MA Level 1

Club Licensing Program

Member Association Level 1

The Provincial/Territorial Youth Club Licence – Level 1 of the Canada Soccer Club Licensing Program builds on the characteristics and behaviours of an organization in the Canada Soccer Standards for Quality Soccer with a balance of expectations across the governance, administration, infrastructure, and technical pillars. The characteristics and behaviours of the Provincial/Territorial Youth Club Licence – Level 1 are designed to recognize high quality grassroots, community, and competitive organizations that have developed their governance and operations. Organizations achieving the Provincial/Territorial Youth Club Licence – Level 1 demonstrate their commitment to quality and to providing an enhanced participant experience.

Characteristics and Behaviours

The following outlines the characteristics and behaviours required for the Provincial/Territorial Youth Club Licence – Level 1, recognizing organizations that have advanced beyond baseline standards and demonstrated a commitment to quality, development, and an enhanced participant experience.

Governance

Has basic governance documents.
Is a registered legal entity, compliant with all relevant legislation and Canada Revenue Agency requirements.
Has basic planning documents to guide the organization.
Works in harmony, aligning values and operations, with its governing organization(s).

Administration

Is financially viable.
Has basic management and operational policies and practices.
Has an identified Administrative Lead with clearly defined responsibilities.
The Administrative Lead is committed to ongoing development and education.
Provides financial support for Administrative Lead, Technical Lead, Technical Staff (if applicable), and coaches to pursue ongoing development, training and certification.
Has sufficient and appropriate staff to deliver its programs.
Provides or facilitates financial support to players with financial barriers to participation.

Infrastructure

Has an actively maintained online presence.
Has access to facilities and equipment to provide enhanced programming.

Technical

Operates programming that is aligned to Long Term Player Development stage-appropriate best principles.
Has basic technical planning to guide its programs and services.
Has an established pathway to provide players with access to opportunities for participation in Grassroots, Community, Competitive, and Development/Performance Streams.
Has an established pathway that provides opportunities for players to continue participation in the Soccer for Life stage (senior and masters).
Has an identified and qualified Technical Lead (refer to Category Requirements for specifics) with clearly defined responsibilities.
Technical Lead is committed to ongoing development and education.
Has coaches and team personnel who are properly trained and/or certified for the groups/teams with which they work and competitions in which they participate.
Educates coaches, players, and parents about the Provincial/Territorial and National Player Pathways and Long-Term Player Development model. (RECOMMENDATION)

License Documentation

Standards for Youth Club Licence – Level 1

Level 1 licensing criteria for grassroots, community, and competitive clubs focusing on safety, governance, technical standards, and quality participant experiences.

Read Standards