Ice hockey sports exchange: discover the William Academy in Canada

Ice hockey represents much more than just a sport in Canada. It's a national passion that opens doors to extraordinary academic opportunities. For young Brazilian athletes dreaming of an international career, the William Academy emerges as a revolutionary institution in the Canadian educational scene.

This institution combines academic excellence with elite sports development, offering an environment where student-athletes can grow both in their studies and in the sport they love. With professional facilities and an accredited Hockey Canada program, the school represents a unique opportunity for those seeking to take their skills to the next level.

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What makes William Academy special

William Academy stands out for its integrated approach between sport and education. Located in Cobourg, Ontario, the school offers a U18 preparatory hockey program that combines academic rigor with high-performance training.

The program's unique differentials:

• Hockey Canada accredited with official recognition
• 86,000 square foot modern facilities
• Three complete gymnasiums and advanced scientific laboratories
• Renovated dorms with a safe and welcoming environment
• 1:8 teacher-student ratio ensuring personalized attention

The academic program follows the Ontario curriculum, recognized worldwide for its quality. Students earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), which offers direct access to top universities in Canada, the United States, and Europe.

The support structure goes beyond classrooms. With 24-hour security supervision and houseparents present throughout the night, parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are in a safe and nurturing environment.

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Elite hockey program

William Academy's Viking U18 Prep Hockey program represents the latest in the development of young athletes. With its opening season in 2025-2026, it offers 24 regular season games and participation in five elite tournaments.

Features of the sports program:

• Daily ice training from 6:30 to 7:30 in the morning
• Physical development sessions from 16:30 to 17:15
• Video analysis and hockey IQ development from 20:00 to 21:00
• Individual changing rooms with professional lighting
• Modernized off-ice training facility

Experienced coaches work with former high-level players to develop technical skills, tactical understanding, and preparation for competitions. The program aims to prepare athletes for junior hockey, NCAA, USports, or professional careers.

The school's philosophy emphasizes that Boarding schools in Canada combine studies and elite sports in a unique way, creating an environment where athletic and academic development take place simultaneously.

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Student life and personal development

The experience at William Academy goes far beyond studies and training. Campus life is structured to create an environment for personal growth, with community activities, student clubs, and leadership opportunities.

Students' daily routine:

• 6:00 - Wake up
• 8:00 - Breakfast in the cafeteria
• 9:00 to 16:10 - Academic classes
• 17:30 - Dinner
• 19:00 to 20:00 - Supervised study period
• 22:30 - Lights out

The cafeteria offers nutritious and varied meals, considering the different cultural backgrounds of international students. Vegetarian options and accommodations for dietary restrictions are always available.

Cultural diversity is an institution's strong point. Students from more than 40 countries create a rich multicultural environment where young Brazilians can make lasting international connections. This global exhibition prepares students for today's interconnected world.

As highlighted in our article on Fun facts about high school in Canada, international students develop adaptation and resilience skills that benefit them throughout their lives.

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Impressive academic results

The numbers speak for themselves. William Academy has a 100% higher education admission rate, with 96% of graduates entering top-tier universities. Even more impressive, 76% of students receive scholarships, recognizing their academic and sporting excellence.

Universities where graduates were accepted:

• University of Toronto and McGill University in Canada
• University of California Los Angeles in the USA
• University College London in England
• University of Melbourne in Australia

The term system allows students to focus on just two subjects per term, promoting deeper learning and reducing stress. This innovative approach mirrors the pace of university semesters, preparing students for the transition.

The average of 12 students per class guarantees individualized attention from teachers. Additional academic support is available through tutoring sessions in math, science, English, and IELTS preparation.

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Selection process and admission

The selection process for the William Academy is careful and seeks to identify student-athletes with potential for academic and sporting growth. The school assesses both hockey skills and academic performance.

Assessment criteria:

• Fundamental hockey skills and coachability
• Fitness and high sports IQ
• Consistent academic performance
• Positive behavior in the classroom
• Commitment to team values

The process includes formal tryouts, technician evaluations, and academic history analysis. Applicants must maintain a minimum academic average of 70% and demonstrate dedication to both studies and sports.

For interested Brazilian families, it's important to understand How does high school work in Canada to properly prepare documentation and expectations.

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Cobourg: the perfect city to study

Cobourg offers the ideal environment for international students. This quaint city on the shores of Lake Ontario combines safety, natural beauty, and proximity to Toronto. Less than an hour from Canada's largest city, students have access to urban opportunities while maintaining the peace of mind of a smaller community.

The city has a strong hockey tradition and excellent sports infrastructure. The Canadian climate offers perfect winters for the sport, with frozen lakes and outdoor skating rinks supplementing the school's facilities.

Host families in Cobourg are carefully selected and provide a welcoming environment for students who prefer this accommodation option. The local community is renowned for its hospitality to international students.

whereas Is the exchange in Canada in 2025 still worth it, Cobourg represents a strategic choice for families seeking quality of life and educational opportunities.

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Investing in the future of children

Parents considering this investment should understand that it's not just about education or sport in isolation. It is a complete formative experience that develops leadership, independence, and global perspective in young people.

The benefits extend well beyond the school years. Former students often highlight how their experience at William Academy prepared them for university and professional challenges. The network of international contacts created during this period remains valuable for decades.

The development of English occurs naturally through total immersion. Students arrive at intermediate levels and graduate with advanced fluency, a skill that is increasingly valuable in the global marketplace.

As we explained about The reasons to go to high school in Canada, this experience shapes young people to become global citizens prepared for any challenge.

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Preparing for the next level

William Academy doesn't see graduation as an end, but as the beginning of a larger journey. The university orientation program works individually with each student to identify the best higher education options.

Pathways after graduation:

• Sports scholarships at North American universities
• Admission to elite academic programs
• Canadian Junior Hockey Opportunities
• Professional careers in sports

The school maintains close relationships with college scouts and junior team coaches. This network allows exceptional talent to be identified and developed during the formative years.

For students focused primarily on the academic aspect, the OSSD offers direct access to the best Canadian universities, known for their international quality and more affordable costs compared to equivalent American institutions.

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FAQ

1. What is the minimum age to join the William Academy hockey program? The program accepts students from 9th to 12th grade (ages 14-18). The ideal is for young athletes to start between the 9th and 10th grade to take full advantage of the development offered.
2. Do I need to have an advanced level of hockey to be accepted? Not necessarily. The school assesses potential, coachability, and dedication in addition to current skills. Students with solid foundations and a willingness to grow are welcome regardless of their current level.
3. How does accommodation for international students work? William Academy offers on-campus dorms with 24-hour supervision. Rooms are shared by two students, with common areas, kitchens, and recreational facilities available.
4. What documents are needed to apply? School transcript for the last two years, certificate of proficiency in English, letters of recommendation from teachers and coaches, videos demonstrating hockey skills, and personal essays.
5. Is a William Academy degree recognized in Brazil? Yes, the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is internationally recognized and can be validated in Brazil through a specific process with the Ministry of Education.

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Be Easy

Fulfilling your child's dream of studying and playing hockey in Canada has never been more affordable. Be Easy offers full support from the first consultation to arrival at William Academy, ensuring that each stage is executed with excellence and safety. Our team specialized in sports exchange has direct relationships with the best Canadian institutions and is deeply aware of the requirements for the success of Brazilian student-athletes. Contact us and transform your child's sporting talent into a unique international opportunity.