Thunder Academy

Extra Training. Elevated Standards. Expanded Possibilities.

Thunder Academy was created with a clear and powerful purpose:
to give motivated youth players more opportunity, more development, and more belief in what’s possible through soccer.

Across Lethbridge and surrounding communities, we see many players who love the game but feel limited by access, opportunity, or past experiences. Some thrive in traditional club environments. Others quietly step away — not because of a lack of talent or passion, but because the right environment, guidance, or pathway was never available.

Thunder Academy exists to open those doors.

This is not a replacement for club soccer.
This is extra training, built the way top programs around the world do it — similar to initiatives like Caps to College within the Whitecaps Academy system. It’s an additional layer of development for players who want more touches, better habits, deeper understanding, and a higher standard of learning.

What Makes Thunder Academy Different

Thunder Academy is grounded in one simple belief:
when players are supported, challenged, and inspired, they grow — on and off the field.

Our sessions focus on:

Advanced technical development
Game intelligence and decision-making
Confidence with the ball
Creativity, accountability, and leadership
Love for the game — without fear or pressure

We are committed to building an environment that is positive, demanding, inclusive, and intentional. Growth is the goal. Improvement is the expectation. Enjoyment is essential.

This is a place where effort matters. Curiosity is encouraged. Mistakes are part of learning — not something to be punished.

And while many programs talk about development, Thunder Academy lives it through action, not just words.

A Community-First Philosophy

Thunder Academy is built on community.

We believe the strongest soccer cultures are created when:

Players feel supported
Families feel welcomed
Coaches collaborate rather than compete
Youth interests always come first

By focusing on the collective development of players — rather than individual agendas or short-term results — we can elevate the soccer experience for everyone involved.

We actively seek to collaborate with clubs, coaches, and families who share this vision and who want to help create a healthier, more fulfilling soccer environment across our region.

Leadership You Can Trust

Thunder Academy is led by Tom Perks, a coach whose experience spans elite playing, high-level coaching, and academic research in athlete development.

Tom brings a rare combination of:

International playing experience
National-level coaching credentials
Decades of hands-on youth development
A deep understanding of best practices in coaching and learning

As a player, Tom captained Canada’s Youth National Team at the 1989 FIFA U16 World Cup in Scotland. He went on to star at Western University, earning U Sports All-Star honours and being named Western University Athlete of the Year. His playing career included elite competitive leagues across Ontario, Edmonton, and Lethbridge — including an Ontario all-star exhibition match alongside Diego Maradona.

As a coach, Tom has:

Directed youth soccer camps across southern Ontario
Served as a university course instructor and assistant coach at Western University
Won U Sports Men’s National Championship gold
Coached men’s and women’s elite teams at multiple levels
Led Thunder FC teams to provincial silver and gold in recent seasons