Discover potential and spread joy through the 4 pillars of development and growth.
Program: Competitive Grassroots
Age Group: U8 (Birth Year - 2016)
Program/ Development Overview:
Designed for families seeking a higher-tempo learning environment and increased skill development. A game-based curriculum has been created to improve the rate of learning and develop brave players unafraid of mistaking mistakes and excited to express their creativity in competitive moments.
Player development is delivered through our 4 Pillars of Coaching:
1. Players experience fun- working/trying hard,
2. Players connect through positive team spirit (Doing things together),
3. Players demonstrate growth with positive coaching, and
4. Player commitment increases when learning and improving is frequent.
Program Timeline:
The program Duration is approximately 4 months:
Assessments in March; Preseason in April; League season in May, June, and July.
Technical Overview and Commitment:
Typically three times a week, consisting of 2 trainings and 1 game
Training and game sessions range from 1 to 1.5 hours
League Participation:
Edmonton Minor Soccer Association (EMSA) league
Approximately 12-14 games, with half played outside Sherwood Park
At this age group, there is NO Alberta Soccer Association provincial championship
Coaching:
Qualified volunteer coaches, receiving ongoing training, and mentored by Phoenix FC technical staff
Centralized curriculum implemented through cohort training
Google Classrooms organized by the Program Director to support coaches and teams
Registration fees cover:
Technical program/ training cost
Facility/Field rental cost
Team equipment
Coach honorarium and clothing
EMSA league fees and refereeing costs
ASA membership and insurance costs
TRACE AI Video system
Program Administration
Fee Exclusions:
Fees DO NOT cover uniform or apparel purchases, extra training fees, tournament entry fees, or related travel costs.
Parent volunteers are needed for various roles; Team Manager and Trace Camera program.
Please note that Team Fundraising is also quite common.
Schedule and Changes:
Training and practice schedules are contingent on EMSA league schedule.
Schedules are subject to change with league updates released one week before startup.
Thunder, lightning, air quality advisories, and heat index may lead to session/game cancellations.
Rescheduling will be attempted where possible, but not guaranteed.