Grassroots (U4 to U8)
Learn the FUNdamentals. Love the Game.
Foothills Grassroots introduces young players to the FUNdamentals of soccer in a positive, age-appropriate environment. Through active play, teamwork, and encouragement, children build movement skills, confidence, friendships, and a lasting love for the game. It’s where kids discover the joy of soccer and the special feeling of being part of a team.
At this age, soccer should be full of laughter, activity, social interaction, and encouragement.
Our programs help young players develop the FUNdamentals: running, jumping, balance, coordination, ball control, listening, teamwork, and confidence. Through games, activities, small-sided play, and positive coaching, children learn the basics of soccer while building a love of movement and play.
This keeps the current “skill-hungry years” and agility/balance/coordination message, but makes it easier for parents to understand quickly.
For U4–U8 players, the goal is simple: have fun, stay active, learn the game, and enjoy being part of a team.
- Outdoor Seasons runs between May to June 2026.
- All sessions take place at South Calgary Community Fields.
- 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.
Why Team Play Matters
Some programs introduce children to soccer. Foothills gives them the chance to experience soccer as part of a team.
For young players, being on a team helps create routine, confidence, friendships, and belonging. They see familiar coaches, play with familiar teammates, celebrate small wins, and learn how to encourage others.
The FUNdamentals help children learn the game. The team experience helps them love coming back.
Confidence
Repeated touches, positive coaching, and small wins help children feel proud of their progress.
Friendship & Teamwork
Players learn to share space, pass, listen, encourage, and celebrate together.
Belonging
A familiar coach. Familiar teammates. A jersey to wear. A team to be part of.
A Fun, Age-Appropriate Start to Soccer
Choosing soccer at age 5 or 6 is not the same as early specialization. At Foothills, Grassroots soccer is fun-first, age-appropriate, and designed for children who are learning how to move, play, listen, try, and grow.
Many children enjoy trying different activities, and that is healthy. But if your child lights up when they see a soccer ball, that spark is worth encouraging.
Grassroots gives them a positive space to explore soccer, make friends, build confidence, and stay active while still leaving room for other interests, free play, family balance, and summer plans.
Our Outdoor Grassroots season runs in May and June, which gives young players a fun, team-based soccer experience without taking over the entire summer. Families still have room for vacations, camping, family time, other sports, and activities once the regular season wraps up.
For families who want more soccer, Foothills also offers summer camp options that can be added based on your child’s interest and your family’s schedule.
Why Families Choose Foothills
Fun comes first. Young players learn through play, movement, games, and encouragement.
A real team experience. Players build friendships, learn teamwork, and feel part of something.
Coaches who care. Foothills supports volunteer coaches with education, mentorship, and development.
A season that fits family life. The May–June Outdoor season gives children a meaningful soccer experience while still leaving summer open for vacations, family time, other sports, camps, and activities.
A club pathway when they are ready. Grassroots is the first step in the Foothills journey, with future opportunities for players who want to keep growing.
What Your Child Will Experience
- Fun games and activities
- Lots of touches on the ball
- Balance, coordination, agility, and movement skills
- Small-sided play
- Positive coaching
- Teamwork and friendship
- End-of-season Minifests and club events
Find the Right Program for Your Child
Not sure where to start?
We can help you choose the right program based on your child’s age, experience, and comfort level.
Ready to Join Grassroots?
Fees: Starting at $175, depending on age and program.Season: Outdoor season runs May to June; Indoor generally runs from October/November to March, depending on age group and program details.
Location: Outdoor: South Calgary Community Fields. Indoor: Foothills Skills Centre; Macron Performance Centre.
Included: Jersey, shorts, socks, medal, and lifelong friendships and memories.
Next step: Review the Program Guide, then register through PowerUp.
Want more soccer? Families can supplement the season with Foothills summer camps that align with their child’s interests and family schedule.
Need help registering?
Before registering your child, set up your Parent Profile in Powerup. Watch our registration video or contact us if you need help.
Soccer Starts Close to Home
Foothills Grassroots is built around community. For many young players, their first soccer experience is not just about learning the game; it’s about playing close to home, seeing familiar faces, making new friends, and feeling part of something in their own neighborhood.
Through our Grassroots programs and community partnerships, Foothills helps children across Calgary and surrounding areas learn the FUNdamentals, build confidence, and experience the joy of being part of a team.
Foothills is proud to support young players and families in communities including:
Auburn Bay
Canyon Meadows
Chaparral
Copperfield
Cranston
Deer Ridge
Deer Run
Evergreen
Langdon
Legacy
Mahogany
McKenzie Towne
New Brighton
Queensland
Walden
From first kicks to first teammates, Grassroots soccer gives children a place to play, grow, and belong, close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grassroots competitive?
No. At this age, the focus is fun, movement, confidence, teamwork, and learning the game in a positive environment.
What if my child has never players soccer before?
That is exactly what Grassroots is for. Players are welcomed into an age-appropriate environment where they can learn at their on pace.
How is this different from a soccer class?
Foothills Grassroots gives children a team experience. They learn soccer skills, but they also build friendships, see familiar coaches and teammates, and experience the rhythm of a season.
What if my child plays other sports too?
That is great. Grassroots soccer can be a part of a healthy, balanced childhood. Choosing soccer for a season does not mean choosing pressure or early specialization.
Why does being part of a team matter?
Team play helps children build confidence, communication, cooperation, friendships, and a sense of belonging.
