Official announcement of the 2026 Team

The criterias Identification Program published in 2025

As part of the long-term development of young judokas, Judo Canada is pleased to announce the launch of the identification program for the NextGen Academy Team, a new initiative aimed at identifying athletes born between 2011 and 2014.

Project Period
January 1 to December 31, 2026

Target Group

• Age: Athletes born in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014
• Maximum total number: 40 athletes
      o Maximum of 20 girls
      o Maximum of 20 boys

Selection Criteria

• The athlete must have participated in at least two identified training camps:

NextGen Winter Camp 2025 – Montreal, National Camp at the Canadian Championships May 2025 – Calgary, NextGen Summer Camp 2025 – Montreal, National Fall Camp October 2025 – Montreal

• Competition results during the 2025 season

• The athlete must complete the application form

• Selections will take into account motivation, athletic potential, commitment, and attitude during training sessions

Selection Process
• Selections will be made by Judo Canada’s High Performance staff

Athlete Commitment
By accepting to be part of the 2026 NextGen Team, selected athletes commit to:

• Participating in at least two training camps in 2026 from the following:

NextGen Winter Camp 2026 – Montreal, NextGen Easter Camp 2026 – Montreal, National Camp at the Canadian Championships May 2026 – Calgary, NextGen Summer Camp 2026 – Montreal, National Fall Camp October 2026 – Montreal

• Actively participating in a competition pathway in 2026 (at least 3 provincial-level competitions and one interprovincial competition).

• Proudly representing the NextGen Academy, including wearing official apparel during Academy activities.

• Adopting and promoting the values of respect, effort, excellence, and team spirit.

Project Objectives
• Identify and support young judokas with high potential.
• Provide learning opportunities complementary to the usual environment (club/provincial).
• Strengthen motivation and the sense of belonging to a national structure.
• Promote a culture of excellence, respect, and balanced development.

The NextGen Team

1. Will be introduced during training camps.
2. Will receive official NextGen Team apparel.
3. Will have access to Conferences / Workshops
   o Speakers: Nutritionists, sport psychologists, former Olympic athletes.
   o Conferences may be held in person during camps or virtually.

Please complete the form: Registration Form: NextGen Academy application

Registration deadline: December 31, 2025
Team announcement: During the week of January 19, 2026

For any questions: [email protected]