Indoor 2026-27

PROGRAM UPDATES

Program Names - Indoor 2026-27

We’ve now renamed our programming groups to reflect the changes made to our Grassroots U8-U11 programs.

Tekkers

Refers to our U4-U5 intro to soccer programs.

Foundations

Refers to our U6-U7 soccer programs

Grassroots [NEW]

“Grassroots” is now the encompassing term for our U8-U11 Programming.

Streamed [NEW]

“Streamed” is the term used by Soccer Canada to refer to the pre-competitive level of programming; now referring to our U10-U11 EMSA option.

Recreational

Refers to U13-Adult Programs competing in our local Phoenix Leagues.

Competitive

Refers to U12-U19 Programs competing in the EMSA Leagues.

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.

PFC Recreational Program

Our Recreational Program (U13-U19) is getting an update to the Friend Request Process.

Friend Requests are limited to a single reciprocal request (meaning you both request each other). This change will help our team formation process move more efficiently, and help negate the trend of “friend-chains” where large groups of players would move together.

In addition to these changes, all players should attend our Balancing Session.

PFC Adult Recreational Program

Our Adult Recreational Program (aged 16+) is getting an update to the rules and regulations.

We have adopted a “no-contact” league set-up for the Adult Mixed League. This means that any intentional contact between opposing players will be whistled and a free kick awarded to the other team (incidental contact between players results in a drop ball).

The goal is to reduce the number of fouls, cards, and injuries that accumulate over the course of a season, and mitigate instances of “over-aggressive play” when challenging for the ball. This new rule is aimed to make our Adult Mixed Recreational League more accessible for players of all skill levels and experiences.