Grassroots Soccer Programs (U4 to U8)
At Foothills, we encourage our young players to have fun, be creative, and grow a “love for the ball.” We do this by applying coaching tactics and strategies that place fundamental movements and skill development at the forefront of practices, sessions, and games.
Our focus is to ensure that every player experiences soccer in a fun learning environment that cultivates friendships. We focus on the “skill-hungry years” from three to nine and build on the key motor skills that will provide a solid foundation for their ABCs (agility, balance, and coordination).
At the same time, we develop our volunteer coaches into innovative leaders equipped with the skills to engage our players through passion and flexibility. We share, celebrate, and support our Grassroots coaches by promoting boundless enthusiasm, which will support the growth of our players.
- Indoor Season runs mid October to late February with a break from December 15 to January 2.
- All sessions take place at the Foothills Skills Centre, 3916 56 Ave SE.
- For specific dates and times, please view our Program Guide.
- Click here to review our Program Guide and pick the session(s) that are right for your child based on their age and developmental stage.
- 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 setup your Parent Profile first, then register each child. This is the part that can create challenges so please be aware.
- Watch our “How to Register” video here.
Little Dribbler Soccer Program for U4
CLICK HERE AND VIEW PAGE 4 FOR COMPLETE LITTLE DRIBBLER PROGRAM DETAILS INCLUDING DATES AND TIMES.
Our LITTLE DRIBBLERS soccer program provides an introduction to soccer. We get the children moving and keep them active. Our players are provided with physical literacy activities followed by small-sided soccer games.
The physical curriculum involves developing skills such as running, jumping, twisting, throwing, and catching.
The technical curriculum does not focus on teaching the techniques of soccer. Instead, we let the children enjoy the game and become friends with the ball.
Active Start Soccer Programs for U5 / U6
Our U5 and U6 ACTIVE START programs focus on the physical literacy stage of our players’ development, creating games and challenges that will encourage movements with and without the ball, such as running, jumping, throwing, hopping, balancing, and kicking.
We teach basic soccer skills combined with movements that will help our players develop key physical movement skills. Our trainers are qualified and follow the CSA guidelines for coaching Active Start sessions. Our trained staff work to build our players’ social skills by creating games that involve teamwork through set challenges.s
Fundamentals Program for U8
CLICK HERE AND VIEW PAGE 7 FOR COMPLETE FUNDAMENTAL PROGRAM DETAILS INCLUDING DATES AND TIMES.
Our FUNDAMENTALS program marks the second stage of our young players’ soccer experience. While we start to apply more skills development now, we also continue to support those players who are just trying soccer for the first time.
In recognition of this mix, we continue working on physical literacy, building into individual techniques with a ball. We create learning environments that are stimulating and engaging for players.
Developmental Program for U7
Our DEVELOPMENTAL program is designed for enthusiastic young players who wish to play in a competitive environment. Our trained parent coaches will continue to work on the players’ development by creating competitive soccer sessions and games.
The curriculum will focus on spatial awareness, ball mastery and combinations, teamwork and social skills, individual skills, 2v1’s and 1v1’s, and passing/shooting techniques.
Skills Centre Program for U8
CLICK HERE AND VIEW PAGE 9 FOR COMPLETE SKILLS CENTRE PROGRAM DETAILS INCLUDING DATES AND TIMES.
The SKILLS CENTRE program recognizes those players who have a desire for more time on the ball in their prime skills acquisition years.
Here, they receive more face time with our technical staff to focus on skill development. While creating technically proficient players, we also continue to have fun and foster a love for soccer.
Grassroots and Youth Club Phases:
Partnered with the Community
Foothills is an active part of the following communities and offers a variety of activities within them:
- Auburn Bay
- Canyon Meadows
- Copperfield / Mahogany
- Cranston
- Deer Ridge
- Deer Run
- Evergreen
- Lake Chaparral
- Langdon
- Legacy
- New Brighton
- Queensland
- Walden
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 the video from one of our past events!
Resources For Our Coaches
Our Coach Development and Mentorship Program
Foothills provides FREE coach education for all U4-U18 assistant and head coaches. We offer education in line with the current 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.
Coach Resources
Click the link below to access “Club Coaches Only” information.
