A.S.A.D. Durham
Now accepting 2026-2027 ApplicationsA.S.A.D. Durham
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
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Kevin Bagshaw DDSB
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Ben Walker DDBS
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Thomas Plommer DDCSB
Technical Streams
A.S.A.D. Durham currently offers dedicated technical training streams in the following sports:
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Hockey
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Soccer
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Baseball
About This Program
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
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Ben Coates Mental Skills
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Bruce Cullan Lead Soccer Coach
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Liam Spafford Head S and C Ccoach
Integrated Support Team (I.S.T.)
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.
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.
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.
