APDL

Logo of Alberta Player Development League (APDL) with a shield shape, mountains, a soccer ball, and red stylized motion lines.

Alberta Player Development League (APDL)

This is where Blizzard's highest-level players train, compete, and get noticed.

Calgary Blizzard’s APDL teams are our premier performance program – fully aligned with Canada Soccer's Player Development Program (PDP) and designed for players who are serious about taking their game to the next level. It's not just elite competition. It's a complete development environment built around the whole player.

A girls' soccer team huddles together on the field during daytime, with some players wrapping their arms around each other, listening to their coach.

What the Program Includes

Every APDL team at Blizzard operates on a periodized training model, underpinned by approved technical plans and delivered by licensed coaches. Players have access to a full suite of performance support across a 12 month periodized program:

  • Strength & conditioning

  • Mental performance training

  • Nutrition guidance

  • Video analysis

This isn't a single-focus program. It's a comprehensive approach to developing players technically, physically, and mentally – because the best players are built across all three dimensions.

Learn more about the program (PDF)

The League & What It Means

The APDL is governed by the Alberta Soccer Association (ASA) and sets the standard for youth performance soccer in the province. Participation is restricted to clubs that meet Canada Soccer's National Youth Club Licence standards – a credential Calgary Blizzard holds with pride, and one that guarantees a consistently high level of play across the league.

The league is regularly scouted by Canada Soccer's Regional Excel Directors and U15/U17 National Team Head Coaches. For players with national ambitions, this is the environment where those doors open.

Trials & Intake

APDL trials are open – for any player who wants to compete for a spot. Blizzard runs open combines prior to each season, advertised through our club channels.

Open Trials for 2010–2013 birth years:
August 24th – September 4th, 2025 – Final days, times and schedules will be confirmed and communicated to all registered players in July 2026.

If you're interested in APDL – whether for this season or a future intake, contact info@calgaryblizzard.com.

Intake for 2013-born athletes begins August 2026.