Grassroots Soccer - Indoor for 2026-7

In Canada, Grassroots Soccer refers to all programming for age groups up to Under 13 (U13). This encompasses the first three stages of the Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) model. The Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) along with Manitoba Soccer Association (MSA) and the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) are making Grassroots programming mandatory for all QSP, like St. Charles Soccer Association, starting from the 2026 season for all players in U8 through U10. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that age-appropriate soccer is provided to our youngest players.

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INFORMATION FOR INDOOR GRASSROOTS BLOCKS 3 & 4

Each Block will have 8 Match Days, and a Jamboree event will be scheduled after that on the final weekend of the season. Please note that registration for the Indoor Grassroots Program will be for both Block 3 and Block 4 together.

• Block 3 matches begins the weekend of Oct. 31^st / Nov. 1^st and ends the weekend of Dec. 19^th / 20^th, 2026. 
• Block 4 matches begins the weekend of Jan. 9^th / 10^th and ends the weekend of Mar. 6^th / 7^th, 2027.
• Due to the Golden Boy Tournament (February 11th to 15th) will not be a Block 4 Match Day.
• There will be one Jamboree Event which will be on Sunday, March 14^th, 2027.
• Your player's match and practice schedule will be provided to you via the TeamLinkt app. Match schedules will be available from WYSA in October after teams and groupings are formed. Match days are listed with each age group. 

SCSA INDOOR GRASSROOTS FOR U8 (born 2018) and U9 (born 2017) REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

REGISTER HERE!

Match Days will be scheduled in conjunction with the Indoor Rec Season, and matches will take place at the WSF North and WSF South venues. The fields will be configured as 4 Quarter Fields with all curtains down. Each field will be split in half at the Halfway Line, and the Quarter Field goals will be pushed towards the curtains with their respective Corner Flags being placed opposite to them to serve as goal posts. 

U8 and U9 Format: Each Match Day will be comprised of two (2) back-to-back matches, each lasting 25 minutes. The U8s and U9s will change opponents after the first match but all 4 teams will stay on the same Quarter Field (ex: A1-vs-A2 and B1-vs-B2 followed by B2-vs-A1 and A2-vs-B1). This will allow parents to continue spectating from the same area on the concourse. No referees will be used for U8 and U9 Grassroots; Coaches or Game Leaders will be asked to take turns facilitating matches. 

U8 and U9 Days of Play: U8 Boys and Girls will play on Saturdays

Practices

• Turf practices will be at Canlan (1871 Ellice) on Thursdays. Dates: November 5, 12, 19, 26; December 3, 10, 17. 2027 dates will be added to the practice schedule in October.
• Practice time is 5pm to 6pm.
• Extra practices may take place in a school gymnasiums from time to time

 U8/9

• Grassroots groupings may be a combination of U8 and U9 players. You will be assigned to a grouping after registering. 

Cost: $500 plus MSA fee

SCSA INDOOR GRASSROOTS FOR U10 (born 2016) REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

REGISTER HERE!

U10 Match Format: Each match Day will be comprised of one (1) match with two equal halves lasting 25 minutes each. The U10s will follow a League Format structure of matches, rather than a more dynamic festival style structure. No referees will be used for U10 Grassroots; Game Leaders will fulfill this role. 

Season for ages 10 (born 2016):

• Players born in 2016 will be on a U10 Grassroots roster. The U10s will follow a League Format structure of matches, rather than the U8/9 festival style structure.
• Runs from November to March (practices will start in October). 
• Consists of approximately 16 games plus the WYSA Jamboree. 
• 1 game per week
• 1-2 practices per week

 Match Days of Play

• U10 Girls - Saturdays 
• U10 Boys - Sundays - Boys **note** younger boys teams are expected to have high registration and may have some Saturday games to balance the schedule**

Practices

• Turf practices will be at Canlan (1871 Ellice) on Fridays. Dates November 6, 13, 20, 27; December 4, 11, 18. 2027 dates will be added to the practice schedule in October. 
• Practice time is 5pm to 6pm.
• Extra practices will take place in a school gymnasium from time to time.

 U10

• Grassroots rosters will consist of not more than 14 players and can dress a maximum of 14 players.

Cost: $390 plus MSA fee

Why chose SCSA Grassroots over a non-QSP programs?

The SCSA Grassroots Program is our U8 to U10 Long-Term Player Development program designed to help every player build confidence with age-appropriate training in a positive, inclusive learning environment. Our program is structured, led by soccer focused coaches and supervised by our Technical Director. Players who graduate from Grassroots will be prepared to assess at the Developmental or Premier level or continue in our Recreational stream - players and families deciding which is their best route to the pitch. 

For 2026 Grassroots applies to the following age groups: U8 - 2018 | U9 - 2017 | U10 - 2016. 

The key elements of the Grassroots standards:

• Inclusivity: Programs are designed to accommodate players of all skill levels, ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to participate and succeed.

• Fun and Enjoyment: Focusing on creating enjoyable experiences fosters a lifelong love for the game while developing team social skills.

• Player-Centred Development: Activities and match formats are tailored to the developmental needs of players at each age and stage.

• Skill Acquisition Over Competition: Emphasis is placed on technical and tactical growth rather than win-loss records. This is done by building core skills like ball control, passing, dribbling and shooting using high activity and repetitive learning.