GrassrootsFAQ

The Grassroots model focuses on age-appropriate player development. At U8 to U10, learning, repetition, confidence, participation, and enjoyment are prioritized over standings or results.

Grassroots is designed to make soccer fun first. At U8 to U10, players learn best when they are active, supported, and enjoying the game. The purpose of Grassroots is to build confidence, develop strong foundational skills, and create a positive learning environment that supports long-term growth in the sport.

FC Northwest prioritizes development, participation, and equal opportunity so every player can improve while having fun.

Young players develop best when they are actively involved, encouraged to try new things, and supported in a positive learning environment.

At the Grassroots level, FC Northwest prioritizes skill development, confidence, decision-making, and enjoyment of the game. Results will come over time, but our focus is helping players build the foundation they need for long-term success in soccer and sport.

Success looks different for every player. For some, it may be learning a new skill or scoring a goal. For others, it may be building confidence, making new friends, or looking forward to coming to soccer each week.

Our goal is to help every player experience success in a way that is meaningful to them while developing a lifelong love of sport.

The Grassroots Program follows player development principles established by Canada Soccer, Manitoba Soccer, and the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association.

At U8 to U10, the emphasis is on learning, participation, confidence, and enjoyment rather than competition. Players will naturally celebrate goals and positive moments during games, but the program does not focus on published scores, standings, or results.

The difference is training frequency only. Grassroots 1 includes one training session per week and one weekly game session. Grassroots 2 includes two training sessions per week and one weekly game session.

Both programs follow the same development model, coaching standards, game format, and player pathway.

Registration for the current Grassroots block is now closed.

Families interested in joining the program may contact officeadmin@fcnorthwest.com. Depending on program capacity and where FC Northwest is within the current block, additional registrations may still be considered.

No. Grassroots is a non-selective program for eligible players within the FC Northwest catchment area. Players are not required to attend a tryout or assessment before registering.

Absolutely. Grassroots is designed for players of all experience levels. Whether your child is stepping onto the field for the first time or has already played for several years, the program is structured to support learning, confidence, and development at every stage.

All FC Northwest Grassroots age groups currently train on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:15 PM to 7:45 PM.

Families registered in Grassroots 1 attend one scheduled training session each week. Families registered in Grassroots 2 attend both weekly training sessions.

Game schedules, times, and locations are communicated to families through Spond.

All FC Northwest Grassroots training sessions are currently held at Garden City Community Centre.

Any changes to training locations will be communicated to families through Spond.

FC Northwest uses Spond as the primary communication and scheduling platform for the Grassroots Program.

Once your child has been registered, you will receive an invitation to join your child's Spond group. Please download the Spond app and accept the invitation as soon as possible to ensure you receive all program communications.

Through Spond, parents will receive:

• Training and game schedules
• Practice and game locations
• Schedule updates or cancellations
• Program announcements and reminders
• Requests to confirm player availability

Parents are encouraged to keep Spond notifications enabled throughout the registration block.

Spond is the preferred method for day-to-day communication with your child's coach.

Parents should use Spond to confirm whether their child will participate in a training session or game, report an absence, or ask general questions about an upcoming session.

General administrative inquiries may be directed to officeadmin@fcnorthwest.com.

Feedback regarding the Grassroots Program or your experience with FC Northwest may be sent to feedback@fcnorthwest.com.

FC Northwest understands that players may occasionally miss a training session or game due to illness, travel, family commitments, or other circumstances.

Parents should update their child's availability or notify the coach through Spond. The player may return to the next scheduled session and continue participating in the program.

Players rotate regularly within their training groups and are not assigned to permanent teams. While FC Northwest cannot guarantee friend requests, we work to create positive social experiences and encourage players to build new friendships throughout the program.

Grassroots players rotate within their training groups rather than being assigned to permanent teams.

Rotating groups encourages players to build new friendships, experience different teammates and game situations, and develop in a collaborative and inclusive environment. This approach supports both player development and the social aspects of the Grassroots Program.

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

The match block includes:

• A 25-minute game against one opponent
• A five-minute transition period
• A 25-minute game against a second opponent

This format gives players opportunities to experience different opponents and game situations during the same session.

U10 players compete against one opponent during each scheduled match.

Games consist of two 25-minute halves and are officiated by a referee.

U8 and U9 games use Game Leaders rather than traditional referees.

Game Leaders help keep games moving, assist players with learning the rules, support restarts when needed, encourage sportsmanship, and create a safe and positive playing environment.

Their role is to facilitate player development and enjoyment rather than strictly officiate the game.

Training sessions are divided into activity stations. The training area is split into separate sections, with a structured activity taking place in each section.

Players rotate between stations throughout the session to increase ball contact, learning repetition, movement, and engagement.

FC Northwest maintains a target coach-to-player ratio of approximately 8:1 to 12:1 within U8 to U10 programming.

Ratios may be adjusted based on group size, field layout, available coaching support, and safety considerations.

FC Northwest Grassroots is delivered by a combination of FC Northwest Premier players, FC Northwest staff, and dedicated volunteers who are passionate about helping young players develop and enjoy the game.

Many volunteers are current or former soccer parents who want to contribute to a positive experience for players and families within the community.

Coaches are supported by FC Northwest session leads and the FC Northwest Technical Team to help ensure programming is delivered in a safe, positive, and development-focused environment.

One WYSA Jamboree is included in each registration block.

Players registered for both outdoor blocks will typically have the opportunity to participate in two Jamborees.

A Jamboree is a larger event organized through the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association. Players participate in multiple games alongside players and teams from other clubs.

Jamborees are designed to celebrate participation, learning, and enjoyment while providing players with a broader soccer experience.

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.

Weather-related cancellations will be communicated to families through Spond.

• Shin guards are required at all training sessions and games.
• Players should bring a water bottle clearly labelled with their name.
• Indoor gym sessions require indoor gym shoes or indoor soccer shoes. Cleats are not permitted inside gym facilities.
• Outdoor grass or turf sessions require soccer cleats.

FC Northwest provides all equipment used to deliver training sessions and games, including soccer balls, cones, goals, pinnies, and other coaching equipment. Players are only responsible for bringing their personal equipment and water bottle.

FC Northwest welcomes feedback from players and families.

Comments or suggestions regarding the Grassroots Program or your experience with FC Northwest may be sent to feedback@fcnorthwest.com.

Grassroots provides the foundation for future development within FC Northwest.

As players grow, they will have opportunities to continue their soccer journey through age-appropriate programming that builds on the skills, confidence, and enjoyment developed during the Grassroots years.