Foundation Phase
Welcome to the Foundation Phase at Foothills! The U9–U12 years are often called the Golden Age of Learning. It’s a time when kids pick up skills quickly, build confidence, and discover their love for the game. Our goal is to create an environment where players feel supported, inspired, and excited to come to the field.
We call this stage the Brilliant Basics. Practices focus on fun, creativity, and confidence through activities like ball mastery, 1v1 moves, and small-sided games. Success isn’t measured in wins or losses, but in the joy of learning, the courage to try something new, and the pride of mastering a skill.
By keeping sessions engaging and enjoyable, we help players develop healthy habits that last a lifetime. This is the foundation of not just strong soccer players, but confident, well-rounded young people.
- 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 mid-October.
- All sessions take place at the Foothills Skills Centre, 3916 56 Ave SE or the Macron Performance Centre, 111 Exploration Avenue SE.
- 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.
Foundation Phase Leads
- 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 mid-October.
- All sessions take place at the Foothills Skills Centre, 3916 56 Ave SE or the Macron Performance Centre, 111 Exploration Avenue SE.
- For all dates and times, please view our Program Guide.
- Click here to review the Program Guide.
- 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.
Phase Highlights and Key Principles
Play-Based Learning:
- Motor Skills and Coordination: Engage young players in activities designed to enhance motor skills, coordination, and fundamental soccer movements. These play-based activities provide a solid foundation for future skill development while ensuring that learning remains enjoyable.
- Creativity and Imagination: Foster creativity and imagination through age-appropriate games and exercises. By integrating playful elements, we stimulate cognitive and physical growth, making skill acquisition both fun and effective.
Introduction to Basic Skills:
- Fundamental Skills Development: Introduce core soccer skills—such as ball mastery, dribbling, passing, and shooting—through interactive and enjoyable drills. Our approach ensures that learning these basics is both engaging and memorable.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Cultivate a supportive atmosphere where players are encouraged to explore and enjoy mastering new skills. This positive reinforcement helps build a genuine love for the game and a sense of achievement.
Small-Sided Games:
- Enhanced Player Involvement: Utilize small-sided games to ensure maximum player involvement, frequent ball touches, and heightened enjoyment. These formats are ideal for developing individual skills and tactical understanding in a lively, participatory setting.
- Teamwork and Competition: Promote teamwork, cooperation, and friendly competition within a relaxed framework. This approach helps players develop social skills and an appreciation for collective effort, all while enjoying the sport.
Positive Coaching Environment:
- Encouraging Atmosphere: Our coaching staff is dedicated to fostering a positive and motivating environment. By focusing on building confidence, self-expression, and a sense of accomplishment, we ensure that every participant feels valued and inspired to excel.
Our Coaches
Our Foundation Phase coaching staff is comprised of dedicated and experienced professionals with a passion for nurturing young talent. All coaches hold relevant certifications and are committed to ongoing education to stay on top of the latest coaching methodologies and child development practices.
Player Pathway
The Foundation Phase serves as a key step in our comprehensive player pathway. As players progress through the age groups, they seamlessly transition to the next phase, building upon their foundation with advanced skills, tactical understanding, and competitive experience.
U10 Skills Program
Introduced in 2025, the Calgary Foothills U10 Skills Program focuses on the Brilliant Basics, the essential building blocks of the game. In age-appropriate, dynamic training sessions, players strengthen key technical skills while gaining the freedom to express themselves on the ball.
The program emphasizes three core areas: Confidence, Creativity, and Coordination. Each session is designed to build ball mastery, decision-making, and body control, all within a fun and supportive environment that keeps kids excited to play.
This evolving program is an important step in our long-term development vision at Foothills: helping every player build a strong technical base and the joy of exploring their full potential.
