Soccer is sport loved by many. Children all over the world play it and watch it – hoping that one day, it will be them on the big screen. Sadly, this opportunity seems like a slim opportunity for minority children. Traditionally, in Canada, minority children are underrepresented in the representative (rep) soccer world. This has created barriers for potential soccer stars as they don’t have the opportunity to build their skills early on in life. We hope to offer kids Elite soccer playtime at 8 years old to their teenage years so that they will be able to compete in high level soccer at the provincial, national and international levels.
This program, being offered to boys and girls alike aims to create an opening, and break down existing barriers. As members of a minority community, we see the desire for opportunity that these children and their families seek. This program would be their stepping ladder into an exclusive rep world that has been elitist in nature. For children to play high level sports, their parents must have the money and the time to commit to development and professional networking. Most of the parents that this program aims to support are working menial jobs, long hours and are being paid minimum wage. They don’t have the money or the means to place their children into such programs. We need to stress that it’s not from lack of wanting to support their children, it’s from lack of financial ability.

As a not-for-profit Canadian organization, we want to provide these children with the opportunities that most other children similar in age have been given. One could ask, why is rep soccer so important to minority children – the answer is simple. Being on a rep team provides children with much needed skills. Time management is a key to workplace success. How to plan your day so that you are able to utilize the daytime hours is a lifelong skill. Players also learn how to prioritize their learning and their sport specific development. They develop discipline to not only achieve more academically, but personally, emotionally and socially. 

This program would start with our U8 players (boys and girls) from identified minority groups. This provides us with the time to train, develop and grow these children so that when the time comes at U13 – they have already been exposed to the expectations of rep sports as they prepare to try out for provincial teams and other high level rep teams. Every child that desires the opportunity to grow in skill would be welcomed into the program based on the enrollment cap. We would hire certified soccer coaches and technical directors. Our parents would be a core part of this plan as they serve as volunteers helping each child to develop by working alongside the coaches. Parents would be trained to provide the extra support needed for individual attention.

As an organization, we are about building future leaders and that is what this rep soccer team could mean for these young children. Being a rep player opens doors for scholarships as they grow older. Start them young in hopes that the skills learned will continue to develop. In our community we have a saying that a busy child cannot find trouble – please help us provide this wonderful opportunity for the children in our communities. Our goal is to see each child succeed – to provide a sense of accomplishment and pride. A child’s pride will hopefully trickle down into the community – this is our ultimate goal: to provide a safe, skilled, welcoming environment for minority children to play the sport they love – soccer. To be given the chance to compete at a high level and to be welcomed into the sport on equal grounding as others who may have come from a more financially sound home.

Eligibility.

Must be from the equity Deserving group
Must be 8 years old for the current year enrolment.

Competition Structure
In support of Long-Term Player Development, "Festivals" are the only form of competition for both male and female players in the U8 age group. “No scores or standings published". 

At this stage, individual player development is paramount. Coaches will create a stimulating learning environment where the atmosphere is "Freedom and Fun”. The philosophy underpinning the festival format is a focus on Fundamentals and emphasize skill development and movement through small sided games (SSGs) that promote a feel for the ball, while teaching basic principles of play within a fun but structured setting.

U8 Festival teams will be permitted to participate in exhibition games against other U8 teams from within Hamilton Wentworth Area. These games can be arranged directly with the "U8 Coordinator" at another member club/ associate academy. 

These Festivals typically involves 20-30 teams playing 2 x 30min games during the festival, and takes place on Saturdays throughout the summer (avoiding Long Weekends when possible). Each game will be played as 2 15-minute halves with a 1–2-minute break between the halves.

Volunteer Coaches are required to have taken the Ontario Soccer Fundamentals course, Respect in Soccer, Making Ethical Decisions and Making Head Way in Soccer, in order to coach within our U8 Festival program. They are also required to have a coach’s book that has been registered and approved by the district or Ontario Soccer Association

Rules
We will use the Ontario Soccer Mini Soccer Rules for our U8 Festivals, with the addition of the "Retreat Line" to assist the defending team to attempt to play out from the back. We will allow players the option to pass or dribble in from the sideline 

More details on the "Retreat Line", it's benefits and application within U8 can be found online HERE