GrassRoots/Long Term Player Development

Long Term Player Development & Grassroots Standards

Long Term Player Development

Camrose And District Soccer Association follows the principles and philosophies of Canada Soccer’s Long Term Player Development  (LTPD). LTPD is a model of development in athletes that follows as they physically and mentally develop from early childhood into adulthood. LTPD is based on players playing at a level and training at a level that is appropriate for their age and development level. LTPD is in  stages ranging from:

Active Start U4-U6 

Fundamentals U7-U9

Learn To Train U9-U13

Grassroots Standards

Camrose And District Soccer Association follows Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Standards. As adults and an association it is our duty to provide a safe, fun, inclusive and developmentally appropriate environment. We follow the grassroots standards for our u5-u13 programs. Camrose And District Soccer Association currently runs programs from U5-U19(dependent on registration numbers).

U5 Programming-

• Our U5 program runs once a week for 8 weeks and follows Canada Soccer Grassroots Programming during their practice for the first half and the second half is a mini 3v3 game (20 minutes, no goalie). These games teach the players how a real game feels and teaches them team work. 

• Size 3 balls used

• Teams do not travel and only play internally in Camrose.

• Field size is approx 15x20 meters.

• 3ft x 5ft Pop up nets

• Maximum coach to player ratio is 8:1.

• Coaches are on the field supporting and encouraging their players.All head coaches & team personel are required to be certified at minimum of “Coaching Soccer in Canada”, CPIC, and RiS/MED. “Active Start” certification is recommended for all coaching personnel.

• Parents are encouraged to say and cheer on their player.

U7 Programming-

• Our U7 program runs once a week for 8 weeks and follows Canada Soccer Grassroots Programming during their practice for the first half and the second half is a mini game (30 minutes  2-15 minute halves). This teaches the players how a real game works and helps build their teamwork skills.

• Size 3 balls used

• Teams do not travel and only play internally in Camrose.

• Field size is approx 15x20 meters.

• 3ft x 5ft Pop up nets or 5ft x 8ft goal

• Maximum coach to player ratio is 8:1.

• Coaches are on the field supporting and encouraging their players.All head coaches & team personel are required to be certified at minimum of “Coaching Soccer in Canada”, CPIC, and RiS/MED. “Active Start” certification is recommended for all coaching personnel.

• Parents are encouraged to say and cheer on their player.

U9 Programming-

• Our U9 program runs twice a week for 8 weeks and follows Canada Soccer Grassroots Programming during their practice and their second session in the week is a game 6 v 6 format (with goalies)

• Size 4 balls used

• Teams do not travel and only play internally in Camrose.

• Field size is approx 25-30meters x 30-36 meters.

• Goal size is 5ftx8ft

• CDSA follows throw ins instead of pass ins at U9 level.

• Maximum coach to player ratio is 10:1.

• Coaches are on the field supporting and encouraging their players.All head coaches & team personel are required to be certified at minimum of “Coaching Soccer in Canada”, CPIC, and RiS/MED. “Fundamentals” certification is recommended for all coaching personnel.

• Parents are encouraged to say and cheer on their player.

U11 Programming-

• Our U11 program runs twice a week for 8 weeks and follows Canada Soccer Grassroots Programming during their practice for the first session of the week  and the second session is a game. 

• Games follow FIFA rules and league guidelines. Preferred format of 7v7 or 8v8. ASA Certified referees are utilized for games.

• CDSA follows throw ins and not pass ins at U11 level.

• Field size is 30x40 meters. 6x16 ft goals.

• Maximum coach to player ratio is 12:1.

• Size 4 balls used

• Teams do not travel and only play internally in Camrose ( unless tournament team is created.)

• Coaches are on the field supporting and encouraging their players.All head coaches & program facilitators are required to be certified at minimum of “Coaching Soccer in Canada”, CPIC, and RiS/MED.   “Learn to Train” certification is recommended for all coaching personnel.

• Parents are encouraged to say and cheer on their player.

U13- U19 Programming

• These programs participate in CASA’s travel league. Teams will play games in neighbouring communities.

• Games follow FIFA rules and league guidelines. 11v11. ASA Certified referees are used for games.

• All head coaches & program facilitators are required to be certified at minimum of “Coaching Soccer in Canada”, CPIC, and RiS/MED. Any volunteer that is assisting with teams and has direct involvement with children is required to provide CPIC and RiS/MED.  “Soccer for Life” certification is recommended for all coaching personnel.

• Field size and goal size follow FIFA requirements.

• Size 5 ball used.

• Maximum coach to player ratio 16:1

Resources to Understand LTPD & Grassroots Standards

Canada Soccer Long Term Player Development 

Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards