Minor (U9-U13)

Frequency: 2 times/week

Length of session: 60 mins

Cost: $300.00

Following the Grassroots Programming, our U9 age group trains twice a week for one-hour sessions, aligning with the Learn to Train stage of development. Each session follows the guidelines set by Grassroots standards, with training time allocated as follows: 10% general movement, 10% coordination, 40% soccer technique, and 40% small-sided games. This structured approach ensures players develop both their technical soccer skills and overall physical literacy.

Each session focuses on a specific skill, with warm-ups and drills carefully selected to provide variety and progressively increase in difficulty. This intentional progression helps players refine their abilities while building confidence and adaptability on the field. To reinforce their learning, players will apply these skills in small-sided games, allowing them to practice in a game-like setting and enhance their decision-making under real play conditions.

The primary goal of the Medicine Hat Soccer Association is to establish two separate U9 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.

To maintain a balanced development approach, we follow a 1:1 ratio of practices to games, which include both matches and scrimmages. Each practice session consists of 30-45 minutes of training, followed by a 15-30 minute inter-squad scrimmage. The second session of the week is designated as a "game day." Over the course of the season, four of the eight game-day sessions will be formal matches, while the remaining four will be scrimmages. These matches will be pre-scheduled to ensure consistency and organization throughout the season. Descriptions of matches and scrimmages:

• Matches - These are officiated games conducted by referees, following the rules set by the Alberta Soccer Association (ASA) and FIFA.
• Scrimmages - These are informal, coach-led games where referees are not present. Coaches will be on the field, actively providing guidance and stopping play when necessary to reinforce key coaching points related to the skills being developed that week.

The focus remains on skill development, sportsmanship, and fostering a positive experience for all participants. While there will be scheduled officiated matches and match scorekeeping, there will be NO player standings for Outdoor 2025.

Document for general understanding of programming (link to the doc): Coach Tool Kit - Stage Three: Learn to Train

Frequency: 2 times/week

Length of session: 60 mins

Cost: $325.00

Following the Grassroots Programming, our U11 age group trains twice a week for one-hour sessions, aligning with the Learn to Train stage of development. Each session follows the guidelines set by Grassroots standards, with training time allocated as follows: 10% general movement, 10% coordination, 40% soccer technique, and 40% small-sided games. This structured approach ensures players develop both their technical soccer skills and overall physical literacy.

Each session focuses on a specific skill, with warm-ups and drills carefully selected to provide variety and progressively increase in difficulty. This intentional progression helps players refine their abilities while building confidence and adaptability on the field. To reinforce their learning, players will apply these skills in small-sided games, allowing them to practice in a game-like setting and enhance their decision-making under real play conditions.

The primary goal of the Medicine Hat Soccer Association is to establish two separate U11 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.

To maintain a balanced development approach, we follow a 1:1 ratio of practices to games, which include both matches and scrimmages. Each practice session consists of 30-45 minutes of training, followed by a 15-30 minute inter-squad scrimmage. The second session of the week is designated as a "game day." Over the course of the season, four of the eight game-day sessions will be formal matches, while the remaining four will be scrimmages. These matches will be pre-scheduled to ensure consistency and organization throughout the season. Descriptions of matches and scrimmages:

• Matches - These are officiated games conducted by referees, following the rules set by the Alberta Soccer Association (ASA) and FIFA.
• Scrimmages - These are informal, coach-led games where referees are not present. Coaches will be on the field, actively providing guidance and stopping play when necessary to reinforce key coaching points related to the skills being developed that week.

The focus remains on skill development, sportsmanship, and fostering a positive experience for all participants. While there will be scheduled officiated matches and match scorekeeping, there will be NO player standings for Outdoor 2025.

Document for general understanding of programming (link to the doc): Coach Tool Kit - Stage Three: Learn to Train

Frequency: 2 times/week

Length of session: 60 mins

Cost: $325.00

Following the Grassroots Programming, our U13 age group trains twice a week for one-hour sessions, aligning with the Soccer For Life stage of development. This stage emphasizes long-term player growth and enjoyment of the game while focusing on the four key pillars of player development: technical/tactical, physical, mental, and social/emotional.

These four pillars work together to create a well-rounded athlete. The technical/tactical component enhances players' ability to execute skills effectively and make strategic decisions during gameplay. The physical pillar focuses on strength, endurance, agility, and injury prevention, ensuring players develop the fitness necessary for sustained performance. The mental aspect fosters concentration, resilience, and confidence, helping players stay focused and adapt to challenges. Lastly, the social/emotional component promotes teamwork, leadership, communication, and sportsmanship, reinforcing positive relationships both on and off the field.

Each session follows the guidelines set by Grassroots standards, with training time allocated as follows: 10% general movement, 10% coordination, 40% soccer technique, and 40% small-sided games. This structured approach ensures that players not only refine their technical skills but also develop their overall physical literacy, decision-making abilities, and interpersonal skills, preparing them for lifelong participation in the sport.

Each session focuses on a specific skill, with warm-ups and drills carefully selected to provide variety and progressively increase in difficulty. This intentional progression helps players refine their abilities while building confidence and adaptability on the field. To reinforce their learning, players will apply these skills in small-sided games, allowing them to practice in a game-like setting and enhance their decision-making under real play conditions.

The primary goal of the Medicine Hat Soccer Association is to establish two separate U13 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.

To maintain a balanced development approach, we follow a 1:1 ratio of practices to games, which include both matches and scrimmages. Each practice session consists of 30-45 minutes of training, followed by a 15-30 minute inter-squad scrimmage. The second session of the week is designated as a "game day." Over the course of the season, four of the eight game-day sessions will be formal matches, while the remaining four will be scrimmages. These matches will be pre-scheduled to ensure consistency and organization throughout the season. Descriptions of matches and scrimmages:

• Matches - These are officiated games conducted by referees, following the rules set by the Alberta Soccer Association (ASA) and FIFA.
• Scrimmages - These are informal, coach-led games where referees are not present. Coaches will be on the field, actively providing guidance and stopping play when necessary to reinforce key coaching points related to the skills being developed that week.

The focus remains on skill development, sportsmanship, and fostering a positive experience for all participants. While there will be scheduled officiated matches and match scorekeeping, there will be NO player standings for Outdoor 2025.

Document for general understanding of programming (link to the doc): Coach Tool Kit - Stage Three: Learn to Train