[templatic_contentbox type=”normal” title=”Nor’West London”] “Every Club is critical, it is up to each Club to choose their place or role in a player’s development” [/templatic_contentbox]
Why is soccer changing?
We can do a better job of giving children the best experience possible in our sport that will ensure all players enjoy the game and develop better skills to play soccer for life.
- Increased Retention – More children enjoying themselves, developing skills playing soccer for life.
- Best Practice – The changes we are making to soccer in Ontario and in Canada are consistent with best
practice around the world in soccer playing nations. - Healthy active children – Benefits are wider reaching than just soccer, it involves Canada having a healthier nation
and Ontario families having more active children. We are fighting an increase in child obesity and the risk of an
inactive nation. The changes we are introducing will lead to children being more active during soccer practices and
games, enjoying soccer and progressing on a pathway to an active healthy lifestyle with the right environmental support.
What change can we expect
- A clear pathway for players of all aspirations in soccer.
- Exciting new age appropriate coaching courses to help ourcoaches provide the right environment for players to enjoy soccer and improve as they grow and develop.
- Sizes of fields and goals and the number of players on the field U12 and below (3v3, 5v5, 7v7 and 9v9)
- Improved competition formats for players to enjoy and develop, geared to skill development.
- The changes will be phased in over a 7-year period starting with the grassroots, where we continually review and monitor progress.
- Ongoing communication, consultation and support from OSA to help us through this change: www.ontariosoccer.net
Playing Format and Age
- 3v3 (no GK) – U6
- 5v5 with GK (4v4 without GK) – U7, U8
- 7V7 (including GK) – U9, U10
- 9v9 (including GK) – U11, U12
Benefits to the players
- Children enjoying soccer more = keep playing soccer for life
- More touches and time on the ball = improved skill development
- Players allowed to make more decisions in practice and games = players learn to problem-solve, and be responsible
- More qualified coaches that understand players’ needs at each development stage = increased enjoyment and skill development
- Clear development pathway = players
a) understand the path to try to become the next Christine Sinclair or Dwayne De Rosario
b) continue to play, stay active and simply enjoy themselves in soccer. - The game “grows” as the players grow = Appropriate sizes fields, goals and ball for children
Why kids play soccer
- To have fun
- To experience thrills
- To be with friends or make new friends
- To do something they are good at
- To feel good about themselves (Increase self-esteem)
- To feel accepted
- To improve and learn new skills
- To be part of a team
Ontario LTPD Implementation Principles
- (1) The needs of the player should be put first in all decisions.
- (2) Lowering barriers to participation, especially in the early development stages.*
- (3) Developmental needs of the player will guide decisions, especially in Talent Identification and selection and ongoing scouting
- (4) Balance – Importance of retention and pathways for all (Player, Coach, Referee & Administration).
- (5) Strong foundation in “Participation” starting from active start.
- (6) Communication, consultation and education is critical at all times.
- (7) Consistency and alignment throughout the province, cognizant of geographical challenges.
We are not alone
- This is a national initiative across all sports in Canada. Every sport has tailored the approach to the needs of their athletes and are at different stages of implementation.
