RASC Information U11-U17

Rattlers Academy Soccer Club (RASC) Overview

Welcome to the Rattler Academy Soccer Club (RASC) - Medicine Hat’s Travel Representative Soccer Club! 

Players chosen to participate in RASC represent Medicine Hat Soccer Association at tournaments across Alberta and beyond. These teams compete at a Tier 1-3 Level. 

We are excited to offer a dynamic and comprehensive soccer experience for boys and girls ages 8-16 in U10/U11-U17. Our goal is to foster player development from the ground up, focusing on technical skills, tactical understanding, fitness, and teamwork.

What’s New This Season

A Renewed Focus on Elite Development

Over the years, our program has grown to include multiple teams per age group, reflecting the increasing interest and talent within our community. The RASC program has its roots in a long tradition of representative soccer, once known as the Crusaders, which was created to give elite players in our region the chance to compete at higher levels against top urban centers.

The Medicine Hat Soccer Association (MHSA) is excited to return to this original mission—providing greater opportunities for our most dedicated players and their families to pursue advanced competition and development.

At the same time, changes to our House League program ensure that all players continue to have a fantastic playing experience. Those not selected for the RASC program will still enjoy a competitive and exciting season, culminating in the new YSL City Championships.

Pathway to RASC Academy

As part of our commitment to fostering high-level soccer development, MHSA will offer evaluation camps for players interested in progressing to the RASC Academy program. Selection will be based on skill level, dedication, and overall participation.

The number of athletes and teams formed within the RASC Academy will depend on participation levels and skill standards, ensuring that we maintain a high-quality soccer environment throughout the province. This structure provides a clear pathway for players to develop, compete, and reach their full potential within a well-supported framework 

RASC Indoor Season Tryouts

Tryout Dates: August 25-28th  View Schedule Here

The RASC Indoor Program offers an opportunity for local athletes who are ready to compete at a higher level, testing their skills against top teams and associations from larger urban centers.

These tryouts are essential for identifying the elite players of Medicine Hat and forming an academy-style development program. Player evaluations are based not only on tryout performance but also on assessments made throughout the previous season by coaches, Technical Leads, and the Technical Director.

What We’re Looking For

Athletes will be scored across key performance areas, including:

• Technical ability - ball control, passing accuracy, and individual skill
• Tactical awareness - game sense, positioning, and decision-making
• Physical attributes - fitness, speed, and agility
• Intangibles - teamwork, effort, leadership, and coachability
  

During tryouts, players will demonstrate these qualities through drills, skill challenges, and small-sided games.

Selection Process

Final team selections will be based on:

• Independent adjudicator evaluations
• Previous coaching assessments
• Input from current and prospective team coaches

Results will be communicated to players and parents within 1-2 weeks after tryouts via email, our website, and/or social media announcements.

Tryout Fee - A $25 entry fee is required to cover administrative, facility, and other program costs associated with the evaluation process.

Travel Requirements

Travel is a mandatory commitment for all RASC players and their families. The RASC program is designed for athletes competing at an advanced level, and full participation in games and tournaments is essential. Players who are unable to travel not only limit their own development but may also take a roster spot from another athlete eager to grow, compete, and represent the program.

Teams are built with a set roster cap to ensure:

• Adequate playing time for all athletes
• Depth to manage injuries and fatigue
• Strong team performance across competitions

If players miss required travel events, it can put the entire team at a disadvantage.

Mandatory Tournaments

The MHSA has established a minimum of 2-3 mandatory travel tournaments per season. These events have been carefully chosen based on:

• The quality of competition
• Tournament organization and scheduling
• Past positive experiences for players and families

All teams will attend the same tournaments to help families with multiple athletes plan more efficiently.

Estimated Costs:

• Hotel: ~$200 per night per room
• Travel & Food: Varies, typically for 3 days / 2 nights
  Most tournaments run Friday to Sunday, with some starting Thursday
• Each team is guaranteed a minimum of 3 games

Season Length & Fees

• Full Season: October 16 - March 8: $600.00
• Team Fees are collected by the team manager or treasurer and can vary from team to team. Range $200.00-$400.00/player.

Please note: NO refunds will be issued after two weeks into the season.

Registration Details

• RASC Evaluation Camp registration opens Monday July 28th. Players must be registered in “RASC Evaluation Camp” package to participate. See details in registration package 
• General registration opens Monday July 28th. Players must be registered for “MHSA General” in their applicable age division before being considered for RASC. 
• Early Bird Discount $25.00 off available until Wednesday August 6th. Early Bird Code can be found in the registration package 
• RASC Evaluation Registration opens Monday July 28th. Players must be registered in an evaluation package prior to be considered for RASC
• Registration closes September 1st
• Late Registration (additional $50.00) will be accepted if there are open spaces or until September 14th
• Payment Plans are available. If you require a payment plan outside of the options available on RAMP please contact executivedirector@medicinehatsoccer.com

Divisions

Schedule

The Medicine Hat Soccer Association works hard to provide a consistent and convenient schedule each season.

While our day-of-the-week schedule is released before the season starts, please note it may be subject to change due to factors like registration outcomes and team formation.

Younger age groups will be scheduled for earlier times in the day.
Specific field locations and times will be shared closer to the season's start.

View Indoor 2025-26 Schedule

Future Plans: Rural Soccer League (Proposed)

MHSA is also exploring participation in a Rural Soccer League (RSL), which would include competition against Lethbridge, Coaldale, and potentially Brooks and Swift Current.

Projected travel commitments:

• ~3 travel days per season
• Example schedule:
• November - Medicine Hat to Lethbridge: RASC vs LETH, LETH vs Coaldale, Coaldale vs RASC (return same day)
• December - Medicine Hat to Coaldale: RASC vs Coaldale, Coaldale vs LETH, LETH vs RASC (return same day)
• January - Medicine Hat Hosts: RASC vs Coaldale, Coaldale vs LETH, LETH vs RASC
  
  

This league would provide RASC teams with additional, high-quality games while helping coaches and managers streamline scheduling.

Divisional Director