Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the sport - Football 101 is here to help you understand the origins, terms, and rules of the game we play. Let’s celebrate 2026 together as we hit a milestone 50-year anniversary for our club, and cheer on Team Canada as our country jointly hosts the World Cup!

Language of Football

As you watch a game of football, you might hear some unfamiliar terminology:

Cap - Used to measure the number of times a player has played for their international team; traditionally dating back to when players were given hats or “caps” for each appearance.

Football Positions

Defense:

#1: Goalkeeper
- Recognizes when to play short vs long
- Positions high as a support option
- Reads pressure and finds solutions
- Organizes defensive shape

#2 and #3: Wingbacks/Fullbacks
- Links play between lines
- Times forward runs effectively
- Strong 1v1 defending awareness
- Provides width to stretch the field
- Recognizes when to overlap or support inside
- Supports attacks in wide areas and creates overloads

#4 and #5: Center Backs
- Supports rest of defense
- Builds play from the back
- Breaks lines with passes or dribbles
- Creates passing angles in build-up
- Recognizes pressing and escapes it
- Maintains structure, balance and compact defensive shape

Midfield:

#6 and #8: Holding (6)/Central (8) Midfield
- Connects defense to attack and creates passing options
- Controls tempo and rhythm
- Constant scanning before receiving
- Positions to support all phases
- Creates angles and space
#10: Attacking Midfield
- Creates chances and attacking moments
- Breaks lines with dribbling or passing
- Exploits space in wide and central areas
- Finds space between lines
- Recognizes when to dribble vs pass
- Interchanges positions fluidly
- Presses immediately after loss of possession

#7 and #11: Wingers
- Creates chances and attacking moments
- Breaks lines with dribbling or passing
- Exploits space in wide and central areas
- Finds space between lines
- Recognizes when to dribble vs pass
- Interchanges positions fluidly
- Presses immediately after loss of possession

Attackers:

#9: Striker
- Leads attacking line
- Occupies defenders
- Times runs in behind
- Recognizes pressing triggers
- Creates space for teammates
- Finishes scoring opportunities
- Positions for crosses and cutbacks

Learn More - Player Positioning

Read Previous - Creating the Game

FOOTBALL

101