key elements of the Grassroots standards
Inclusivity: Programs are designed to accommodate players of all skill levels, ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to participate and succeed.
Fun and Enjoyment: Focusing on creating enjoyable experiences fosters a lifelong love for the game.
Player-Centred Development: Activities and match formats are tailored to the developmental needs of players at each age and stage.
Skill Acquisition Over Competition: Emphasis is placed on technical and tactical growth rather than win-loss records.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
• Grassroots Programs should be appropriately structured for the age and stage of the participating players and allow for the opportunity for multi-sport participation, activity sampling, and life balance.
• Grassroots Matches should be played on fields, with goals and balls, and following a match day format that is developmentally appropriate for the participating players.
• Coaches have the greatest impact on the experience of players and every child deserves a properly qualified coach.
• Children register to play soccer, not to watch others play or spend time traveling. Teams should strive for fair playing time and limit travel time as much as possible.
• Talent Identification and selection should be delayed as long as possible to provide as many players as possible with the best training environment available.
• Match results should not be the focus of grassroots soccer as this restricts player development and negatively impacts the player experience
Active-Start-Brochure (U6 and under)
FUNdamentals-Brochure (U7 to U9)
Learn-To-Train-Brochure (U10 to U13)