Interested in hosting a Canada Soccer Grassroots Soccer Fests, fill out our application form online now. As spots fill up quickly, we ask that you apply before May 1. Once you have held your Canada Soccer Grassroots Soccer Fests make sure to fill out the evaluation form as part of your hosting obligations.
Grassroots Soccer Fests
Play
Grassroots Soccer Fests
Festival Information
Canada Soccer Grassroots Soccer Fests is a youth development program targeted at children under the age of 12. The goal of the festival program is to introduce the sport of soccer to youth through a fun-filled event for both children and their parents. Games are played on downsized fields using smaller versions of balls, nets, and simplified rules, with an emphasis on fun, participation, and good sportsmanship.
The festival program is designed to engage young players at the ‘Canada Soccer’s Active Start’ level. The term Active Start Fests comes from the Canadian Soccer’s long-term player development (LTPD) model, which is the training philosophy that provides the foundation for the Canada Soccer Pathway. The Canada Soccer Pathway provides a roadmap for players of all ages and aspirations who want to play soccer at the recreation, competitive or high performance EXCEL levels, with the aim of encouraging lifelong participation. For more information on the Long-Term Player Development model and the Canada Soccer Pathway, please visit our Canada Soccer Pathway tab where you can review a number of resources, which includes age specific coaching guides. Also, be sure to check-out our Activities Overview tab for guidelines on how to organize a festival.
Where Communities Come Alive
Proudly part of Canada Soccer Grassroots Soccer Fests — bringing the beautiful game to over four million Canadians.
Canada Soccer Grassroots Soccer Fests program provides clubs with the financial, promotional, and technical resources to turn local passion into unforgettable community moments. Woodbridge Soccer Club is a shining example — now in its fifth year, their Soccer Fest welcomed over 2,000 visitors and continues to grow stronger every season. This is exactly what the program was built for: real communities, real connections, and a shared love of the beautiful game.
From coast to coast, Canada Soccer is proud to help make moments like these happen.
Applying to Host a Festival
To apply to host a festival, all member clubs that operate a youth program will be required to hold, at minimum, the Quality Soccer Provider recognition as a part of the Canada Soccer Club Licensing program. To initiate an application for recognition, clubs should contact their Provincial/Territorial Member Association. Once approved, organizers can expect to receive cash grants and promotional materials from Canada Soccer and its sponsors, to run the festival event in the local community. Many clubs hold a festival as their annual season opener or year-end tournament. Canada Soccer Grassroots Soccer Fests bring together Canada’s local and regional soccer programs in a fun, family-oriented atmosphere.
We do ask that you apply as early as possible to allow us to process your application in full. The application deadline for the 2026 season is May 1.
Application Approval and Hosting Process
Provincially affiliated soccer clubs may apply by filling out the online application form that will open in late-February.
Once your application has been received it is reviewed and your club then must be approved by your provincial Member Association prior to confirming your participation in the program.
If your application has successfully been granted you will receive a notice, via email, from Canada Soccer detailing your grant and the conditions, you will be required to sign this and email or fax it back.
In addition to this, a conference call will be arranged to review your application and the program, we will also address any questions you may have during this call.
Festival Kit
Approximately two weeks from your festival date we will ship your festival kit to you. Your festival kit includes a set of banners, which are to be returned as soon as your festival is completed, your first instalment of your grant, participation certificates as well as other items provided by our partners. In order to receive your second grant instalment, you are required to return the complete set of banners, fill out an evaluation form which can be found online and submit at least 10 photos that clearly display our partners banners.
Frequently Asked Questions
All soccer clubs that are in good standing with their provincial Member Association may apply.
You will receive an email notifying you your application has been approved.
Grants vary based on factors outlined in your application.
No, however we suggest that your grant be put towards items that add value to your festival.
A complete banner set (which must be returned), participation certificates, as well as other premiums provided by our partners
You will receive your grant in two installments. The first half will be sent to you prior your festival. The second half will be issued once the banners have been returned and a festival evaluation has been completed, including the 10 festival photos. Grants are sent through EFT.
Resources
Provincially affiliated Soccer Clubs may apply to host a Canada Soccer Grassroots Soccer Fests by filling out the online application form. To find out more details on how to host a festival, sponsor exclusivity, and festival hosting obligations make sure to review all our hosting documents before applying.
PDF Document
Festival Obligations
Read all festival obligations for hosting Canada Soccer Grassroots Soccer Fests
Download PDF
PDF Document
Festival Guide
Read all festival obligations for hosting Canada Soccer Grassroots Soccer Fests
Download PDF
PDF Document
Sponsor Exclusivity
Read all of Canada Soccer’s sponsors directly associated to Canada Soccer Grassroots Soccer Fests and the exclusivity they hold.
Download PDF
PDF Document
Festival Hosting Package
Find important information on hosting Canada Soccer Grassroots Soccer Fests in our hosting package.
Download PDF