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                Grassroots       ​


At the community level, grassroots soccer is the foundation of the game. It’s the stage where kids are first introduced to soccer in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment, usually from ages 3 to 7. The goal isn’t competition—it’s to build a love for the game while teaching basic movement, coordination, and teamwork.


Key Features of Grassroots Soccer:

  1. Age Group
    1. U4–U7 (ages 3–7)
    2. Focused entirely on fun and participation rather than competition
  2. Format
    1. Festival Format - small groups practicing different drills and sessions
    2. Each practice ends with small-sided games (3v3, 4v4, 5v5) on mini fields.
    3. No goalkeepers at the youngest ages.
    4. Equal playing time for everyone.
  3. Coaching & Volunteers
    1. Run by parent volunteers, with practice plans provided by the LSA (Canada Soccer Association’s Long Term Player Development (LTPD) and the Preferred Training Model)
    2. Coaches encourage fun, teamwork, and basic skill development.
  4. Uniforms & Gear
    1. Every child gets a Tim Hortons–branded jersey, shorts, and socks (a big highlight for kids!).
    2. They also get a ball and medal at the end of the season.
  5. Season
    1. Indoor Season - November to February
    2. Outdoor Season - May-June
    3. One practice per week

Benefits of Timbit Soccer:

  • Introduces kids to soccer in a fun, non-competitive way.

  • Builds basic skills: dribbling, kicking, passing, running, balance, teamwork.

  • Creates a positive first sports experience, helping kids fall in love with the game.

  • Involves the whole family in community activities.


In the LTPD model, this age group is referred to as “Active Start”. For more information on the LTPD, please refer to https://www.canadasoccer.com/play-landing/canada-soccer-pathway/

Alberta Soccer Association also provides the Preferred Training Method with additional information
for the various age groups: https://canadasoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/resources/Pathway/EN/CanadaSoccerPathway_CoachsToolKit_ActiveStart_EN.pdf



community - boarded


Community - Boarded Soccer (formerly Semi-Competitive), also known as indoor soccer or arena soccer, is a fast-paced version of soccer played indoors on a turf field surrounded by dasher boards, similar to a hockey rink. Each team is Gender - Based which typically has six players, and the ball can be played off the walls, keeping the game in constant motion with fewer stoppages. The enclosed field and turf surface emphasize speed, endurance, and physical play, making board soccer an exciting and high-energy variation of the outdoor game.


Games in Community Boarded are tiered 4 through 6 (sometimes lower, depending on number of teams). After each round (5 games typically), teams are re-tiered and a balance is tried to be found for the betterment of all Players. The re-tiering is at the sole discretion of EMSA & is not decided by LSA


Key Features of Boarded Soccer:

  1. Field & Surface
    -Played on indoor turf.
    -Boards keep the ball in play—similar to hockey or indoor lacrosse.

  2. Team Sizes
    -Usually 5v5, 6v6, or 7v7 (including goalkeepers).
    -Smaller rosters mean lots of touches and quick transitions.

  3. Continuous Play
    -Because the ball rarely goes out of bounds (it bounces off the boards), the game is fast-paced and nonstop.
    -Substitutions happen “on the fly,” like in hockey.

  4. Rules
    -No throw-ins—players use the boards to pass, shield, or rebound the ball.
    -Most leagues do not use offsides.
    -Kick-ins or corner kicks may be modified depending on arena size.

Benefits of Boarded Soccer:

  • Speed & Fitness: Constant action builds endurance and agility.
  • Creativity: Players can use the boards for passes, rebounds, and creative plays.
  • Development: Helps kids improve reaction time, ball control in tight spaces, and quick decision-making.
  • Fun Factor: The intensity and high scoring keep players engaged.

How It Differs from Other Indoor Formats:

  • Futsal - Played on a hard court with a smaller, low-bounce ball, no walls. Focus is on control and technique.
  • Non-Boarded Indoor Soccer - Played in gyms/turf fields with sidelines. Ball goes out of play more often, like outdoor soccer.
  • Boarded Soccer - Fastest-paced, physical, with walls keeping the game continuous.


    Want to know more about our Community - Boarded program or registration?
    Contact us at technical@leducsoccer.ca



community - futsal


What Is cOMMUNITY -  Futsal?


Futsal is a fast-paced, indoor version of soccer played on a hard court, typically with 5 players per team (including a goalkeeper). It's played with a smaller, low-bounce ball and emphasizes skill, quick decision-making, and teamwork.

This program tentatively has one practice per week & one game per week. Practice schedules are determined by the Technical Director & Board of Directors. Games schedules are determined by Edmonton Minor Soccer Association for Boarded & Battle River Soccer Association for Futsal.


Why Play Futsal?

Futsal is an excellent way for young players to:

  • Develop Technical Skills – Close control, dribbling, passing, and shooting in tight spaces

  • Improve Speed of Play – Quick transitions and fast decision-making

  • Stay Active in the Off-Season – Especially during winter months

  • Have Fun – High-scoring and exciting for players of all levels!

who can play?

Our Youth Futsal program is open to players of all ages and skill levels. It’s a great way to enjoy the game of soccer in a fun, relaxed, and low-pressure environment.

This stream is ideal for:

  • Players new to soccer or team sports

  • Players with some experience looking to keep developing their skills

  • Families looking for an activity that’s not overly competitive or time-consuming


Want to know more about our Community - Futsal program or registration?
Contact us at technical@leducsoccer.ca




Competitive- Club

This stream is split by gender into Boys & Girls teams. This stream is suited to those who have played Soccer previously and are looking to commit to it being a primary sport. Placements in this stream are subject to evaluations prior to the season start date. This is a 10 month commitment and does not require an evaluation prior to Outdoor unless determined in advance. 

This program tentatively has one game per week & two practices a week for U8-12 & one game, two practices & 1 strength & conditioning practice per week for U13-17. Practice schedules are determined by the Technical Director & Board of Directors. Game locations are to be determined. Teams play in the Edmonton Minor Soccer Association League (EMSA) Club Tiers 1 through 3.


What Is Youth Club Soccer?

Youth Club Soccer is a competitive, team-based soccer program designed for players who want to develop their skills at a higher level. Club soccer goes beyond recreational play, offering more structured training, certified coaching, and opportunities to compete against teams from other clubs or communities.


Key Features of Club Soccer:

  • Player Development Focus - Training emphasizes technical skills, tactical understanding, teamwork, and physical fitness.

  • Season Commitment - Typically includes multiple practices per week and regular league games or tournaments.

  • Qualified Coaching - Coaches often hold certifications and follow age-appropriate development guidelines. COMING SOON

  • Competitive Play - Teams are formed by skill level and age, and compete against other club teams in leagues or festivals.

  • Travel Expectations - Games may involve travel to nearby towns or cities, depending on the league or competition level.

Who Is It For?

Youth Club Soccer is ideal for players who:

  • Are passionate about soccer and want to grow in a more competitive environment

  • Are ready for a higher level of commitment (time, effort, and focus)

  • Want to be challenged and improve with the guidance of experienced coaches

Still Not Sure if Club Soccer Is Right for You?

That's okay! Club soccer isn’t the only path. Leduc Soccer also offers Community - Futsal and Community - Boarded Soccer for those who want a more relaxed or skill-building experience.


Developmental


​​​​​​​DEVELOPMENTAL includes teams in U8-U19.  These age groups can be broken down into the following three sub groups:

FUNdamentals (U9)

Learn to Train (U11)

Training to Train (U13-U19)


FUNdamentals (U9)

Allows children to develop their movement ABCs— agility, balance, coordination, and speed—and learn the basics of the game while emphasizing fun, cooperation, and maximum time on the ball.  The players are now introduced to league play with the introduction of referees as well.

Game Format:
– 7 vs 7 (outdoor and indoor)
– outdoor: 60 minutes (2 x 30 minute halves)
– indoor: 50 minutes (2 x 25 minute halves)


Learn to Train (U11)

This “golden age of learning,” when children become less self-centered and are more able to reflect on their actions and learn from mistakes, provides an optimal window for further development of skills. The focus is on learning by doing, building a larger repertoire of soccer movements and teaching the basic principles of play in a fun and challenging environment.

Game Format:
– 7 vs 7 (indoor)
– 9 vs 9 (outdoor
– outdoor: 70 minutes (2 x 35 minute halves)
– indoor: 50 minutes (2 x 25 minute halves)


Training to Train (U13-U19)

The onset of the adolescent growth spurt for most kids during this stage is an ideal time for endurance
training. Players are also introduced to concepts like mental preparation, goal setting, and coping with winning and losing while learning more advanced soccer skills, including position-specific techniques.

Game Format:
– 6 vs 6 (indoor)
– 11 vs 11 (outdoor)
– outdoor: 80 minutes (U13 and U15), 90 minutes (U17 and U19)
– indoor: 50 minutes (2 x 25 minute halves)


More detailed information regarding the Canada Soccer Long Term Player Development model can be accessed HERE