Grassroots Program (U4-U7)
Edmonton Drillers Youth Soccer Club is very excited to offer our Grassroots Program for
Under 4 through Under 7 aged players for the upcoming season!
Grassroots Indoor 2024/2025 (late September - early March)
Tentative start date - Saturday, September 21
Tentative end date - Monday, March 3
Outdoor Practices Until Thanksgiving Long Weekend (19 Saturday practices, 19 Monday practices total)
No long weekends
Winter break from December 16 - 30
All new players receive training shirts, shorts, socks and drawstring bag! Returning players from the previous season can receive new sizes via our Google Form submission (sent after registration)
Grassroots Contacts:
Grassroots Coordinator: Madeline Smith-Ackerl, grassrootscoordinator@edmdrillers.com
Grassroots Registration, Sarah (Admin/Registrar) administrator@edmdrillers.com
Coaches
Grassroots Coordinator creates the seasonal program plan, is the lead coach and coordinates and mentors assistant coaches
Parent coaches (Drillers Grassroots is active in recruiting / mentoring parent coaches) are essential part of assisting in the program’s success. The number of players who can be accepted into the program is contingent on amount of coaches, as we prioritize for a high quality program.
For any registration inquiries (after registration opens), please contact our Club Administrator Sarah.
The Grassroots Program is based on Canada Soccer’s Long Term Player Development Model, specifically focusing on “Active Start” and “Fundamentals” pathways!
The "Nuts and Bolts" of Drillers’ Grassroots Program
Drillers Grassroots Director leads the program, while being assisted by volunteer parent coaches, permanent assistant coaches, older Drillers players (U15 to Adult) and Drillers technical staff members.
The number of players who can be accepted into the program is contingent on the amount of coaches, as we prioritize a high quality program.
Based on the number of players registered, we will determine players to play games in EMSA league play and players who may further develop with practices without EMSA league game play.
Program Overview
A fun environment to encourage future participation
Development of basic fundamental movement skills
Maximize time with a soccer ball, learning and working on ball mastery (the ability to manipulate and control the ball with both feet using a variety of techniques relevant to the game)
Introduce basic soccer technical skills (passing, dribbling, running with the ball)
Focus on engagement through games / activities;
We believe this to be an important element of the program, tying together our club from youngest to oldest ages. This is demonstrated through our senior players getting the opportunity to give back to the club as positive mentors to our up and coming Grassroots players, while also giving them introductory coaching experiences, creating the culture that makes one proud to be a DRILLER!
Under 4 Program
For boys and girls born in 2021 and 2022
Practice sessions delivered in an station Academy / Festival format
THIS IS A PARENTED PROGRAM - parents or guardians take part in the program with the child. All players require the active participation of an adult to take part.
Season Schedule:
Saturdays | 10:05am - 10:45am @ St. FX Sports Centre
Fees: $185
You will be contacted by our Grassroots Coordinator for information on our initial parent meeting taking place before the start of the season, along with future scheduling.
Under 5/Under 6 Program
For boys and girls born in 2019 and 2020
Practice sessions delivered in an station Academy / Festival format
Parent coaches are an important component and utilized to complement Drillers Technical Staff and Assistant Coaches, as each group / station requires a parent coaches who are assisted by Drillers coaches.
Season Schedule:
Saturdays | 8:10am - 9:00am @ St. FX Sports Centre
Mondays | 6:00pm - 7:00pm @ WECA
Fees: $395
Registration Links:
GIRLS - HEREBOYS - HERE
NOTE: On the online registration form, parents who indicate they are interested & available to assist with coaching are eligible for a discount on fees pending amount of time they can commit.
You will be contacted by our Grassroots Coordinator for information on our initial parent meeting taking place before the start of the season, along with future scheduling.
Under 7 Program
For boys and girls born in 2018
The Drillers intend to start forming teams at this age group.
Teams will have a mixed training environment; whether it be involved alongside Drillers Grassroots training on Mondays & Saturdays taking part in an station / academy type training AND/OR running one team practice a week.
Season Schedule:
Saturdays | 9:05am - 9:55am @ St. FX Sports Centre
Mondays | 7:05pm - 8:05pm @ WECA
Fees: $395
Registration Links:
NOTE: On the online registration form, parents who indicate they are interested & available to assist with coaching are eligible for a discount on fees pending amount of time they can commit.
You will be contacted by our Grassroots Coordinator for information on our initial parent meeting taking place before the start of the season, along with future scheduling.