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 2025-2026 (September - February)
Tentative start date - Saturday, September 27
Tentative end date - Saturday, February 28
No long weekends
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 2022 and 2023.
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.
Indoor Season Schedule:
Dates and Time: Saturday 10:00-10:40am
Location: St Francis Xavier Sports Centre
Fees: $185
Registration Links:
GIRLSYou will be contacted by our Grassroots Coordinator for information on our initial parent meeting taking place before the start of the seIason, along with future scheduling.
Under 5/Under 6 Program
For boys and girls born in 2020 and 2021.
Practice sessions delivered in an station Academy / Festival format
Indoor Season Schedule:
Dates and Time: Mondays 6:00-7:00pm, Saturdays 8:10-9:00am
Location: Saturdays: St Francis Xavier Sports Centre. Mondays: WECA
U5/U6s compete in 3-4 “jamboree” gamedays against other clubs during the season.
Fees: $395
Registration Links:
GIRLSNOTE: 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 2019.
Indoor Season Schedule:
Dates and Time: Mondays 7:05-8:05pm, Saturdays 9:05-9:55am
Location: Saturdays: St Francis Xavier Sports Centre. Mondays: WECA
U7s compete in 3-4 “jamboree” game days against other clubs during the season.
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.
Grassroots Program Refund Policy:
Full Refund: Cancellations made within 14 days of registration will receive a full refund.
Partial Refund (50%): Cancellations made more than 14 days after registration and at least 30 days before the season start date will receive a 50% refund.
No Refund:
If a cancellation is made less than 30 days before the season start date.
If registration occurs less than 30 days before the season start date and subsequently cancelled.
Medical Exemptions: Cancellations due to medical reasons that arise after the player has been registered in the Grassroots Program may be eligible for a refund. A letter from a licensed medical doctor must be provided. Please note that letters from chiropractors or psychologists will not be accepted.