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 Outdoor 2025 (late April - early July)
Tentative start date - Saturday, April 27

Tentative end date - Monday, July 5

  • 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.

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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!

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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:

    • Dates and Time |  Saturday (10:00 - 10:40 am)

    • Location | Elmwood Sports Fields (163 Street - 83 Avenue)

  • Fees: $185

  • Registration Links:
    GIRLS - HERE

    BOYS - HERE

    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.

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Under 5/Under 6 Program

  • For boys and girls born in 2019 and 2020.

  • Practice sessions delivered in an station Academy / Festival format

  • Season Schedule:

    • Dates and Time | Mondays (6:00 - 7:00 pm) and Saturday (8:00 - 9:00 am)

    • Location | Elmwood Sports Fields (163 Street - 83 Avenue)

    • U5/U6s compete in 3-4 “jamboree” gamedays against other clubs during the season.

  • Fees: $395

  • Registration Links:
    GIRLS - HERE

    BOYS - 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.

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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:

    • Dates and Time | Mondays (7:00 - 8:00 pm) and Saturday (9:00 - 10:00 am)

    • Location | Elmwood Sports Fields (163 Street - 83 Avenue)

    • 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.

The U7 program marks a key stage in player development, introducing weekly gameplay opportunities against other clubs. Based on registration numbers, some players will participate in weekly league play, while others will focus on skill development through practice sessions without league games. Registered players will be contacted to discuss their potential placement in weekly league games. For those selected for league play there may be an opportunity to participate in a  weekly team practice in lieu of a grassroots session