GRASSROOTS

U8-U11

U8-U11 Boys and Girls
Grassroots

(2016-2019)

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Welcome to our U8 - U11 Grassroots Program, where young players are introduced to the joy of soccer and our Phoenix FC community. Designed in accordance with Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards, this program is aimed at brand new and returning players with a focus on helping children discover a love for learning, sport, and teamwork.

Within a nurturing and supportive environment, players grow into themselves, develop their skills, and build confidence. As they progress, they forge strong friendships and gain valuable life lessons that will guide them on their journey. This program lays the foundation for future pathways into Grassroots Streamed (EMSA), Youth Recreational, or Youth Competitive programs. Join us as we embark on this exciting adventure of growth, fun, and unforgettable memories.

Our 4 Pillars of Coaching

1

Working
Hard

2

Positive Team Spirit 

3

Positive
Coaching

4

Learning &
Improving

Grassroots Program Updates

Starting in Indoor 2026-27, we are updating our U8-U11 programs to align with the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards.

What was previously Grassroots Recreational (U8-U11) and Grassroots Competitive (U8-U11) will be merged to form the Phoenix FC Grassroots Program (U8-U11), “Grassroots” for short.

All U8-U9 players are going to be pooled and balanced, competing in our in-house league against other Phoenix FC U8-U9 teams. We aim to have single-age-groups (U8 specific and U9 specific), unless we need to combine the ages together.

U10 and U11 players will have the option of playing local in-house or registering for the “Grassroots Streamed” program, competing in the Edmonton Minor Soccer Association (EMSA) League.

Why are we making these updates?

This change is aimed at enriching the player experiences by providing a better playing environment, improving player development, and increased player retention by providing options tailored to what the player wants. Overall, this change brings us into alignment with the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards as we push towards our National Youth Club License.

Our Grassroots (U8-U11) program is now comprised of three options to choose from in your registration.

Grassroots 1 (Match Day Package):

This is the base package you will select in your registration for this program. Players will be grouped into teams that will play against each other locally in Sherwood Park. These matches are once-per-week and will be managed by both Phoenix FC Technical Staff and Volunteer Coaches.

There are no training days in the GR1 package.

GR1 participants will attend Balancing Sessions in September prior to grouping.

Grassroots 2 (Match Day + Skill Centre Session):

For players wanting more than just a game, we have our Grassroots 2 (GR2) registration option. This option will consist of a once-per-week Skill Centre training session in addition to your game. The training is a station-rotation approach, with a focus on game-based activities led by Phoenix FC Technical Staff, with support from Volunteer Coaches. Players registered in Grassroots 2 will be pooled into groups to help organize the training sessions.

Grassroots 3 (Match Day + Skill Centre Session x2):

For players with a passion for the sport, we have our Grassroots 3 (GR3) registration option. This option includes the Match Day, and two Skill Centre trainings per week. The second weekly training session will include Futsal sessions in a local gymnasium, and skills-based training at our Phoenix FC Facility. These additional sessions are fully led by Phoenix FC Technical Staff.

This option has limited availability.

Grassroots Streamed (U10-U11): EMSA Match Day + Training Session x2

Players in this program will be assessed prior to team-formation. The season will consist of:

  • 1x Team Training session per week (led by team coach)

  • 1x Cohort Training session per week (led by PFC Technical Staff)

  • 1x game per week administered by EMSA

Soccer Canada Terminology:

Balanced - Players are grouped by distributing stronger players amongst the teams.

Streamed - Players are grouped through assessments and by taking the strongest players.

Random - Players are randomly assigned and may not be balanced.

Grassroots FAQ

  • Program Dates: Oct. 25 - Feb. 7

    Grassroots program options will feature:

    • GR1 - 1x game per week

    • GR2 - 1x game per week + 1x practice per week

    • GR3 - 1x game per week + 2x practice per week

    Streamed (EMSA):

  • Grassroots 1 (U8-U11): Players will be grouped into balanced teams and compete locally in Sherwood Park against other players in the Phoenix FC Grassroots Program.

    At this age group, scores and standings are not kept.

    Streamed (U10-U11): Players will attend assessments prior to team-formation. Teams will compete in the Edmonton Minor Soccer Association (EMSA).

    League standings and rules are administered by EMSA.

  • GR2: Skill Centre

    Boys

    • U8 – Tuesday

    • U9 – Tuesday

    • U10 – Thursday

    • U11 – Thursday

    Girls

    • U8 - Monday

    • U9 - Monday

    • U10 - Wednesday

    • U11 - Wednesday

    * Please note that we may combine age groups depending on number of registrations.

    GR3: Skill Centre/Futsal

    • Futsal - Friday

    • Skill Centre - Sunday

  • GR1: Match Day

    • Millennium Place

    GR2: Skill Centre

    • Millennium Place

    GR3: Futsal + Skill Centre

    • Futsal - Gymnasium (TBA)

    • Skill Centre - Phoenix FC Facility

    Streamed (EMSA):

    • Games and practice locations are determined by EMSA schedules.

    Sessions run ~55 minutes.

  • Parents play a big role in our program, taking on the role of Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and/or Team Manager to contribute to the program's overall success.

    •  All Coaches should complete all safe sport requirements prior to being rostered (coaching certification costs can be reimbursed).

    • Head Coaches will receive a honorarium should they volunteer to coach their child’s team and complete all mandated coaching requirements.   

    • Sessions will be provided each week by Tech Staff and are to be followed by all coaches. 

    • On Field support from our Technical Staff, Jr. Coaches, Jr. Tech and Program Director will also be given at sessions. 

  • U8-U9: 4v4 Format (3v3 + Keepers) on half-pitch

    U10-U11: 7v7 Format (6v6 + Keepers) on full-pitch

  • There is no post-season play for these age groups.

  • GR1: Uniforms (jersey, shorts, socks) are included with registration.

    Streamed (EMSA): Jersey is provided by the club. Shorts and socks are purchased separately.

    Please note: A uniform bond will be assessed at the end of the year for the Streamed U10-U11 program if the uniform has not been returned on time or in proper condition.

    Additional uniforms or other apparel can be purchased from our Adidas store.

    Please ensure your athlete has shinpads and appropriate footwear (non-studded soccer cleats are recommended at this level)

  • GR1: $100.00 for 4 hours required

    Streamed (EMSA): $150.00 for 6 hours required

    The Volunteer Bond is not included in program costs and will only be charged to the account if hours are not completed by the deadline.

  • Cancellations may occur due to severe weather, poor air quality and extreme heat. 

    We will try to reschedule when we can on the same days as much as possible, but it is not always guaranteed.

**Age groups may be combined depending on final registration numbers

U8 and U9 Grassroots (2018-2019) Boys + Girls Program

  • Balancing Session: Sept. 12-17

    Launch Week: Phoenix FC Facility (Oct. 13-18)

    The first 3 sessions will be used to evaluate and organize our GR1 – Match Day Program.

    The details for these sessions will be communicated.

  • Saturday

  • Min. 14 - Players

    Max. 16 - Players

  • GR2: Skill Centre

    • Once per week

    • Station-rotation approach

    • Led by Phoenix FC Technical Staff, with support from Volunteer Coaches

    GR3: Skill Centre (x2)

    • Twice per week

    • Includes Grassroots 2 Skill Centre Training

    • Additional Skill Centre Training alternates with Futsal sessions

    • Fully led by Tech Staff

  • GR1: $370.00 (Aug. 1 - Aug. 16)

    GR2: $480.00 (Aug. 1 - Aug. 16)

    GR3: $600.00 (Aug. 1 - Aug. 16)

  • GR1: $410.00 (Aug. 17 - Sep. 9)

    GR2: $510.00 (Aug. 17 - Sep. 9)

    GR3: $640.00 (Aug. 17 - Sep. 9)

  • Phoenix FC allows for installments of registration fees:

    Season Payment Plan:

    • Initial Payment: $200.00 (Program Fee Deposit)

    • Second Payment: Sept. 30, 2026

    • Third Payment: Oct. 30, 2026

U10 and U11 Grassroots (2016-2017) Boys + Girls McDonald’s Program

  • Balancing Session: Sept. 12-17

    Launch Week: Phoenix FC Facility (Oct. 13-18)

    The first 3 sessions will be used to evaluate and organize our GR1 – Match Day Program.

    The details for these sessions will be communicated.

  • Saturday

  • Min. 14 - Players

    Max. 16 - Players

  • GR2: Skill Centre

    • Once per week

    • Station-rotation approach

    • Led by Phoenix FC Technical Staff, with support from Volunteer Coaches

    GR3: Skill Centre (x2)

    • Twice per week

    • Includes Grassroots 2 Skill Centre Training

    • Additional Skill Centre Training alternates with Futsal sessions

    • Fully led by Tech Staff

  • GR1: $400.00 (Aug. 1 - Aug. 16)

    GR2: $510.00 (Aug. 1 - Aug. 16)

    GR3: $600.00 (Aug. 1 - Aug. 16)

  • GR1: $430.00 (Aug. 17 - Sep. 9)

    GR2: $540.00 (Aug. 17 - Sep. 9)

    GR3: $640.00 (Aug. 17 - Sep. 9)

  • Phoenix FC allows for installments of registration fees:

    Season Payment Plan:

    • Initial Payment: $200.00 (Program Fee Deposit)

    • Second Payment: Sept. 30, 2026

    • Third Payment: Oct. 30, 2026

U10 Grassroots Streamed (2017) Boys + Girls Program (EMSA)

  • Assessments: Aug. 10-14

    Launch Week: Phoenix FC Facility (Sept. 11-13)

  • Determined by EMSA schedule

  • Min. 14 - Players

    Max. 16 - Players

  • Those registered in the Grassroots Streamed (EMSA) option will recieve:

    • 1x Team Training session per week (led by team coach)

    • 1x Cohort Training session per week (led by PFC Technical Staff)

    • 1x game per week administered by EMSA

  • $960.00 (Aug. 1 - Aug. 9)

  • $1,050.00 (Aug. 10 - Aug. 14)

  • Phoenix FC allows for installments of registration fees:

    Season Payment Plan:

    • Initial Payment: $350.00 (Program Fee Deposit)

    • Second Payment: $350.00 (Sept. 30, 2026)

    • Third Payment: $350.00 (Oct. 30, 2026)

U11 Grassroots Streamed (2016) Boys + Girls Program (EMSA)

  • Assessments: Aug. 10-14

    Launch Week: Phoenix FC Facility (Sept. 11-13)

  • Determined by EMSA schedule

  • Min. 14 - Players

    Max. 16 - Players

  • Those registered in the Grassroots Streamed (EMSA) option will recieve:

    • 1x Team Training session per week (led by team coach)

    • 1x Cohort Training session per week (led by PFC Technical Staff)

    • 1x game per week administered by EMSA

  • $960.00 (Aug. 1 - Aug. 9)

  • $1,050.00 (Aug. 10 - Aug. 14)

  • Phoenix FC allows for installments of registration fees:

    Season Payment Plan:

    • Initial Payment: $350.00 (Program Fee Deposit)

    • Second Payment: $350.00 (Sept. 30, 2026)

    • Third Payment: $350.00 (Oct. 30, 2026)

Register

Trialist Player Option

If you’re looking to make yourself available as a substitute player for other Phoenix FC teams in older age groups or tiers - click the option in your registration!

Learn More