Youth Club (U9-U19)
Our players enter our Youth Club as they grow and graduate from Grassroots. At this stage, we continue to ensure everyone is having fun, but we begin to apply a more formalized process to player development. We introduce our Girls’ and Boys’ Academies and begin our PATHWAY TO PRO for motivated players, but we still ensure a place for all abilities.
Skills Development Phases:
- Pricing is dependent on the program(s) you choose based on your player’s age, development stage and soccer goals.
- Please refer to our Program Guide here.
- Indoor season starts October 5 2026.
- All sessions take place at the Foothills Skills Centre, 3916 56 Ave SE.
- With two indoor training centres available, Foothills is well positioned to support consistent player development and adapt when weather affects outdoor field access.
- For all dates and times, please view our Program Guide.
- Click here to review the Program Guide.
- Click here to register.
- Foothills is a Club for Everyone. Please read our Program Guide to learn about all the programs we offer for all ages, development stages and soccer ambitions.
- If you haven’t done so previously, you will need to set up your membership in PowerUp.
- IMPORTANT: When registering, be sure to set up your Parent Profile first, then “add a family member” and add each child. All programs available for registration will show automatically for each child. A player cannot be entered into the system more than once. If you encounter an error or require assistance, please contact admin@gofoothills.ca.
- Watch our “How to Register” video here.
A Team Around Every Player
Player development at Foothills is supported by colleagues with different but complementary responsibilities.
- Team coaches guide the complete team experience, including training, matches, communication and ongoing player development.
- Academy and skills trainers provide focused technical development through supplemental programs and specialized sessions.
- Phase leads help coaches implement the Foothills curriculum consistently and provide guidance, observation and mentorship.
- Performance specialists contribute expertise in areas such as video analysis, sport science, physical preparation and individual development.
Not every player will work directly with every specialist. Available support will depend on the player’s age, team and program.
Coaches Who Grow with Our Players
As players move through the Foothills pathway, their needs change. The way we coach them changes, too.
Foothills organizes player and coach development around three Youth Club phases: Foundation, Development, and Generation. At each stage, coaches receive phase-specific curriculum, education, mentorship and practical resources that help them deliver the right balance of technical development, tactical learning, competition and personal growth.
Our coaches work within a connected club structure rather than in isolation. Phase leads, technical colleagues, academy trainers and performance staff collaborate to create greater consistency across teams while recognizing the individual needs and ambitions of every player.
Whether a player’s goal is recreational participation, competitive club soccer, post-secondary play or the professional pathway, our coaches help them understand what comes next and how to keep progressing.
Developing the People Who Develop Our Players
Foothills invests in ongoing coach development through:
- Phase-specific curriculum and session frameworks
- Formal coach education and licensing support
- Mentorship from experienced technical and phase leaders
- Session observation, discussion and feedback
- Access to Coaches’ Voice and other learning resources
- Collaboration with academy and performance colleagues
- Opportunities for coaches to take on new teams, phases and leadership roles
Youth Club Phases:
FAQ:
What ages are included in the Foothills Youth Club? The Foothills Youth Club serves players from U9 through U19. Programming is organized into three development phases:
Each phase provides age-appropriate coaching, competition and development opportunities aligned with the changing needs of players.
Does Foothills offer programs for different abilities and ambitions? Yes. Foothills provides a place for players with different levels of experience, ability and ambition. Programs are available for players who want to enjoy soccer with peers, continue developing in a competitive environment or pursue advanced opportunities such as APDL, post-secondary or professional. Players are evaluated so they can be placed in an environment suited to their current stage of development.
Does my child need to complete an evaluation? Most new and returning Youth Club players participate in the club’s evaluation and assessment process before team placement. Evaluations help Foothills understand each player’s current abilities and identify an appropriate team and program. Evaluation requirements and schedules may vary by age group and season. Please review the current evaluation information before registering.
How does Foothills determine team placement? Team placement considers several factors, including technical ability, decision-making, game understanding, physical development, positional needs and the overall composition of each team. Because young players develop at different rates, placement is best understood as a reflection of what the club believes is appropriate at that time, not as a permanent judgment of a player’s potential.
Can a player move between levels or teams? Yes. Foothills continually monitors player development, and opportunities to train or play at another level may arise when they support the player’s needs and the requirements of the teams involved. Movement is based on readiness, performance, development priorities and available opportunities. It is not determined by age or match results alone.
How does coaching change across the Youth Club phases? Coaching evolves as players mature. Foundation Phase coaches emphasize brilliant basics, creativity, coordination and confidence. Development Phase coaches introduce greater tactical detail, positional learning and individual feedback. Generation Phase coaches create more demanding performance environments while helping players prepare for post-secondary, professional or lifelong participation in soccer.
How are Foothills coaches supported? Foothills coaches receive phase-specific curriculum, practical resources, education and guidance from experienced phase and technical leaders. Depending on their role, support may also include mentorship, session observation, feedback and collaboration with academy and performance colleagues. This connected approach helps create greater consistency as players progress through the club.
Do all Youth Club players receive video analysis and performance support? Available performance services depend on the player’s age, team and selected program. Some players may receive support through video analysis, sport science, physical testing, Individual Development Plans or other performance initiatives. Families should consult the current Youth Club Program Guide to confirm what is included with each program.
How often do Youth Club teams train and play? Training and match commitments vary by age group, team level, season and selected program. More competitive programs generally require a greater weekly and seasonal commitment. The current Youth Club Program Guide provides program-specific information about training frequency, season dates and expected commitments.
Where do Youth Club teams train? Training locations depend on the season, age group and program. Foothills uses its indoor training facilities and outdoor fields to support year-round player development. Families should consult the current Program Guide and team schedule for exact locations, dates and times.
How much does Youth Club soccer cost? Fees vary according to the player’s age, team, development phase and selected program. Some optional academies, camps, tournaments or travel opportunities may involve additional costs. Please review the current Youth Club Program Guide for program-specific pricing and information about what each fee includes.
Can my child join Foothills if they have not played for the club before? Yes. New players are welcome to participate in the appropriate evaluation or assessment process. Previous membership in Foothills is not required.
What opportunities are available for players who want to pursue advanced soccer? Foothills provides a connected pathway that can include advanced Youth Club teams, academies, the Alberta Player Development League, League1 Alberta and support for post-secondary or professional opportunities. The appropriate pathway is different for every player. Coaches help players understand their development priorities and the opportunities that may be available as they progress.
Can my child play at Foothills without pursuing an elite pathway? Yes. Foothills supports players with a wide range of soccer goals. A player does not need to be pursuing post-secondary or professional soccer to belong in the Youth Club.
How do I choose the right Youth Club program? Begin by reviewing the current Youth Club Program Guide and the Foundation, Development or Generation page corresponding to your child’s age. The evaluation process will help determine an appropriate team placement. If you are uncertain about registration, program requirements or your child’s situation, contact Foothills at admin@gofoothills.ca before registering.
How do I register for the Foothills Youth Club? Registration is completed through the Foothills online registration system. Create or sign in to the parent account, add your child as a family member and select the program available for their age group. Review the current Program Guide and evaluation schedule before completing registration. Contact admin@gofoothills.ca if you require assistance.
