1. Grassroots Development Program (U8-U12)
Ancaster Soccer Club
Grassroots Development Program (U8-U12)

2. Grassroots Soccer What the CHILDREN said!
When asked; “if you could, what would you change about soccer” some of the responses include:
“I would change keeping players in the same positions, because when you play different positions you can experiment”
“That if the ball goes out of play the ref has to go and get it”
“I would like to change that our parents could not yell at us”
What about soccer is your most favorite thing? Some responses were:
“scoring goals and hanging with my friends”
“having fun and to be with my friends”
“improving my moves that make me better”
“learning and getting better”
When asked what your least favorite thing about soccer is, the kids replied:
“when people brag and yell”
“when you’re on defense and you can’t score”
“when the coaches and others yell at you”
“parents telling you what to do all the time”
Other comments from the children included:
“no adult has ever asked me what I think about soccer, thanks for asking”
“The parents need to bring better snacks for after the games”
This data was collected by Ontario Soccer via a grassroots survey with over 1,000 players ,aged 8-12 years old, throughout 34 clubs in Ontario.

3. Grassroots Soccer What the PROS said!
“We cannot know at a young age which kids will make it and which kids won’t. What the science says is we are best off training as many kids as possible with the best coaches and best environment as long as we can, letting them grow and then seeing what happens”
- Karri Dawson, Director of the True Sport Foundation
“You don’t scream at your kid when they are learning how to read or write, so why do it when they are learning how to play football?”
-Sean Dyche, Burnley FC Head Coach
“People get caught up in winning; it overtakes what they are really trying to achieve. They forget that you get short-term success but long-term failure.”
-Rob Gale, Valour FC Head Coach
“All kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them.”
-Magic Johnson

4. Ancaster Soccer Club’s Grassroots Development Program
Inclusive Programming
Safe and Positive learning environment
Engaging
Player Centered Approach
Age appropriate curriculum
Empowering
Fun

5. Structure of Ancaster's Grassroots Development Program
Technical Director
Age Group Head Coach
Age Group Head Coach
Age Group Head Coach
Age Group Head Coach
Age Group Assistant Coach
Age Group Assistant Coach
Age Group Assistant Coach
Age Group Assistant Coach
Age Group Assistant Coach
Age Group Assistant Coach
Age Group Assistant Coach
Age Group Assistant Coach
This replicates what each age group and gender’s structure would ideally look like. This is dependent on the number of coaches we have within our program. We intend to have more than two age group assistant coaches. (Age Groups include: U8, U9,U10,U11,U12)

6. ASC Grassroots Development Program
A 10 month periodized program
Age appropriate curriculum designed by the club’s Technical Director
2 training sessions plus a game per week- indoor and outdoor. U8’s will play festival style games
A minimum of two outdoor festivals per year
Two (2) written player evaluations per year
A paid and certified Age Group Head Coach
Aligned with Long Term Player Development (LTPD) through Ontario Soccer

7. Player Evaluations
Each grassroots player will receive this evaluation twice a year
Each player evaluation will cover all four corners of player development
These evaluations will be created by the age group Head Coach and Assistant Coach
All evaluations will be reviewed by the Technical Director

8. Game Day Rosters Appropriate game day experiences
Game day rosters are open, and players can move to and from the target and development team, at the discretion of the Age Group Head Coach
Individuals will be placed in the best environment for their development
Individual development is our focus, not scores and standings!
“…we are best off training as many kids as possible with the best coaches and best environment as long as we can, letting them grow and then seeing what happens.” Karri Dawson, Director of the True Sport Foundation

9. Youth Player Pathway Tiny Titans (U3-U4) Super Tykes (U5-U6)
Competitive Stream
Recreational Stream
Grassroots Development Program (U8-U12)
House League Level Soccer (U8-U19)
District Level Soccer
(U13-U18)
Regional Level Soccer (U13-U18)
Ontario Provincial Development Program (U13-U18)

10. All coaches are observed and mentored throughout the year (minimum of 1 session and 1 game)
Coaches will reflect on their development through informal discussions and personal reflections
All coaches are supported throughout their coach education journey
Coach Development

11. Grassroots Development Program Costs (U8)
What’s Included:
Winter Training and Indoor league on turf
Summer training and game fields
Uniform (Home/away jersey, shorts, socks, ball & training kit)
League registration fee and insurance
Ontario Soccer Registration fee and Insurance
What’s not Included:
Any additional uniform items
Sponsorship screening
Age Group bonding events
Team Bond
Grassroots Development Program Costs (U8)
Total Club Fee= $900.00

12. Grassroots Development Program Costs (U9-U12)
What’s not Included:
Any additional uniform items
Match official fees
Andy additional festivals/memorable events
Sponsorship screening
Age Group bonding events
Team Bond
What’s Included:
Winter Training and Indoor league on turf
Summer training and game fields
Uniform (Home/away jersey, shorts, socks, ball & training kit)
League registration fee and insurance
Ontario Soccer Registration fee and Insurance
One (1) Festival Registration costs (AHDT)
Grassroots Development Program Costs (U9-U12)
Total Club Fee= $1,100.00

13. Grassroots Development Program Orientation Sessions
In ASC’s Grassroots Development Program, no child gets cut. All skill levels are welcome
Our program is aligned with Long Term Player Development (LTPD) through Ontario Soccer and Canada Soccer
Come out to our orientation sessions to get a feel for our practices and to meet our coaches on September 21st, 22nd and 28th
For more information on the orientation sessions, please click here.

14. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!
314 Wilson St E.
Ancaster, ON L9G 2B9
(905)