Mini (U4-U7)

Frequency: Once/week

Length of session: 45 mins

Cost: $125.00

The U4 & U5 age group participates in training sessions once a week for 45 minutes, following the Grassroots standards set by Canada Soccer. 

As an association, we follow the Grassroots Programming developed by Canada Soccer, which emphasizes learning the fundamentals of the game in an engaging and developmentally appropriate way. Our players are categorized under the One-Active Start development plan by Grassroots, ensuring they receive age-appropriate training tailored to their stage of development.

Our training sessions are structured around four key pillars of development: general movement, coordination, soccer technique, and small-sided games. In the areas of general movement and coordination, we focus on developing physical literacy, with an emphasis on both locomotor skills (such as running, jumping, and skipping) and non-locomotor skills (such as balancing and twisting). When it comes to soccer techniques, we prioritize essential skills including dribbling, ball control, passing, and shooting, ensuring that players build a strong technical foundation.

By incorporating small-sided games into our sessions, we provide players with opportunities to apply their skills in a game-like setting, fostering decision-making, teamwork, and a love for the sport.

For the U4 age group, parents are encouraged to be on the field if their child requires additional support to participate independently. This may include assistance for players who need extra guidance due to emotional or behavioral needs. Having a parent present can provide comfort and encouragement, helping young players feel more secure and engaged in the session. Our goal is to create a positive and inclusive environment where all children can develop their confidence, coordination, and early soccer skills at their own pace.

**There are no player standings, officiated games or scorekeeping at this age group.

Document for general understanding of programming: Coach Tool Kit - Stage One: Active Start

Frequency: 2 times/week

Length of session: 60 mins

Cost: $250.00

The U7 age group participates in training sessions twice a week for 60 minutes, following the Grassroots standards set by Canada Soccer. 

As an association, we follow the Grassroots Programming developed by Canada Soccer, which emphasizes learning the fundamentals of the game in an engaging and developmentally appropriate way. Our players are categorized under the FUNdamentals development plan by Grasslands, ensuring they receive age-appropriate training tailored to their stage of development.

Our training sessions are structured around four key pillars of development: general movement, coordination, soccer technique, and small-sided games. In the areas of general movement and coordination, we focus on developing physical literacy, with an emphasis on both locomotor skills (such as running, jumping, and skipping) and non-locomotor skills (such as balancing and twisting). When it comes to soccer techniques, we prioritize essential skills including dribbling, ball control, passing, and shooting, ensuring that players build a strong technical foundation.

By incorporating small-sided games into our sessions, we provide players with opportunities to apply their skills in a game-like setting, fostering decision-making, teamwork, and a love for the sport.

The primary goal of the Medicine Hat Soccer Association is to establish two separate U7 divisions - one for male players and one for female players. This decision is based on registration numbers and is aimed at fostering a more inclusive, safe, and competitive environment for all participants. By providing gender-specific divisions, we strive to create an atmosphere where players feel comfortable, supported, and able to develop their skills to their fullest potential.

**There are no player standings, officiated games or scorekeeping at this age group.

Document for general understanding of programming: Coach Tool Kit - Stage Two: FUNdamentals