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.
Grassroots Soccer
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What is Grassroots Soccer in Canada?
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 Grassroots Philosophy
Building Love of the Game
Building a love of soccer, sport, and physical activity
Skill Development
Developing fundamental soccer skills and technical abilities
Fostering Belonging
Fostering a sense of belonging within a positive learning environment
Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards
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.
Canada Soccer Grassroots Programs
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 be 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.
Our Grassroots Vision
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.
Program Visits
Documentation Submission
Complete Grassroots Program documentation through your Provincial/Territorial Member Association
Online Presentation
Present how your program meets or exceeds the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards and Program requirements
On-Site Visit
Receive a minimum of one on-site program visit
Action Plan
Participate in a follow-up Review Meeting and Action Plan development
Questions About Grassroots Programming?
For more information on Grassroots Program Visits and the Application and Review Process, please refer to the Resources section above or contact your Provincial/Territorial Member Association.
Find your Provincial Association
PDF Document
The "Big Tent" Sideline Code of Conduct
This Canada Soccer code of conduct outlines sideline expectations for parents. It promotes a "Big Tent" approach, focusing on fluid rosters, inclusive language, holistic growth, and trust in coaches to foster a supportive environment.
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PDF Document
Fostering a Sense of Club Culture and Identity
This guide outlines strategies for clubs to transition from a small-team model to a "Big Tent" culture. It provides structural rituals, sideline tips for parents, and milestone events to build a unified club identity.
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Powerpoint Presentation
Grassroots Program Application
This Canada Soccer Grassroots Program Review template is an application for clubs to detail their U6–U13 programming. It covers registration, logistics, staffing, and development philosophy. Clubs must provide session plans and curricula to align with national standards.
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PDF Document
Canada Soccer Grassroots Program Application and Review Process
This document details the Grassroots Audit process, which is integrated into Canada Soccer’s Club Licensing Program. It outlines the mandatory five-step procedure—from documentation and online presentations to on-site visits—required for clubs to maintain national licensing credentials.
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PDF Document
Canada Soccer Grassroots Program Principles
This document outlines Canada Soccer's grassroots principles, focusing on high ball contact and game-realistic training. It prioritizes fun, accessibility for all players, and meaningful feedback to foster a growth mindset and build strong coach-parent partnerships.
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PDF Document
Upholding Children's Rights in Soccer
This document outlines a rights-based approach to grassroots soccer, centering on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It details how to embed the rights to well-being, voice, protection, and play into training and club environments to empower young players.
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PDF Document
The Cost of Winning
A coach-focused guide reframing winning in grassroots soccer — emphasizing that results alone don't measure development, coaches must model healthy emotional responses, and "small victories" in behaviour and skill matter most.
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PDF Document
Examples of Games within Training Sessions
A guide showcasing seven creative small-sided game formats for grassroots sessions — including overload games, futsal, player-led festivals, and multi-goal games — designed to build technique, decision-making, resilience, and teamwork in young players.
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PDF Document
Small-Sided Games Guide
This resource is designed to support coaches in delivering a more play-centered, small-sided game approach — regardless of the age, level, or ability of the players in your training environment.
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PDF Document
How to set up a Canada Soccer Grassroots Program
A practical one-page checklist for clubs setting up a Canada Soccer Grassroots Program, covering U9–U13 programming, interest-based registration, fluid player pools, equal coaching access, and open rosters for meaningful competition.
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PDF Document
Canada Soccer Grassroots Program Guide
Canada Soccer's Grassroots Program Guide outlines a reimagined approach to youth soccer (U9–U13) focused on inclusion, player development, and open access — replacing ability-based tryouts with interest-driven registration and fluid player pools.
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PDF Document
Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards
The Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards have been designed to create the best possible learning and development environment for young players in Canada.
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