About Vanguard Football Lab

A development-first youth soccer academy built to raise the standard of grassroots training in Ottawa/Gatineau.

Who we are

Vanguard Football Lab is Ottawa/Gatineau’s elite youth development academy built to raise the standard of Canadian soccer training. Our program combines professional-level coaching, a structured 8-week curriculum, and small-group training to ensure every player receives real attention, real development, and real results.

We don’t run “after-school activities.”
We build confident, disciplined, technically strong young athletes.

Led by certified coach Tyrell Boardman, VFL delivers a training environment based on:

  • Professional structure and coaching standards

  • High-level player development methods

  • Small groups (10 players max) for individualized attention

  • Weekly progression tracking so parents can see real improvement

  • A safe, insured, and fully organized environment trusted by families

Our mission is simple:
Develop smarter, more technical, more confident young players — and give them a pathway to reach their highest potential.

Vanguard Football Lab is where youth talent is built the right way.

Our Mission

To provide youth players with the highest-quality training experience in the region by combining professional coaching, modern curriculum design, and a safe, supportive environment where every player can reach their full potential.

What Sets Us Apart

Certified Coaching
National-level training standards with a modern approach to player development.

🎯 Small Groups (10 Max)
More touches, more repetition, more growth. Every player gets seen.

📘 8-Week Structured Curriculum
A professional development plan with weekly progression goals.

📈 Player Tracking & Feedback
Monitored improvement to ensure players advance with purpose.

🛡️ Fully Insured & Registered
A safe, transparent, and professionally managed program parents trust.

Meet the Coach — Tyrell Boardman

Founder & Head Coach, Vanguard Football Lab

Tyrell is a certified Canadian soccer coach with extensive experience working with youth athletes across various development stages. With a strong background in technical training, fitness, and long-term athlete development, he brings structure, energy, and a professional standard to every session.

He holds multiple NCCP certifications — including Active Start, Fundamentals, Learn to Train, and Soccer for Life — with plans to pursue the C Licence and other advanced coaching pathways.

Tyrell’s coaching philosophy focuses on:

  • Technical excellence

  • Confidence-building

  • Game intelligence

  • Discipline & work ethic

  • A positive and motivating environment

His approach ensures that every child — regardless of starting level — improves every week and leaves the program feeling confident and inspired.

How We Develop Players

At VFL, we believe youth development must be:

  • Intentional — No wasted drills, no babysitting.

  • Structured — Every session fits into the long-term plan.

  • Positive — Players learn best when they feel supported.

  • Repetitive & Technical — Reps build mastery.

  • Fun but Challenging — The right balance for growth.

We train with purpose.
We coach with passion.
We develop players with long-term potential.

Why Families Choose VFL

Parents appreciate our academy because we offer:

  • Clear communication

  • Organized scheduling

  • High coaching standards

  • Safe, insured training

  • Transparent policies

  • A professional environment they trust

Our commitment to excellence is why families return — and why players continue to grow season after season.

Ready to begin your child’s training journey?
Join a program built to deliver real development and a great experience for young players.

Register for Winter 2026