U8 - U12 Development Program - Building the Foundation

In order to align to the strategic and operational plans, we have the following programs:

  • 1.Grassroots Programs

  • 2.Talented Pathway Inclusion

  • 3.Coach Development

  • 4.Community Outreach

Program alignment to
Long Term Player Development

The Barrie Soccer Club will follow LTPD (Long Term Player Development) principles as outlined by the Ontario Soccer Association. The goal is to ensure every player has the very best possible soccer experience. As such, the official curriculum is outlined below.

  • Kick Start (U4 - U6)
    This Program is specifically tailored for these mini player's as they take their first kicks with the ball.  At this stage of the player's development they are introduced to the ball and are encouraged to have fun with the ball through various age appropriate games and activities..


  • FUNdamentals (U7 - U8)
    At this stage, individual player development is paramount. Its about" Freedom and Fun”.  We introduce the 3 C(s) - Communication, Cooperation and Coordination. The emphasis will be on teaching through the Four Pillar Model approach with a strong emphasis on “Individual Technical Skills and 1v1 & 2v2  Attacking/Defending Skills” using a guided discovery & empowering approach.


  • Learning to Play (U9, U10, U11 & U12) - â€śThe Golden Age of Learning”
    The effect of the role model is very important at this stage. Children begin to identify with famous players and successful teams and they want to learn imaginative skills. Skill demonstration is very important and the players learn best by “doing”. Players are now moving from self–centred to self–critical and they have a high stimulation level during basic skills training.


  • Soccer for Life (U13+) - “Soccer for Health and Growth”
    This stage requires a fun and challenging environment to keep players interested and active in soccer. These recreational and competitive players will enjoy and benefit from exciting and stimulating practices and games

  • https://www.barriesoccer.com/house-league-u3u18.

 

The Barrie Soccer Club’s Development Program begins at U8 (7-8 years old) and ends at U12 (11-12 years old). It is open to players who already have foundational knowledge of soccer, have typically played in House League or a similar program, are passionate about the game and are looking to develop their skills. The goal of entering the development program is to achieve selection in the competitive phase of U13+.

The Development Program curriculum is developed by the Club Technical Director and each division is led by their own qualified Technical Lead and Assistant Coaches. It is a proven tailor made program to help players reach their development potential with an emphasis on technical, tactical, mental and physical components. We have a strong emphasis on teaching core values that help with character development

It is an 11-month program which includes 2 indoor training sessions a week from November to April. From May to September, in addition to 2 outdoor training sessions, there could be a weekly game as well as a few summer festivals. ​

U8 includes 2 indoor training sessions a week from November to April. From May to September, in addition to 2 outdoor training sessions, the players attend select U8 festivals against other clubs in Huronia and/or York Region.

For U9-U12, typically 2-3 teams are formed per age division and gender depending on player registration numbers. The York Team (Blue Team), which travels to the Greater Toronto Area for games and festivals in the summer season and the Huronia Team (White Team), which travels within Simcoe County (e.g. Orillia, Innisfil, Collingwood, etc.) for games and festivals in the summer season. Travel can also include trips to places including Bracebridge, Huntsville, North Bay, and Sudbury. These age groups operate in a pool structure, with free movement between teams at each age group.

Teams are expected to develop and manage their own budget that will include their costs for the year. Teams are responsible to plan for sponsors and fundraising activities that will offset most if not all of these costs. A Team Manager (volunteer parent) is selected to manage the team budget as well as other matters related to planning the year and facilitating game day duties.

To join this program, or for more information contact the Barrie Soccer Club office at bsctd@barriesoccer.com or call the office at 705-739-7844.

We look at all players who are interested in our program, and provide two complimentary sessions to them.

Holistic Approach

The Barrie Soccer Club Coaches follows a holistic approach that includes Physical, Technical, Tactical and Mental


  • This philosophy is embedded in our player and coaching development curriculum with coaches trained on how they can conduct their sessions to ensure the four corners are developed in every training session.


  • The Club has as Game Model which we have developed, and coaches are able to create their own team game model which is approved by the TD.


  • Coaches are encouraged to identify gaps in each area and work with the players by recommending additional training to bridge those gaps.


  • In order to further educate our coaches, the club has hosts Coaching meetings and workshops run by the TD and on field sessions by the TD.


  • We also have a home training program to help improve the technical corner for players.

  • To improve the tactical side of the game, we run classroom sessions on the principles of the game, as well as defending and attacking roles.

  • We have also hosted several  workshops with our Sports Science Partner and have provided nutrition and mental resources for our players.

  • All new coaches are provided a new coaches training guide.