FUN-damental Phase
Welcome to the Foothills Grassroots FUN-damental Phase, an exciting introduction to the world of soccer designed specifically for our youngest players aged U4 to U8. Our FUN-damental Phase is built on the principles of fun and creativity and designed to foster a love for the game while laying the groundwork for future soccer enthusiasts.
Foothills has more Grassroots-aged children than any other club in Calgary, boasting over 2,200 players annually. We proudly serve as a vital community soccer provider for 13 communities, where we are actively engaged to create a strong sense of community engagement and athletic development.
We believe in the power of play, imagination, and exploration as key elements in developing a lifelong love for the beautiful game. During this crucial stage, foundational skills are introduced and honed. Creating an enjoyable and engaging environment is vital. FUN is not merely a recreational aspect but a FUN-damental component that enhances the overall learning experience. By instilling a sense of joy and enthusiasm, players are more likely to embrace the learning process and develop a positive attitude towards skill development and team dynamics.
Parental Involvement:
We recognize the essential role parents play in the early stages of a child’s soccer journey. Our program encourages parental involvement, providing opportunities for families to participate in sessions, gain insights into skill development, and share the joy of watching their children learn and grow.
Creating Memories:
Foothills is not just about soccer; it’s about creating lasting memories. From the first kick to scoring their first goal, we aim to make every moment on the field a positive and memorable experience for our young players.
Phase Highlights and Key Principles
Play-Based Learning:
- Engage young players in play-based activities that promote motor skills, coordination, and basic soccer movements.
- Foster creativity and imagination through age-appropriate games and exercises.
Introduction to Basic Skills:
- Introduce fundamental soccer skills such as ball mastery, dribbling, passing, and shooting through fun and interactive drills.
- Create a supportive environment where players can discover the joy of mastering new skills.
Small-Sided Games:
- Emphasize small-sided games to maximize player involvement, touches on the ball, and overall enjoyment of the game.
- Encourage teamwork, cooperation, and friendly competition in a relaxed setting.
Positive Coaching Environment:
- Our coaching staff is passionate about creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
- Coaches focus on building confidence, self-expression, and a sense of accomplishment in every participant.
Our Technical Staff and Coaches
Our Grassroots technical staff is comprised of three full-time professionals who are dedicated and certified leaders who specialize in early childhood development. They bring enthusiasm, patience, and a deep understanding of how to engage and inspire our youngest players.
Foothills boasts an extensive team of over 420 certified coaches, the largest pool in Alberta. We prioritize excellence by heavily investing in coach certification, covering expenses for top-tier coach education and training. Our coaches follow a carefully crafted technical curriculum, ensuring a systematic approach to player development.
Foothills provides FREE coach education for all U4-U18 assistant and head coaches that aligns to the Canada Soccer Association Community Stream:
- Active Start (U4-U6 Coaches) – Provides a basic understanding of physical literacy.
- Fundamentals (U6-U8 Coaches) – Develops the basic understanding of physical literacy following the Canada Soccer Long-term Player Development model.
We provide continuous ongoing mentorship and education to all our coaches throughout their time at Foothills.
Focus On Fun
Most teams arrange fun events throughout the season for their players. The Club provides opportunities as well. Arguably, our most popular are our end of season Minifests.
Check out these photos and videos from past events!
