SC Force is hosting a 12 week Growing Grassroots program. This program will be an introduction for players and parents to the upcoming Grassroots Program starting in May. This program is available to all players born between 2016 & 2018.
Register here: Growing Grassroots
There are no assessments or try-outs to join this program, space is limited and we do expect all spots to be taken.
Sessions will be held on Saturday's at Canlan Sports 1871 Ellice Av:
Feb 7,14,21,28
Mar 7,14,21,28
Apr 4,11,18,25
Girls 12-1pm, Boys 1-2pm
The Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards have been designed to create the best possible learning and development environment for young players in Canada. First introduced in 2020, the Grassroots Standards are based on Sport for Life’s Long-term Athlete Development (2007) and Canada Soccer’s Long-term Player Development (2008) as well as global best practice while considering the realities of Canadian soccer and will become mandatory for all member organizations (clubs, academies, districts/regions, leagues) in Canada in advance of the 2026 playing season.
Please see some highlights provided by WYSA of the upcoming Grassroots Program starting in May;
1. Unified delivery for all 8-13-year-olds*
Open registration (no tryouts) for all players. Clubs may optionally reach out to previously engaged or high-potential players to encourage participation—without exclusion or selection processes.
Fluid team rosters, with players rotating weekly based on growth and engagement
No league standings—festival-style events emphasize learning over wins
Games guided by Game Leaders trained to foster enjoyment, safety, and learning
*The Grassroots Program will use a phased-in approach, which means only the U8-U9-U10 divisions will use this format in 2026, while the U11 & U12 divisions will participate in a League format*
2. Age-appropriate formats & rules
Matches will follow small-sided formats—3v3, 4v4, 5v5, etc.—on scaled fields with smaller goals and ball sizes. As players progress, so do game formats, with adjustments for durations, rest periods, and simplified sideline restarts to maximize time on the ball.
3. Coach training & standardized ratios
Coaches must meet Grassroots-level qualifications (e.g., NCCP modules, Respect in Sport)
Open access to programs—no eliminations via tryouts
Support for multi-sport participation and balanced seasons
Game experience over competition: no scores or standings until U12+
These updates deliver on key goals:
Equal opportunity: Every child gets to play, develop, and enjoy soccer
Play-centered learning: Greater focus on skill-building, decision-making, and ball time
Supportive environment: Coaches and Game Leaders enable positive, low-pressure play
Consistency across Canada, while giving member associations flexibility to adapt locally
