Ontario Soccer Association co-hosting major FIFA grassroots event in Vaughan, A tremendous learning opportunity for coaches & local players
In partnership with the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA), the Ontario Soccer Association will be co-hosting a four-day FIFA “grassroots” Coach Education Workshop between June 12 and June 15 in Vaughan, Ontario.
The specialized coach education course is designed specifically to help grassroots soccer coaches that work with players between the ages of 8 and 12. The program will focus on the value of small-sided games, developing age-appropriate “skill stations” as part of a regular practice program and the importance of individual skill development.
“This workshop could not come at a better time for those of us involved with grassroots soccer in the province of Ontario”, said Bobby Lennox the Manager of Grassroots Development for the OSA. “We are in the midst of introducing our Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) initiative across Ontario, where we focus much more at the early ages on individual skill development, creativity and enjoyment. We want all of our young players to receive great coaching, have fun and improve their skills. A program like this one will give some of our coaching leaders the tools they need to help change the culture within their own community Clubs, so the focus is on giving all youngsters a chance to get better and stay in love with the game.”
30 coaches from all corners of the province will take part in the workshop, along with 250 players from local soccer Clubs. 80 Students from two neighbouring schools will also be on hand as participants.
Sylvie Beliveau, Manager of LTPD for the Canadian Soccer Association, will represent the CSA at the course. Beliveau has been instrumental in overseeing the implementation of the new player development initiative across the country.
“It’s not every day that a provincial body has the opportunity to host a major event like this one”, said Lennox. “It will be very exciting for all the youngsters involved, but as importantly, it will provide a tremendous learning opportunity for the coaches in attendance. We expect that each of them will take back what they have learned to their local Districts and community Clubs. At the end of the day, this will help our young players all across the province, which is the goal of LTPD.”
This Grassroots Soccer Course is another wonderful development opportunity for coaches from the province—an opportunity that will in turn benefit the players of the future in Ontario for many years to come. The FIFA grassroots course further reinforces the positive changes that are being made at the younger ages in Ontario. These changes will align us with best practices around the soccer-playing world and, importantly, will ensure soccer is more child-friendly in the years ahead.
Alex Chiet
Chief Technical Officer
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