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Birth Year 2017 

Introducing competitive league play 

Who this program is for: 

U9 is designed for players moving into the more advanced stages of Grassroots soccer. While still part of the U4–U9 grassroots pathway, U9 represents a clear progression from U7/U8 — with more structure, increased training volume, and the introduction of league play.

This program is ideal for players who have completed U7/U8 or for new players who are ready to focus, engage, and build confidence in a slightly more demanding environment. Players continue to develop foundational soccer skills while advancing their physical literacy, game understanding, and readiness for future competitive programs.

The Player Experience: 

U9 builds on the movement and skill foundations established in earlier age groups while preparing players for the next level of play.

Players will:

• Continue developing their movement ABCs — agility, balance, coordination, and speed
• Learn and refine core soccer skills, including dribbling, passing, shooting, ball control, and introductory team play
• Begin applying skills in structured game environments, with an emphasis on cooperation, spatial awareness, and decision-making

At U9, players also take part in regular games against other clubs, helping them understand game tactics, teamwork, and competition in a positive, development-focused setting.

Assessments and Groupings:

There are no formal tryouts for the U9 age group. Instead, a four-week sort-out evaluation period will take place from April 20 to May 14. This allows coaches to observe players over multiple sessions and games to create balanced, development-appropriate groupings.

Groupings may remain flexible throughout the season, as players develop at different rates. A minimum standard aligned with grassroots fundamentals is required to support safe and effective team play.

The Program Structure:

U9 FUNdamentals includes a higher level of commitment than earlier grassroots programs:

• April 20-May 14: Two training sessions per week
• Summer Season: Two training sessions per week plus one weekly game
• Team-based program, with consistent teammates and coaches
• Led by fully certified Head Coaches and overseen by our Technical Staff

This increased structure, training volume, certified coaching, and league participation characterize the U9 program.

League Play:

During the summer season, U9 teams compete in weekly games as part of the Eastern Ontario Soccer (EOSL) league. Games are played in a 5v5 format, with either:

• 3 x 20-minute matches, or
• 2 x 25-minute matches

League play introduces players to a more formal game environment while maintaining a strong focus on development and enjoyment.

Details:

• Summer Session 2026 runs for 19 weeks starting the week of April 20th until August 30th, with a two week break the weeks of July 20th and 27th. 
• Program fees for the Summer Session 2026 are $620. Financial assistance is available to those in need – click here to find out more. 
• Players will need to purchase a club kit, which includes game jersey, training jersey, shorts and socks. Kits cost approximately $70. 
• Please provide your player with cleats, shin pads, a size 4 soccer ball, and a water bottle.  
• No formal assessments are required for this age group 

Questions? Contact us here