Development Phase
As players move from the Foundation Phase (U9–U12) into the Development Phase (U13–U15), the focus begins to shift toward applying what’s been learned in more demanding and outcome-driven environments. The game gets faster, more physical, and tactically demanding.
Here, the emphasis begins to include outcomes; not just individual outcomes like finishing chances or defending effectively, but team-based results such as executing game plans, managing moments, and understanding roles within a system. Training still nurtures technical quality, but now asks players to apply their skills with purpose under pressure, in game-real scenarios, and often with measurable targets.
Players start to experience a more competitive rhythm:
- position-specific learning,
- tactical awareness,
- performance benchmarks, and
- an introduction to accountability through results.
They’re still developing, but with clearer expectations, stronger coaching feedback, and a growing understanding that the game is both art and strategy.
This transition from brilliant basics to purposeful outcomes is intentional. It reflects the natural progression of the game and ensures our players are not only equipped with strong fundamentals but also prepared to compete, problem-solve, and lead as they approach the Performance and Pro-Am levels.
At Foothills, we don’t rush development, we respect the journey. Every phase has its place, and every player moves forward with a foundation they can trust, and a future they can aspire toward. In the Development Phase, we uphold the belief that every player is unique and possesses untapped potential.
- 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.
- Team practices and academy program sessions are held at Foothills Skills Centre.
- 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.
Foothills and the Alberta Player Development League (APDL)
Since joining the APDL in 2021, Foothills has redefined what success looks like in Alberta. With a long-standing culture of development and high performance, our boys and girls APDL teams have won multiple league titles, provincial championships, and earned national recognition for their style of play, competitiveness, and resilience, excelling not only in Tier 1 but also standing out as the most successful Tier 2/3 club. Our success underscores our commitment to fostering excellence across all ages and skill levels. Whether in Tier 1 or the equally important Tier 2/3, our dedication to player development and success remains consistent, creating a comprehensive and inclusive pathway for soccer enthusiasts at every level.
Phase Highlights and Key Principles
Advanced Skill Development:
- Building on the foundation laid in earlier stages, our program focuses on refining and advancing individual technical skills.
- Position-specific training to enhance players’ proficiency in their chosen roles on the field.
Tactical Awareness:
- Introduce and reinforce advanced tactical concepts such as team formations, transitional play, and situational awareness.
- Small-sided games and drills that encourage players to apply tactical knowledge in dynamic scenarios.
Leadership and Communication:
- Cultivate leadership qualities and effective communication skills on and off the field.
- Empower players to take on roles as mentors and leaders within the team environment.
Competitive Environment:
- Exposure to a more competitive playing environment that challenges players to elevate their performance.
- Participation in local and regional competitions to test skills and foster a sense of healthy competition.
Coaching the Confident Player
During the Development Phase, players begin to connect their technical ability with a deeper understanding of the game. They encounter more complex decisions, clearer positional responsibilities and increased competitive expectations.
Foothills coaches help players meet those challenges while recognizing that physical, emotional and technical development does not happen at the same pace for everyone.
Development Phase coaching focuses on:
- Applying technical skills under greater pressure
- Developing position-specific understanding
- Recognizing space, movement and tactical cues
- Improving decision-making in realistic game situations
- Giving constructive, age-appropriate feedback
- Building confidence, resilience and personal responsibility
- Helping players understand their individual development priorities
- Balancing competition with long-term development
Coaches receive curriculum, mentorship and support from phase and performance colleagues to help them evaluate progress in context—not simply through match results or a player’s current physical development.
Helping Players Understand Their Development
As players mature, they need more than general encouragement. They benefit from clear, specific feedback that helps them recognize what they are doing well and what they can work toward next. Foothills coaches are supported to make feedback:
- Individual and development-focused
- Appropriate to the player’s age and experience
- Connected to training and match situations
- Clear enough for the player to act upon
- Constructive, respectful and confidence-building
Where applicable, video, performance information and Individual Development Plans can help coaches and players make those conversations more meaningful.
Trades Program
The Tier 1 – 3 Development Phase curriculum includes enrollment in our Trades Program.
The Program comprises six, two-hour sessions that integrate technical, fitness, and performance aspects to holistically develop young athletes.
Technical: Concentrates on refining players’ skills in critical areas, encompassing 1v1 and 2v2 attacking. Sessions are built around position-specific traits stemming from KPI traits our U13+ teams explore in video analysis. Whether a striker, defender, mid, or goalie, sessions will incorporate individual traits for player success.
Performance: Our Performance department is dedicated to sculpting well-rounded athletes. This season, we’ve expanded the program to include sessions on essential facets such as nutrition, recovery, and mental skills. Additionally, the Performance team facilitates physical testing, encompassing speed assessments, change of direction evaluations, and strength training.
Physical Fitness: Players complete a battery of tests designed to give a complete picture of an athlete’s fitness level and competence. Tests include:
- 30m Sprint. Evaluates an athlete’s top speed.
- Broad Jump. Measures lower body power and strength.
- 5-10-5 Pro Agility Tet. Assesses a player’s agility and ability to change direction at maximum speed.
- Yoyo Intermittent Recovery Test. A football/soccer-specific assessment that quantifies a player’s aerobic endurance.
Close to the end of the season, our Performance Department team compiles the data and shares age-specific reports with the Academy. This allows the players to compare their individual score to the general age group.
Player Pathway
As players progress through the Development Phase, they gain the tools and experience needed to transition seamlessly to higher levels of competition. The focus on technical mastery, tactical understanding, and personal growth prepares them for success in the upcoming stages of their soccer journey.
Development Phase FAQs
What ages are included in the Development Phase? The Development Phase is for U13–U15 players. At this stage, players build upon their technical foundation while developing greater tactical awareness, positional understanding, confidence, and personal responsibility. Foothills describes this phase as Building the Confident Player.
What is the focus of the Development Phase? The Development Phase helps players apply their technical skills in increasingly realistic and competitive situations. Training places greater emphasis on decision-making, game understanding, positional responsibilities and performing skills under pressure. Players are also encouraged to take more ownership of their preparation, learning and development.
Does my child need to complete an evaluation? Most Development Phase players participate in the club’s evaluation and assessment process before team placement. Evaluations help Foothills understand each player’s technical ability, decision-making, tactical awareness, physical development and readiness for different levels of competition. Requirements and schedules may vary by age group and season.
How are players placed on Development Phase teams? Team placement considers technical ability, game understanding, decision-making, positional needs, physical development, attitude and the overall composition of each team. Players develop at different rates, particularly during U13–U15. Placement reflects the environment Foothills believes is most appropriate at that time; it is not a permanent judgment of a player’s ability or future potential.
How does Foothills support players who develop at different rates? Physical, emotional and technical development can vary significantly during adolescence. Foothills coaches consider the complete player rather than evaluating potential based only on current size, speed or strength. Players are supported through age-appropriate coaching, constructive feedback and opportunities suited to their readiness and development needs.
How do Development Phase coaches support players?Development Phase coaches introduce greater tactical detail, position-specific learning and constructive individual feedback. They help players understand not only how to perform a skill, but when and why to use it in a game. Coaches are supported through phase-specific curriculum, education, mentorship and collaboration with technical and performance colleagues.
Will my child receive individual feedback? Coaches provide feedback to help players understand their strengths and identify areas for continued growth. Feedback may be delivered during training, after matches or through more structured development conversations, depending on the team and program. Where applicable, video analysis, performance information and Individual Development Plans may support these conversations.
Are players assigned permanent positions during the Development Phase? Players begin developing greater position-specific understanding during this phase, but positional decisions should continue to support long-term development. A player may train or compete in more than one position depending on their abilities, development needs and the requirements of the team. Coaches help players understand the technical, tactical and physical demands of different roles.
Is winning the main priority in the Development Phase? Players are expected to compete, prepare well and learn how to pursue team objectives. However, match results are not the only measure of success. Technical improvement, decision-making, tactical understanding, resilience, teamwork and the ability to perform consistently under pressure are also important indicators of development.
Can players move between teams or levels? Opportunities to train or play at another level may arise when they support the player’s development and the needs of the teams involved. Movement decisions consider readiness, performance, confidence, development priorities, positional needs and available opportunities. They are not based on one match or evaluation alone.
Do all Development Phase players receive video analysis and performance support? Available services depend on the player’s age, team and selected program. Some players may receive support through video analysis, physical testing, sport science, Individual Development Plans or other performance initiatives. Families should consult the current Youth Club Program Guide to confirm what is included in each program.
How often do Development Phase teams train and play? The commitment varies according to the player’s age, team, competition level and selected program. It may include multiple weekly training sessions, league matches, tournaments and academy or performance activities. More competitive programs generally involve a greater time and travel commitment. Consult the current Youth Club Program Guide for program-specific details.
How can parents support a Development Phase player? Parents can help by encouraging preparation, resilience, responsibility and continued enjoyment rather than focusing primarily on team placement, playing time or match results. Give players room to communicate directly with their coaches when appropriate and take increasing ownership of their development. After games, supportive questions about effort, decisions and learning are often more helpful than immediate performance analysis.
How do I register for the Development Phase? Review the current Youth Club Program Guide and evaluation schedule before registering through the Foothills online registration system. Create or sign in to the parent account, add your child as a family member and select the available program. Contact admin@gofoothills.ca if you need help identifying the appropriate registration option.
