Canada Soccer releases updated Grassroots Standards
Exciting updates to Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Standards take effect
Canada Soccer is excited to announce updates to the Grassroots Standards, which guide soccer development in Canada up to Under-13. Over the past year, the Canada Soccer Development Department has collaborated with Technical Directors from Provincial and Territorial Member Associations to revise the original Grassroots Standards, first introduced as guidelines in 2020.
On December 9, 2024, at the request of the Canada Soccer Development Department and Provincial/Territorial Member Associations, the Canada Soccer Board of Directors approved the addition of the following statement into the Canada Soccer Rules and Regulations:
Clubs who operate a youth programme will be required to align to the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards by the start of the season 2026. Special Dispensation may be applied for through the Provincial/Territorial Member Association in whose jurisdiction the club operates if a club cannot meet the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards in their entirety.
“Canada Soccer engaged in a robust review of international practices and research along with extensive consultation with our Provincial and Territorial Member Associations in updating the Grassroots Standards. With a home World Cup on the horizon, the time is right to ensure a standardized approach to grassroots soccer from coast-to-coast-to-coast, designed to create the best possible learning and development environment for young players in Canada while still recognizing regional uniqueness in implementation.”
- Dave Nutt, Director of Development
In Canada, our goal is to cultivate an atmosphere conducive to as many Canadians as possible developing a passion for the ball, being skillful, with the ability to adapt and find solutions to soccer problems. The Canada Soccer Grassroots standards and associated tools and resources set a standardized national direction for grassroots soccer in Canada and ensure that all children can enjoy soccer in a safe, fun, accessible, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment.
For more information and to review the updated Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards, please click here.