Canada Soccer, the governing body for soccer in Canada, has launched new Grassroots Standards designed to create the best possible learning and development environment for all young players in Canada. These standards are based on global best practice while taking into account the realities of Canadian soccer. The President of Canada Soccer is Charmaine Crooks, who was appointed in March 20231.
The New Grassroots Standards aim to ensure that all children are able to enjoy soccer in a safe, fun, accessible, inclusive and developmentally appropriate environment. Some of the standards include match format, minimum rest time between matches, maximum match duration, maximum match time per player per day, coaching qualifications, and memorable events.
By implementing these standards, young players will be able to enjoy soccer in a supportive environment that takes into account the uniqueness of Canada – where geography, climate and infrastructure can be vastly different from one region to the next. These standards will help ensure that young players have a positive soccer experience and are able to develop their skills.
If you’re interested in getting involved with grassroots soccer in your community, a good place to start would be to contact your local soccer club or association. They can provide you with information on how to get involved as a player, coach, or volunteer. You can also visit the Canada Soccer website for more information on grassroots soccer programs and initiatives.
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