Community Programs
From the grassroots program to our developmental programs, EMSA West follows the Canada Soccer and FIFA-endorsed Preferred Training Model for our athletes. This model uses the principles of Long Term Player Development. This plan is designed to give players an optimal soccer experience at every stage by putting their needs front and centre.
ASA Grassroots Soccer Parent Soccer Guide
Canada Soccer Pathway – LTPD Community Guide
When children learn the right skills at the right time – supported by a caring soccer community of parents, coaches, officials, and volunteers – they become more confident in their abilities and have a lot more fun. This means more of them will grow into healthy, active adults with a lifelong love of the game.
ACTIVE START (U4 to U6)
Our grassroots program is focused on building a foundation of the love of the game. Each training session is focused on general movement, coordination, soccer technique, and small-sided games.
FUNDAMENTALS (U7 to U9)
For this age group, our focus will be building a foundation of physical literacy and further developing their love of the game. Each training session is focused on soccer technique, trainability, speed, flexibility, and small-side games.
This is also the age group that players may choose to try out for the more competitive club stream, which also focuses on development.
More emphasis will be placed on small-sided games during the training session.
Coach’s Tool Kit – Stage Two: FUNdamentals
Game Format:
- Outdoor – 7 v 7, 60 minutes (20 minutes skills and drills and two x 20-minute halves of a soccer game)
- Indoor – 7 v 7, 55 minutes (10 minutes skills and drills and two halves of a soccer game)
LEARN TO TRAIN (U11)
This developmental program is balanced so that players of all abilities and skill levels are challenged and developed. The focus will be on tactical and environmental awareness, encouraging decision-making, and self-critical gameplay.
This is also the age group that players may choose to try out for the more competitive club stream, which also focuses on development.
Coach’s Tool Kit – Stage Three: Learning to Train
Game Format:
- Outdoor – 8 v 8, 70 minutes (2 x 35 minute halves)
- Indoor – 7 v 7, 55 minutes
SOCCER FOR LIFE (U13+)
This is for all players who want to play at either a recreational or competitive level. Players can be newcomers to the sport who are just taking an interest now or long-time players.
Players in this age group have many options to remain physically active in sport, whether it be in school leagues, camps, recreational leagues, and/or competitive leagues. At this age group, we want to allow for flexibility for an athlete to participate in all activities while focusing on refining their skills. These age groups will further learn about disciplined game warm-ups, cool-downs, nutrition, strength, stability, sportsmanship, agility, and speed.
Game Format:
- Outdoor U13 – 80 minute games (2 x 40 minute halves)
- Outdoor U15 to U19 – 90 minute game (2 x 45 minute halves)
- Indoor U13 to U19 – 7 v 7, 55-minute game