greatness is earned, not given.

Express Interest – VI

your talents deserve the world stage.

Embark on a journey towards greatness with the Elite XI – Canada Program Powered By Nike. We are on the lookout for exceptional talents, individuals whose skills and passion for the game set them apart. If you believe you have what it takes to excel at the ELITE levels, both in North America and internationally, we invite you to express your interest by completing the form below.

As part of your submission, include a link to your highlight reel or recent game videos. This will provide our coaching staff with valuable insights into your playing style, technique, and overall performance on the field.  We value the holistic development of our athletes, so feel free to add any additional comments you believe will help our coaches thoroughly review your file. Whether it's showcasing your leadership, resilience, or unique playing style, your input is crucial in presenting a comprehensive view of your soccer journey.

EliteXI Is Changing Lives

Including the lives of Ayden, Karen, and Nobu Ochi...

The Ochi family came to EliteXI - Canada in search of a transformative football experience for Ayden, a young player with a heart full of passion and dreams. What they found exceeded all their expectations. After joining the academy's Elite XI - Canada 08 Boys group, Ayden had the unique opportunity to compete at the world-renowned ESPN Wide World of Sports Showcase. There, under the guidance of highly-qualified coaches and alongside talented players, Ayden's team went against the odds and emerged victorious.

Ayden bonded quickly with his teammates, establishing a camaraderie rarely seen among youth sports teams. The team's triumph was a powerful testament to the EliteXI's commitment to nurturing champions both on and off the pitch, and to their goal of bringing together the best talent.

What was most notable was Ayden's deep connection to his teammates, a bond that surpassed all of his previous sporting experiences. It wasn't merely a case of developing game strategies and techniques but of creating a synergy, a sense of unity that goes beyond the field. This was a unique experience that transformed Ayden from a player into a champion.

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"It ignited a fire within me to keep pushing."

San Diego Surf Cup 2023 was one of the best experiences I have been lucky to be apart of! It was like a dream come true! Not only did I get to play my favorite sport, but I also got to represent my country. By committing to this team, I had the chance to meet new girls from all over Canada, who are now my lifelong best friends. Even playing against other Women’s international teams, it was like a mini World Cup right there in San Diego. I also got to showcase myself in front of scouts from the highest level, and who could change my soccer career.

Not only did our team just meet each other a few days before stepping out onto the pitch, we also had to work hard both on and off the field in that short amount of time. Not only practicing our skills and pushing each other to the limit, but also having to understand each other as people and how we can work together to make sure the team has our best showing and exposure possible. It was all about giving it my all, being a team player, and showing everyone what I was made of.

The atmosphere at the San Diego Surf Cup was electric. The cheers from the crowd, the adrenaline pumping through my veins, it was an experience like no other. Every match felt like a battle, and I wouldn’t have wanted to share that with any other team or set of girls.

 

"It was a perfect blend of competition, camaraderie, and personal growth."

The competition was fierce, but it only fueled our determination as Canadians to succeed. But it wasn't just about the soccer. The friendships I made during the tournament were priceless. I met people from different countries, different cultures, and we bonded over our shared love for the game. We exchanged jerseys, took goofy pictures, and created memories that will last a lifetime. It was an amazing feeling just meeting new girls who were just as passionate about soccer as I am. It was a refreshing change and added a whole new dynamic to the tournament and even to who I am as a soccer player now.

Overall, the San Diego Surf Cup 2023 was an experience I will never forget. It was a perfect blend of competition, camaraderie, and personal growth. I learned so much about myself as a player and as a person. It ignited a fire within me to keep pushing, to work hard, and never give up on my dreams.

So, if you ever get the chance to participate in a tournament like this, take it and give it everything you've got. Trust me, you won't regret it! It truly is the best of the best!

"one of the best times of my life"

Katherine was simply an ordinary football enthusiast before she entered the gates of EliteXI - Canada. Her journey began when she was chosen for the 07 Girls team. This opportunity turned into a pivotal moment that changed her world forever. Katherine was immersed in the electrifying passion of the 2023 Surf Cup, playing for the Nike Team Elite XI, representing Canada. She found this experience exhilarating and transformative, shaping her skills and perspective towards the game.

But it was not just about the game. She believed it was a great learning experience both on and off the field. Throughout her journey, she experienced personal growth, understanding the essence of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance - values crucial to not just football but life's many endeavours. She made unforgettable connections with astounding coaches and athletes, forming bonds that she hopes will last a lifetime.

Her trip to the Surf Cup in San Diego was a dream come true. Living through some of the best times of her life, it's a memory that she deeply cherishes and she credits it all to EliteXI - Canada. Katherine did not just learn to play football better, but she learned to play life better. She lived her dream of playing on an elite team and grew as an individual, driven to push boundaries and break new grounds.

Katherine I.

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GiulianoPriolo

"life-changing, invaluable stepping stones"

This transformative experience profoundly impacted the life of Giuliano Priolo...

Imagine a young soccer enthusiast from Calgary, stepping onto a flight anxious yet excited for the adventures that lay ahead. That’s the story of Giuliano Priolo. Accepting an invitation to the Surf Cup with Nike Elite was a choice that was as nerve-wracking as much as it was thrilling. Amid the hustle and bustle, Giuliano undoubtedly recognized the work put behind the scenes to craft this exceptional opportunity.

Stepping on foreign soils, representing the Surf and EliteXI Canada badges sewn onto his jersey, Giuliano savored every minute of his trip. With every pass, every tackle, he developed not just as a player, but evolved as an individual. The experiences not limited to the lush green fields, but also the rich cultural exposure, were life-changing, invaluable stepping stones in his road to success in this stunning sport.

Words of gratitude flow from Giuliano as he retrospectively cherishes the spirit of these unforgettable journeys: "I'm so honored and grateful for this opportunity...I appreciate everyone involved in providing me with these experiences. These moments are ones I'll always remember. Thank you."

"The trip was well organized and the communication was fantastic."

"Thank you for a wonderful experience. Wyatt enjoyed everything about it, from the coaching to getting to know and play with the Canadian players and of course winning the Championship. The trip was well organized and the communication was fantastic."

Sheila D. / Wyatt D. U16 National Elite XI – Canada  – Disney Cup Champs

"Something I won’t forgot"

I wanted to thank you guys for this wonderful experience, as even if it was for showcasing my football, it also created a brotherhood between my teammates and I and is something I won’t forgot.  You guys were great to work with on and off the pitch and I felt very welcomed into the team. Thank you again, and hope to work with you in the future.

Craig C., Montreal Quebec

"Wanted to say thank you for giving Griffin the opportunity to play in Orlando."

Wanted to say thank you for giving Griffin the opportunity to play in Orlando. It's not everyday that a footballer from Swift Current, Saskatchewan gets to participate in this type of tournament. Can't wait to hear his stories from the past week. Safe travels to you all.

Griffin S., Saskatchewan

"Happy to be part of such a high level team"

I really appreciated the opportunity to be able to play for Nike Elite 2007 Girls. I was really happy to be part of such a high level team and enjoyed the people on the team, as well as the coaches. I would love to be able to play for Elite again, especially now that I have the uniform!, if the team might be going to other tournaments.

Georgia Y., Greenwood Village, Colorado

"I was truly blessed and am thankful to have had been a part of the Nike Elite XI team"

Hope this email finds you well.  After an amazing week of fun and learning on and off the field at Surf Cup I wanted to extend my gratitude to you for putting together such and amazing team and coaching staff.  I was truly blessed and am thankful to have had been a part of the Nike Elite XI team and hope to participate in opportunities alike in the future.  

Once again thank you,
Sofia Matias, Nanaimo, BC

"I've gained so much, not just as a player, but also as a person"

I would just like to sincerely thank you a final time now that I'm back home in Calgary for organizing and inviting me to the Surf Cup with Nike Elite! I greatly appreciate and recognize all of the hard work you put in behind the scenes to make these memorable opportunities possible. I'm so honored and grateful to have been given an opportunity to represent both the Surf and Nike Elite badges. I've gained so much, not just as a player, but also as a person on these two spectacular trips abroad. I appreciate everyone involved in providing me with these experiences. These moments are ones I'll always remember and are stepping stones towards future success in this beautiful sport.

So with that experience coming to a close, one final time; Thank you 🙂

Giuliano P., Calgary, AB - Calgary Foothills

"This was one of the best times of my life"

This was one of the best times of my life and none of it would have happened or been possible without you. I am so thankful for you selecting me for the 07 Girls team and to have this opportunity. Here I met and connected with so many incredible coaches and athletes, that I will hopefully be friends with for many years to come. It was truly amazing and was a great learning experience both on and off the field, and I experienced large amounts of growth. I am forever grateful for the memories and experience I had in San Diego!

Katherine I., Edmonton, AB

"Giving each and every one of us a golden opportunity to become better people and players"

I would like to personally thank you for all you hard work and putting up with the boys on this amazing trip. Thank you for organizing all the teams and giving each and every one of us a golden opportunity to become better people and players. I respect you highly and I am thankful that you have come into my journey.

Tim L.

"Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that many people will never understand."

The level of coaching, players, and competition is amazing which lead to many good results at the showcases I attended including a First Place finish. And off the pitch it is an amazing experience to bond with people from across Canada, truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that many people will never understand. I will forever remember these moments and friendships on and off the pitch.

Ayden O. - Burnaby, BC

Still Have Questions?

ELITE XI 1

We value your input and are eager to connect with you. If you have any inquiries, feedback, or would like to learn more about the Elite XI – Canada Program Powered By Nike, please feel free to reach out. Our dedicated team is here to assist you on your journey towards soccer excellence. Whether you're a prospective athlete, a partner, or someone enthusiastic about the program, your questions are important to us.