What Is Youth Soccer Like In Canada?
Compared to other countries, the United States is more advanced in youth sports, specifically youth soccer. There are several leagues, teams, divisions, and opportunities for young soccer players to progress their game to the highest level. In contrast, some other places have just begun implementing opportunities for youth players.
In 2017, Canada’s club licensing program was launched, and in 2018 Canada announced the expansion of its youth soccer program. This achievement allowed 39 clubs in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario to compete with Canada National Youth licenses.
Youth Leagues
Although it took Canada some time to catch up, they are providing opportunities to raise the level of youth sports in the country. For example, since the addition of the Alberta Soccer Association, Ontario Soccer, and BC Soccer–that all fall under provincial and territorial member associations–there are now Canadian soccer pathways allowing these organized teams to compete against other associations.
This progress definitely has more room for growth, but the start of leagues and competitions for these young athletes is a good stepping stone.
Youth National Team
The Canadian Women’s National Team is developing some of the best players in the world, and this has encouraged young soccer players to follow in the footsteps of stars like Christine Sinclair, Bianca St-Georges, and youngster Jordyn Huitema. The ultimate goal of many young girls is to have the opportunity to play at the national team level. This goal can be achieved for Canadian youth players with the new improvements to the youth soccer program.
Similar to how scouting is done in the United States, it starts from the bottom up. Players are first evaluated at the club level, where their club coaches will provide feedback to local scouts. Then they will be evaluated by the provincial partners associated with the program.
After the evaluation from the provincial partners, they can then participate in Regional identification camps where they showcase their skills and abilities as players. After their performance, they could be selected for youth national team programs to represent their country.
The advancements and increase in opportunities for youth soccer players in Canada have definitely inspired kids to continue playing and admiring successful Canadian soccer players that have won Olympic Games, World Cup titles and played in the United States for college and in the NWSL. However, a lot of work needs to be done for youth players to receive the best training and club environments to advance their game. Still, time and interest in playing soccer will help the country cater to players’ needs to create a strong soccer culture within Canada.
Featured image via Getty Images
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