Starting for Indoor 2025-26, the Under-12 & 13 age groups will adopt the 9v9 format in accordance with Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Standards. To assist Clubs with field setup, the following information provides a how to adapt existing 11v11 fields for both U12 and U13 age groups. Recognizing the varying constraints across Ontario relative to field inventory, the document attached serves as recommend best practice.

Also included is a Field Orientation Guide that covers all formats in Canada Soccer's Grassroots Standards. 

Below is the link to request two pre-made letters:

1. A letter from Ontario Soccer to your municipality, advocating for support in providing access to and preparing grassroots soccer fields. 
2. A co-branded letter for clubs to send to municipalities, advocating for support in providing access to and preparing grassroots soccer fields.

These letters are designed to help municipalities understand the importance of supporting grassroots soccer and ensuring field access and preparation meet Canada Soccer's Grassroots Standards.

To support the implementation of the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards, a series of concise, topic-specific one-pagers have been developed. These resources are designed to help clubs, coaches, and program administrators understand and apply key standards that enhance the grassroots soccer experience for players aged U4–U13.

Each one-pager focuses on a specific area of program delivery, including match formats, coaching requirements, competition structure, scheduling, and player development principles. They provide:

• Clear explanations of standards and expectations
• Practical implementation tips for clubs and coaches
• Developmental rationale aligned with Long-Term Player Development (LTPD)

These one-pagers can be used for:

• Staff and coach onboarding
• Parent education and communication
• Program planning and evaluation

By using these resources, clubs can ensure their grassroots programs are safe, fun, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate, creating the best possible environment for young players to learn, grow, and love the game.

LTPD is a model of athlete development and a crucial framework for Ontario Soccer and Canada Soccer, designed to nurture and enhance the growth of soccer players from a young age through to adulthood. It entails a player-centered pathway that aligns with developmental stages and focuses on the holistic development of players.

For Ontario Soccer, LTPD caters to players' developmental needs at various ages, promoting not just technical skills but also physical, psychological, and social growth. The model advocates for age-appropriate training and competition, ensuring that young players are engaged and motivated while developing a strong foundation in soccer fundamentals. By prioritizing enjoyment and skill development over early specialization, Ontario Soccer aims to create a positive environment where players can thrive and a lifelong passion for the game can be fostered.

Player Development and Grassroots Resources

The Player Development Department travels across the Province to deliver workshops and training for Clubs and Districts on making soccer age-appropriate and FUN for players U4-U12.

In 2014, the group engaged in an ambitious project to ask kids what they thought of soccer in Ontario. Their responses were compiled as part of the Grassroots Survey.

You can read the results below:

The "Adapted Match Formats Laws of the Game" document is a comprehensive guide designed to support the development and enjoyment of soccer for young players across Ontario. It outlines the specific laws governing the 3v3, 4v4, 5v5, 7v7, and 9v9 match formats, which serve as an introduction to directional soccer with clear targets. These small-sided formats provide players with their first experiences of playing with teammates, fostering collaboration, skill development, and a love for the game.

Coaches Guides

These documents are currently being updated and will be shared at a later date.

retreat line - what you need to know

Information on the retreat line can be found on the retreat line page linked below: