U13 BOYS

U13 TIER 4 (COMMUNITY)  

OUTDOOR 2023 PROGRAM OUTLINE 

For players born in 2010 and 2011. 

Philosophy - "Play for Life"
At this stage, players should participate in stimulating practices and games that develop basic technical skills in a challenging atmosphere. The effect of the coach is critical at this stage. Skill demonstration is very important, and the players learn best by doing. The players should have a good level of physical literacy. The community sessions will be focused on a challenging training session and their two 11v11 games.

Coaching
Volunteer coaches are appointed for the season and are supported on a regular basis by the SPDSA Technical Department. Head coaches will receive a $100 credit towards their child's registration, upon submission of required team information, a valid Criminal Record Check (current within three years) and, equipment is returned to the SPDSA by the specified deadlines. Only one head coach per team is eligible for the credit.

All coaches are required to complete Respect in Sports training (current within five years). Further, head coaches are required by Canada Soccer Association (CSA) to be certified in the appropriate level of NCCP coaching courses. SPDSA covers the cost of the courses for those required to complete it. 

In-service coaching workshops will be held before and during the season. 

The best qualities of a coach for this stage of player are:

• Is enthusiastic, encouraging, approachable and respectful; 
• Upholds standards for the team that reflect fair play, enjoyment, and learning; 
• Knows the subject matter and the players and, is able to demonstrate concepts to players; and, 
• Communicates well and involves parents in forming community around the team and the club. 

Officials Cards
Only registered team officials and players are allowed on the field or in benching area sor change rooms. Parents not volunteering will be able to enjoy the games from the stands/designated viewing areas only. Team officials from U11 to U19 are required to have a digital SPDSA ID card. Game Leaders/Managers without a card will not be allowed on the field or benching area during games.

Players Cards
All Players from U11 to U19 are required to have a digital SPDSA ID card so all members will need to upload a current photo to the player's registration profile. Photo must only be a head and shoulders shot with no hats or sunglasses.

Game management 

• Scores and Standings are kept at the U13 - U19 level with teams eligible for Provincial Competition. 
• Equal playing time for all players. 
• All players will have the opportunity to a variety of positions. Let the players experience different positions and the different challenges that these positions create. 
• Warm Up - all players with a ball, moving, ball mastery. 
• Manage the amount of coaching during the game. "Let them play". Encourage creativity. Don't punish mistakes. Don't referee. Encourage both teams play. 
• Promote soccer that is free flowing, is coach-guided but not coach directed, and demands that all players on the field, regardless of their specified position, participate in defending and attacking.

Team formation 

• The SPDSA is committed to providing a fair and equally balanced recreational league for all participants. To achieve balanced teams, we have implemented the following team formation guidelines: 
• We do not allow full or partial teams to register. 
• One reciprocal friend request per player may be submitted upon registration. 
• While we do our best to accommodate player requests, they are not guaranteed. The top priority at the start of the season is to create balanced teams for each age group. If more than one friend is requested, only the first name listed will be considered. 
• Coaches cannot be requested by players. No exceptions. 
• Volunteer coaches will have their own child on their team. 
• We are unable to switch children to a different team once they are formed due to the many moving parts and large number of special requests received. 
• Two coaches wishing to work together will be permitted, however no friend requests will be honoured for their players. 
• Friend requests submitted after the regular registration deadline may not be honoured.

Commitment Level
The community program does not entail the same level of commitment as our Phoenix program; however, players that sign-up are expected to participate in most games and practices. Team rosters are sized to maximize playing time; as a result, non-attendance will have an impact on the whole team.

Seasonal Plan
9 weeks starting the week of April 24, 2023, and ending the week of June 26, 2023. Week 1 is weather dependent and will not be rescheduled unless they are Regular Season Games. Games that need to be rescheduled will be in accordance with the SPDSA rescheduling guidelines and subject to field availability. 

Four hours of soccer per week: two x 80-minute games plus one practice per week. Practices are recommended to be 60-80 minutes but are determined at coach discretion thus, related fees for field rentals are not covered by SPDSA. 

Season may include interlocking games with out of district teams such as Fort Saskatchewan and Ardrossan.

2023 Classic Tournament: May 25 - 28, 2023 (registration included in fees). 

The top finishing Sherwood Park team may attend Tier 4 Rural Provincials (Date and Location TBD, usually July 7-9) as determined by the SPDSA Provincial Qualification Policy. 

Days/Nights of Play
Tuesday and Thursday evenings with 6:00pm or 7:30pm start times (may be subject to change, based on field availability).

Practices: focus on 1v1 to 8v8 skill builders and small-sided games. (Scheduled by coaches.)

Match Play: 11v11 (10v10 plus goalkeepers) consisting of two x 40-minute halves. (Scheduled by SPDSA.)

Registration and Fees
$330 early registration rate until March 3, 2023. Regular rate is $355 until March 24, 2023. $395 after March 24.

Fee includes shorts, socks, and jersey (players are required to provide shin pads and footwear).