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A.S.A.D. Durham

Now accepting 2026-2027 Applications

A.S.A.D. Durham

A group of A.S.A.D. Durham students posing in their A.S.A.D. shirts.

The A.S.A.D. Durham campus is located at Abilities Centre in Whitby, Ontario. Abilities Centre is a 125,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility offering sport, fitness, arts, and life skills programming, along with research and education opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

A.S.A.D. student athletes also train at:

  • Iroquois Park Sports Complex
  • The Whitby Dome
  • The Yard

Academic Delivery

A.S.A.D. Durham works in partnership with the Durham District School Board (DDSB) and the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) to integrate high-performance sport training directly into each student athlete’s timetable. The result is a balanced, personalized school day that supports both academic and athletic success.

Students receive individualized classroom support and a flexible schedule that accommodates their competition commitments. Timetables are developed collaboratively between the A.S.A.D. Guidance Teacher and each student’s home school guidance department.

Semester Snapshot

Each semester, full-time students are enrolled in:

  • One Physical Education focus course
  • One course led by an on-site DDSB or DCDSB teacher, delivered during their two periods at Abilities Centre
  • Two in-person courses at their home school

This gives each student a full complement of four courses per semester.

Meet the Teachers

  • Kevin Bagshaw D.D.S.B. Teacher
  • Ben Walker D.D.S.B. Teacher
  • Thomas Plommer D.C.D.S.B. Teacher

Technical Streams

A batter practicing their swing at the baseball cages.

A.S.A.D. Durham currently offers dedicated technical training streams in the following sports:

  • Hockey
  • Soccer
  • Baseball

Potential expansion: Volleyball, Basketball, Lacrosse and Rugby

Student athletes in a technical stream participate in two 75-minute technical sessions and two to three 75-minute strength and conditioning sessions each week, coached by qualified experts in the Canadian sport system.

Technical sessions focus on individual skill development, tactical understanding, and building the self-reliance athletes need to succeed at the next level, whether that is post-secondary competition, provincial teams, or national programs.

Over the course of the year, student athletes complete more than 85 strength and conditioning sessions and more than 70 sport technical sessions.

Individual Athlete Development Stream

A.S.A.D.’s Individual Athlete Development Stream is designed for athletes competing in individual sports or sports without a dedicated technical stream. Past and current individual stream athletes have competed in swimming, figure skating, track and field, lacrosse, gymnastics, football, water polo, and race car driving, and more.

Student athletes in this stream participate in four to five 75-minute strength and conditioning sessions per week, covering strength, flexibility, mobility, speed, and more.

Meet the Coaches

  • Ben Coates Mental Skills
  • Bruce Cullen Lead Soccer Coach
  • Liam Spafford Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Coach

Colin Hoey

Soccer

Colin Hoey’s certifications include a Canada Soccer license, a youth license, and a B license. Colin is currently coaching with Pickering FC in the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) and League.

Ben Davis

Hyperfit Hockey Technical Lead

Ben Davis is the founder, president and director of all hockey operations at HYPERFIT HOCKEY. Ben was a professional hockey player in Germany and Italy. He is a multiple record holder in the OJHL and has a number achievements. Ben has coach many youth to high levels of hockey and success.

Kyle Fillier

Baseball

We create a positive, encouraging environment where athletes can have fun, build confidence, and fall in love with the game. Families have ongoing access to our coaching staff, and we maintain open communication to support each player’s development journey.

In September 2025, I made the deliberate decision to transition from the corporate sector and invest my experience, energy, and leadership into building something meaningful within our community. Today, I’m proud to be focused on the growth and development of athletes as the Owner of The Yard, a multi-sport training facility and Academy Baseball serving the Durham Region. The Yard is more than a training space—it is a community-driven development hub designed to support athletes across multiple sports, including baseball/softball, soccer, lacrosse, and football. Our focus is on creating structured, high-quality development environments that build skill, confidence, and clear pathways for athletes at every stage.

Integrated Support Team (I.S.T.)

A group of A.S.A.D. London hockey players out on the ice.

High performance is about more than physical training. A.S.A.D.’s Integrated Support Team (I.S.T.) connects student athletes with nationally and globally recognized experts across a range of disciplines to support their academic, athletic, and personal development.

Our I.S.T. includes:

  • Mental Performance Practitioners
  • Nutrition Specialists
  • Injury Management Professionals
  • Post-Secondary Education Advisors
  • Guest Athletes and Coaches

Mental Performance

Sessions cover goal setting, motivation, intensity management, self-awareness, and more. Practical components include journalling, meditation, and visualization exercises.

Nutrition

Sessions explore energy measurement, pre-competition fueling, macronutrients, hydration, and more. Practical components include cooking recipes and grocery shopping experiences.

How to Apply

Step 1: Express Your Interest

Email us to let us know you are interested. You will be added to our mailing list and invited to upcoming A.S.A.D. Information Sessions.

Email us: asadadmissions@abilitiescentre.org

Step 2: Attend an Information Session or Day in the Life

We strongly recommend that all applicants and at least one parent or guardian attend an information session before applying. The session covers the full program including the schedule, facilities, staff and coach profiles, and enrollment fees. During a Day in the Life visit, prospective students participate in a technical or strength and conditioning session, meet staff and current students, and tour the facility.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Submitting an application is not a commitment to join the program. It allows A.S.A.D. to project enrolment for our school board partners, confirm sport stream offerings, and assess your eligibility and fit. The admissions process considers:

  • Athletic achievement
  • Athletic character, attitude, and work ethic (coach references are taken into account)
  • Home school guidance counsellor recommendation

Step 4: Receive Your Offer Letter

Accepted student athletes will receive an offer letter with details on registration, scheduling, and enrolment fees. A deposit is required at the time of registration to secure your spot in the program.

Apply Now: 2026-2027 Application Form

Enrolment Fees

As a charitable non-profit organization, Abilities Centre relies on program fees to deliver the highest quality A.S.A.D. experience, remove barriers to participation, and support our broader mission of building more inclusive communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Enrolment Fees: Full Year (Two Semesters)

Enrolment fees range from $5,500 to $8,500 per year, depending on the sport stream.
All fees are designed to recover program costs. Your confirmed enrollment fee will be included in your offer of admission.

Enrolment Fees: One Semester (First or Second)

Enrollment fees range from $3,500 to $5,500, depending on the sport stream.
All fees are designed to recover program costs. Your confirmed enrollment fee will be included in your offer of admission.

Is there a fee to apply?

No. There is no fee to apply to A.S.A.D. We encourage all families to connect with our team or attend an information session before completing their application.

Contact Us

Questions about enrolment?
A male student sprinting as part of their strength and conditioning training.