About Residency

The Highlanders Residency is a full-time, high-performance player development program designed for ambitious student-athletes aged 16 to 19. Founded in 2016, our Residency provides a professional training environment combined with education, apprenticeship, and meaningful competition. All in one integrated pathway.

Each season, we welcome 20 to 24 players who want to take their game to the next level. Our program mirrors European elite academy standards, blending technical, tactical, physical, and mental development with personalized support. Players train up to eight times per week, balancing on-field sessions with strength and conditioning, video analysis, and regular games in the Vancouver Island Soccer League and beyond.

What sets Highlanders apart is our clear development pathway to European clubs, especially in Germany’s open and welcoming system for North American talent. We help players bridge the gap between local opportunities and the demands of professional soccer overseas. Our coaches have deep expertise guiding young players and their families through the complex decisions needed to reach the next level.

The Residency also offers a unique post-graduation year for players who want extra time to grow as athletes and people before stepping into university, college, or a professional career. By training year-round in Victoria’s mild climate and living independently through our homestay program, players mature both on and off the field.

Above all, Highlanders Residency exists for young athletes who are committed to putting in the daily work to unlock their potential. We believe the right training, the right mindset, and the right opportunities make all the difference and we’re here to deliver them.