Grassroots Program (U4-U7)
The 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!
Our program is designed through the principles of the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards
Grassroots Indoor (Late September - late February)
Tentative start date - Saturday, September 26
Tentative end date - Saturday, February 27
All practices prior to the Thanksgiving long weekend will be held outside at Elmwood Fields (163 St - 83 Ave)
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)
Our program runs in a 10-12 week season block, dependent on weather/reschedules, with sessions being 40 minutes for U4, and 60 minutes for U5-U7.
To view more details regarding the structure of each Grassroots program please refer to the section below for each respective age category!
Contacts
Grassroots Coordinator: Madeline grassrootscoordinator@edmdrillers.com
Grassroots Registration: Sarah administrator@edmdrillers.com
Coaches
The Grassroots Coordinator creates the seasonal program plan, and is the lead coach who coordinates and mentors assistant coaches
Our Lead Coordinator Madeline is a Canada Soccer C-Licensed coach with NCCP Certification
Our Assistant coaches have NCCP Certification or are in-progress for their various certifications
Parent coaches are an essential part of assisting in the program’s success. (Drillers Grassroots is active in recruiting/mentoring parent coaches). The number of players who can be accepted into the program is contingent on the amount of coaches, as we prioritize for a high quality program.
Based on the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards, our U4 program is a parented-adult assisted program for informal play, while our U5-U7 programs run in 4:1 to 9:1 player/adult coach ratios per station.
For any registration inquiries (after registration opens), please contact our Club Administrator Sarah.
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.
While we have “open rosters and registration”, 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 meeting proper Canada Soccer player:coach/adult ratios. This also allows us to move players around their practice and matchplay groups to ensure developmentally appropriate environments for players
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 matchday formats (“Festival Jamborees”) and gameplay stations at every session
Based on the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards, our U4 program is a parented-adult assisted program for informal play, while our U5-U7 programs run in 4:1 to 9:1 player/adult coach ratios per station.
The Grassroots Program is based on Canada Soccer’s Long Term Player Development Model, specifically focusing on “Active Start” and “FUNdamentals” pathways! We have “Open Rosters" and registration within our capacity and meet proper ratios in order to deliver quality Grassroots programming.
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 for 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 2024 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 (9240 163 Street)
Fees: $210
Registration Links:
COMING AUGUST 1You 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 2022 and 2021.
Practice sessions delivered in an station Academy / Festival format
Indoor Season Schedule:
Dates and Time: Tuesdays 6:15-7:15pm, Saturdays 8:10-9:00am
Location: St. Francis Xavier Sports Centre (9240 163 Street)
U5/U6s compete in 2-3 “jamboree” events against other clubs during the season.
Fees: $440
Registration Links:
COMING AUGUST 1NOTE: 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 2020.
Indoor Season Schedule:
Dates and Time: Tuesdays 7:15-8:15pm, Saturdays 9:05-9:55am
Location: St. Francis Xavier Sports Centre (9240 163 Street)
U7s compete in 3-4 “jamboree” game days against other clubs during the season.
Fees: $440
Registration Links:
COMING AUGUST 1
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.
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.
If a cancellation is made during the season.
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.