FCNW Grassroots

Registration Status

FC Northwest Grassroots Program

Building confidence with the ball while creating a positive experience that keeps players excited to come back week after week.

The FC Northwest Grassroots Program is designed for players aged U8 to U10 and provides a fun, engaging, and development-focused introduction to soccer.

Through qualified coaching, age-appropriate training, and small-sided game environments, players develop fundamental skills, build confidence, make friends, and discover a love for the game.

Every training session and game experience is designed to maximize participation, increase time on the ball, and create opportunities for players to learn, grow, and experience success.

Whether your child is stepping onto the field for the first time or already developing a passion for soccer, Grassroots provides the foundation for an enjoyable and rewarding soccer journey.

Our Philosophy

The Grassroots years are one of the most important stages in a player's development journey.

During these years, players are building confidence, developing physical literacy, learning how to work with teammates, and creating habits that can influence their relationship with sport for years to come.

FC Northwest follows the principles established by Canada Soccer, Manitoba Soccer, and the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association, placing development ahead of results and participation ahead of standings.

Our focus is on:

• Player development over team results
• High activity and high repetition learning
• Confidence building through positive coaching
• Age-appropriate training environments
• Equal opportunity and inclusive participation
• Creating a lifelong love of sport

Why Grassroots Matters

The Grassroots years are where players build confidence, develop skills, make friends, and discover a love for the game.

At FC Northwest, every part of the program is intentionally designed to create positive experiences while helping players develop the skills they need to succeed both on and off the field.

More Opportunities to Play

Young players learn best when they are actively involved in the game.

Our Grassroots model gives players more opportunities to touch the ball, make decisions, solve problems, and participate in every session. More involvement means more opportunities to learn, improve, and build confidence.

Confidence Through Success

Every player develops at their own pace.

By creating age-appropriate environments and focusing on development rather than results, players are encouraged to try new skills, take on challenges, and learn in a positive and supportive setting.

Success looks different for every player.

For some, success may be learning a new skill. For others, it may be making a new friend, building confidence, or simply looking forward to coming to soccer each week.

More Than Just Soccer

Grassroots soccer helps players develop valuable life skills that extend beyond the game.

Players learn to:

• Work with teammates
• Communicate effectively
• Solve problems
• Show resilience
• Demonstrate sportsmanship
• Build confidence

A Positive Sporting Experience

For many children, Grassroots soccer is their first experience in organized sport.

Our goal is to make that experience positive, memorable, and fun.

When players enjoy coming to training, feel supported by their coaches, and experience success along the way, they develop a stronger connection to the game and are more likely to remain active in sport for years to come.

Most Importantly... Fun!

Players who enjoy the game stay in the game.

That's why FC Northwest Grassroots focuses on creating an environment where players can learn new skills, play with friends, challenge themselves, and look forward to every session.

Because the best player development happens when players are having fun.

Program Structure

FC Northwest Grassroots combines structured training, game play, and age-appropriate development opportunities to create a positive and engaging soccer experience for players aged U8 to U10.

Our program is designed to maximize participation, increase opportunities for learning, and provide players with a fun environment where they can develop confidence and skills while building friendships and a love for the game.

Grassroots is delivered through structured training sessions and weekly match experiences that follow the current Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association format. U8 and U9 players participate in festival-style match days, while U10 players participate in a traditional match format that continues to emphasize development, participation, and enjoyment.

Players are not assigned to permanent teams and rotate regularly to support social development and reduce perceived hierarchy.

• Weekly coach-led training sessions
• Weekly match experiences based on the current format for each age group
• Players rotate within training groups and are not placed on fixed teams for the block
• One scheduled WYSA Jamboree per registration block
• Game play focused on participation, learning, and enjoyment rather than standings or results

Participation Options

To balance family schedules, field availability, and staffing, FC Northwest offers two participation streams within the same age group. These options are based on training frequency only and are not skill-based tiers.

FCNW Grassroots 1

Designed for families seeking one training session per week plus a weekly game session.

FCNW Grassroots 2

Designed for families seeking two training sessions per week plus a weekly game session.

The difference between the programs is training frequency only. Both options follow the same development model, coaching standards, age-group match format, and player pathway.

Choosing Grassroots 1 or Grassroots 2 does not impact player placement, development opportunities, or future progression within FC Northwest.

Training Environment

Every session is designed to keep players active, engaged, and learning.

Training sessions use a station-based format to maximize participation, increase repetitions, and ensure players spend as much time as possible working with the ball.

Players spend the majority of each session:

• Developing technical skills
• Improving movement and coordination
• Participating in small-sided games
• Solving problems in game-like situations
• Building confidence through repetition and success

Sessions are structured to create:

• More touches on the ball
• More opportunities to learn
• More opportunities to succeed
• More fun for players

Coaching Model

Coaches are one of the most important influences on a player's early soccer experience.

FC Northwest coaches focus on:

• Teaching the game in an age-appropriate way
• Building confidence through positive reinforcement
• Encouraging creativity and decision-making
• Supporting individual player development
• Creating safe and inclusive learning environments

Supported by FC Northwest's Technical Team, coaches deliver sessions that are structured, engaging, and aligned with the club's long-term player development philosophy.

WYSA Jamboree and Match Days

Match days are designed to maximize participation, learning, and enjoyment.

U8 and U9 Match Format

U8 and U9 players participate in a one-hour festival-style match block:

• One 25-minute match against the first opponent
• A five-minute halftime and transition period
• One 25-minute match against a second opponent

This format gives players an opportunity to experience different opponents and game situations while remaining actively involved throughout the match block.

U10 Match Format

U10 players participate in a traditional one-hour match against one opponent, consisting of two 25-minute halves. Referees are assigned to U10 matches in accordance with WYSA procedures.

Game Leaders

U8 and U9 matches do not use referees. Coaches serve as Game Leaders and help create a safe, positive, and age-appropriate playing environment.

Game Leaders are responsible for:

• Keeping the game moving
• Supporting players and helping with restarts when needed
• Encouraging fair play and positive behaviour
• Creating a fun and safe environment
• Following the current Grassroots standards

The role of a Game Leader is to support learning and enjoyment rather than strictly officiate the match.

The program also includes one scheduled WYSA Jamboree per registration block.

These match experiences provide players with opportunities to:

• Apply skills learned in training
• Play alongside and against new players
• Build confidence in game environments
• Continue learning through play

The emphasis remains on participation, development, and enjoyment rather than standings or results.

Registration Details

Registration Status

Training Location

All FC Northwest Grassroots training sessions are currently held at:

• Garden City Community Centre

Training Days and Times

• All Grassroots age groups: Monday and Wednesday evenings, from 6:15 PM to 7:45 PM

Game Days

• U8 Boys and Girls: Sunday
• U9 Boys and Girls: Sunday
• U10 Boys and Girls: Thursday

U8 and U9 game days use the festival-style match block described above. U10 game days use the traditional match format described above.

Registration Blocks

• Block 1: May to June
• Block 2: August to September

Costs

Participation options are based on training frequency and are not skill-based tiers.

Scheduling and Season Calendar

Grassroots operates in seasonal blocks. Training schedules and WYSA Jamboree dates follow the block structure and are communicated during each registration period. The calendars below are key references for understanding the season flow and block timing.

A Message to Parents

As parents, we all want our children to be active, confident, and excited about the activities they participate in.

The Grassroots years provide an opportunity for young players to develop far more than soccer skills. These years help children build confidence, develop friendships, learn teamwork, and experience the rewards that come from learning something new and working toward a goal.

At FC Northwest, we believe a positive sporting experience starts with creating an environment where every player feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged to participate.

That's why our Grassroots Program focuses on:

• Qualified coaching and age-appropriate development
• High participation and active engagement
• Positive learning experiences
• Equal opportunities to contribute and succeed
• Building confidence through encouragement and support
• Creating a lifelong love of sport and physical activity

Success looks different for every player.

For some, success may be learning a new skill. For others, it may be making a new friend, building confidence, or simply looking forward to coming to soccer each week.

Our goal is to ensure every player leaves the block with new skills, positive memories, and a stronger connection to the game than when they started.

A Message to Players

This is your game.

At FC Northwest Grassroots, you'll get to:

• Play games every week
• Learn new skills and techniques
• Improve your dribbling, passing, and shooting
• Learn how to defend, win the ball, and help your team
• Build confidence with the ball
• Play with friends and meet new teammates
• Learn from coaches who want to help you succeed
• Challenge yourself and try new things

It doesn't matter if this is your first block or if you've been playing for years. Everyone starts somewhere, and every player can keep improving.

Score goals. Make great passes. Win the ball back. Help your teammates. Discover new skills and celebrate your successes along the way.

Most importantly, enjoy the game and have fun with your teammates.

This is your game. Play it your way.

A Message to Coaches

Grassroots coaching is one of the most rewarding opportunities in youth sport.

This is where players develop their first soccer habits, learn fundamental skills, and build confidence that can stay with them throughout their soccer journey.

FC Northwest provides coaches with:

• Structured session plans
• Technical support
• Development resources
• A player-centred environment
• Opportunities to make a lasting impact on young athletes

Our coaches are teachers, mentors, and role models who help create positive experiences while developing the next generation of FC Northwest players.

Building the Foundation for Future Development

Every soccer journey starts somewhere.

For FC Northwest players, Grassroots is where that journey begins.

The U8 to U10 years are a time for players to build confidence, develop fundamental skills, and discover what they enjoy about the game. These early experiences create the foundation that supports future growth, both as soccer players and as young people.

Throughout the Grassroots Program, players develop:

• Confidence with the ball
• Technical skills and game awareness
• Decision-making and problem-solving abilities
• Physical literacy and movement skills
• Teamwork and communication
• A love for the game

As players continue through FC Northwest programming, these foundations help prepare them for new challenges, new learning opportunities, and higher levels of play should they choose to pursue them.

Most importantly, Grassroots helps players develop the confidence and enjoyment that keeps them involved in sport for years to come.

Whether a player's future includes community soccer, premier soccer, coaching, officiating, or simply continuing to enjoy the game with friends, the Grassroots years provide the foundation that makes those opportunities possible.

Equipment

• Shin guards are required at all sessions
• A water bottle clearly labelled with the player's name
• Indoor gym sessions require indoor gym shoes or indoor soccer shoes. Cleats are not permitted in gym facilities.
• Outdoor grass or turf sessions require soccer cleats.

Weather

FC Northwest follows the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association's direction regarding weather-related cancellations. If WYSA cancels scheduled evening games due to weather, FC Northwest will also cancel any scheduled Grassroots programming for that evening.

Any cancellations will be communicated through the club's normal communication channels.

Club Feedback

FC Northwest is committed to providing a positive experience for all players and families.

If you have feedback regarding the FC Northwest Grassroots Program or your experience with the club, please email feedback@fcnorthwest.com.

Keeping This Information Current

FC Northwest is committed to providing families with accurate and up-to-date information about our Grassroots Program.

As Canada Soccer, the Manitoba Soccer Association, and the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association continue to refine Grassroots standards, policies, and player development initiatives, FC Northwest will review and update this page to reflect the current program.

Families are encouraged to refer back to this page throughout the year, as it serves as the club's primary source of information for the FC Northwest Grassroots Program.