Canada Soccer’s New Grassroots Standards: What Parents Need to Know
Published by SC Dieppe
Since 2020, Canada Soccer has introduced grassroots soccer standards to ensure a more safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment for young players. These standards will become mandatory for all clubs across the country by the 2026 season.
⚽ Why these new standards?
- Put children at the heart of the game
- Promote fun over pressure
- Support proper technical development
- Ensure fair and safe participation
📐 Age-appropriate game formats
Game formats, field sizes, and ball sizes evolve as children grow to support their development and enjoyment.
👨🏫 The importance of trained coaches
Every coach must meet strict training standards from Canada Soccer:
- Background and vulnerable sector screening
- Online modules on ethics, safety, and inclusion
- Practical sessions tailored to player age groups
⏱️ Equal playtime for every child
“Kids sign up to play — not to sit and watch others play.”
Coaches must ensure that each player gets at least 50% playtime per game, helping everyone feel included and grow with confidence.
🎯 More development, less pressure
Here’s how the new standards encourage growth over results:
- No scoring or standings before U12
- No regional or provincial selections before U14
- Festival-style tournaments instead of elimination formats
🚌 Reducing travel time
Travel time is limited to a maximum of 60 minutes each way to reduce fatigue and protect family time.
🤝 Building a strong community culture
These new standards emphasize:
- Respect and inclusion
- Mental and physical wellbeing
- Strong partnerships between parents, coaches, and clubs
🧾 Summary of key changes
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