Within the Canada Soccer Ecosystem, Grassroots is defined as all programming up to Under 13. This includes the first three stages of Long-term Player Development; Active Start, Fundamentals, and Learn to Train. At these ages, participants compete in small-sided games, with fewer than 11 players per team using modified rules as outlined in the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards. The focus of these programs is on building a love of soccer, sport, and physical activity, skill development, and fostering a sense of belonging within a positive learning environment.
The Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards have been designed to create the best possible learning and development environment for young players in Canada. First introduced in 2020, the Grassroots Standards are based on Sport for Life’s Long-term Athlete Development (2005) and Canada Soccer’s Long-term Player Development (2008) as well as global best practice while considering the realities of Canadian soccer and will become mandatory for all member organizations (clubs, academies, districts/regions, leagues) in Canada in advance of the 2026 playing season.
To support the implementation of the Grassroots Standards and the goal of ensuring high-quality, safe, fun, and developmentally appropriate environments for all, Canada Soccer is revising its approach to grassroots soccer programming. To develop to their potential, children must have access to, and supported by, well-trained coaches. Quality training environments and coaching should not be restricted to players showing early competence but, rather, be available to any player who has the desire to train and improve. By reimagining the approach to grassroots soccer, supported by Canada Soccer Grassroots Programs delivered by clubs and academies across the country, Canada Soccer strives to have as many players as possible, for as long as possible, in the best environments possible. For more information on Canada Soccer Grassroots Programs, click here.
To support the continued development of grassroots soccer in Canada aligned to the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards and Grassroots Programs, all clubs applying for or holding a National Youth Club Licence, Member Association Youth Club Licence – Level 2, or Member Association Youth Club Licence – Level 1 must successfully complete the Grassroots Program Application and Review Process. This process is overseen by the Provincial/Territorial Member Association and includes submission of Grassroots Program documentation supported by an online presentation articulating how the Grassroots Program meets or exceeds the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards and Program requirements, a minimum of one on-site program visit, and a follow up Review Meeting and Action Plan development. For more information on Grassroots Program Visits, please click here.
Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards
Canada Soccer Grassroots Program Application and Review Process
