Leicester Futsal

  • Saffron Dynamo FC

Known for his positive and engaging approach, Josh creates an environment where players feel confident and supported, enjoy the process of learning, and are encouraged to push themselves while growing both on and off the pitch.

A man with sunglasses giving instructions or coaching a sports team on a field, with players in light blue uniforms around him.

Our camps, programs and tournaments

Three young girls in soccer uniforms smiling and posing on a soccer field, with a logo overlay that reads "UK Soccer Camp" and features logos for Calgary Blizzard Soccer and Leicester City Football Club.

UK Soccer Camp
Leicester City FC

Our UK Camps offer players a unique international training experience delivered in partnership with Leicester City FC. Players train under Leicester City coaches, following the club’s development philosophy, with a strong focus on technical quality, game understanding, and professional standards.

Seasonal window: July

A youth soccer team with players and coaches posing on an indoor field, with team logos and two players holding soccer balls.

A67 Training

A67 Training is a supplemental program for players who are motivated to take their game to the next level. Designed to complement team training, sessions focus on various different skills including technical detail, speed of play, decision-making, and game realism. Players are challenged in a high-intensity environment that encourages growth, accountability, and confidence on the ball.

Seasonal window: Year-round

A youth soccer team with young players in black uniforms, some holding soccer balls, and a coach in black standing on a field inside an indoor sports facility. There are team logos for "Academy 67" and "Calgary Blizzards" displayed on the sides.

A67 Finishing Camp

A67 Training is a supplemental program for players who are motivated to take their game to the next level. Designed to complement team training, sessions focus on various different skills including technical detail, speed of play, decision-making, and game realism. Players are challenged in a high-intensity environment that encourages growth, accountability, and confidence on the ball.

Seasonal window: Year-round

Group of children in Christmas-themed sports attire and costumes, posing inside a large indoor sports dome. There's a festive logo in the top right corner reading 'The 3v3 Christmas Cup' with a soccer ball.

3v3 Christmas Cup

The 3v3 Christmas Cup is a fast-paced indoor tournament that brings the Blizzard community together during the holiday season. Small-sided games mean more touches, more creativity, and plenty of fun in a high-energy setting.

Seasonal window: December

Young girls lined up on a soccer field, each with a soccer ball at their feet, participating in a soccer camp, with a logo for Calgary Blizzard Roots Camps overlayed.

Roots Camps

Roots Camps are designed for young players at the beginning of their soccer journey, with an emphasis on fundamentals, confidence, and enjoyment. Training is play-based and age-appropriate, offering an ideal introduction to Blizzard programming.

Seasonal window: Spring, Summer & Fall

Group of young girls and their coaches on a soccer field during a girls' soccer camp, with a Calgary Blizzard Soccer Club logo in the top right corner.

All Girls Camp

Designed exclusively for female players, our All Girls Camp provides a positive and empowering training environment. Sessions focus on technical development, confidence, and game play, while creating space for players to learn, compete, and grow together.

Seasonal window: July–August