LFC Indoor Program 2023-2024

LFC Indoor Program 2023-2024

Senior Soccer & AMSL LFC Competitive Competitive Environment High Emphasis on Technical & Tactical Development Travelling Tournaments Selection based LFC Competitive U13, U15, U17 LSA House U11, U13, U15 & U18 LFC Grassroots Player Centred Philosophy Our emphasis is player development and not results Travelling Tournaments Selection based LSA House Recreational Environment High Percentage of sessions involve a scrimmage No league standings All players welcome to attend, no selection process LFC Developmental U10, U11 & U12 LSA House U7 & U9 Timbits U4, U5, U6 Timbits to U9 Total Player Development, Introduction to the game of soccer Learn to love the ball, All players welcome to join our program.

LFC Development (Grassroots) U10 (2014), U11 (2013) & U12 (2012) We want our players to enjoy their time with us while being challenged in a positive coaching environment and improve themselves as players and young children as they travel through the different stages of their development. All developmental LFC coaches are CSA certified and undertake training with the LSA Technical Director in order to be able to deliver the best sessions for developing players. Parents looking for more of a recreational gameplay environment are asked to register in the LSA House Program. Our philosophy is player centric, meaning: Our emphasis is player development and not results; Advancement development of individual player; team as vehicle only. Emphasis on process in games, including training games. No compromise on playing style, encouraging positive solutions & freedom to play. All teams work from a tailored curriculum provided by our partner Vancouver Whitecaps FC that will provide players with fun, energetic and challenging sessions. At these ages, the primary focus is on developing confident, passionate and ‘game-changers’. This lays the foundation for them to progress in their journey towards maximizing their potential. Our focus will be on delivering the curriculum to work across the four-corner development model - Technical, Tactical, Athletic Development and Mental aspects of the game that are appropriate for these age groups.

LFC Development (Grassroots) U10 (2014), U11 (2013) & U12 (2012) The LFC Development Program provides year-round training and games for committed players. The program serves players aged U10 to U12. Teams play to a tailored curriculum that will provide players with a fun, energetic and competitive environment focused on individual player development. At these ages, the primary focus is to develop technical, confident and passionate young soccer players. While we fully understand how ‘winning’ can positively affect player development, it is a by-product of a solid technical-tactical base and of a club’s player development philosophy. Depending on circumstances, age groups can be made up of either tiered teams or of a player pool system. Both provide our coaching staff the opportunity to move players throughout the year to allow maximum opportunity and ensure players are placed in the right environment to maximize their development. Players can be split and moved through the course of the season based on ability, attitude, commitment to the game and what LFC think is best for the player’s development. Our emphasis is player-centric with development as the number one priority. We focus on the technical, tactical, physical and psychological development of individual players on a pathway towards maximizing their full potential.

LFC Development (Grassroots) Program Outline (U10-U12) Most gamedays for LFC Development teams will be during tournaments and any exhibition games; Long Term Player Development (LTPD) Matrix - No scores, no standings; Program kicks off in October 2023; 4 sessions with The Bridge to work on biomechanics and soccer movement; Coaching Qualifications - Minimum certifications required by the Canada Soccer: Game Leader Respect in Sport Making Ethical Decisions Making Headway Coach Evaluation/Feedback (on going) Fundamentals or Learn to Train Certification Age Group Head Coach evaluated by Technical Director 2 APPROVED TOURNAMENTS: Out of town tournament to be approved by the Technical Director

LFC (U13 ) The LFC Competitive Program provides year-round training and games for players aged 13-19 who aspire to play competitive soccer beyond youth. The LFC teams are made up of squads who compete in certain tiers. Players are selected onto teams based on ability, attitude, commitment to the game and what LFC think is best for the player’s long-term development. Each team will follow curriculum based on the four pillars of the game, technical, tactical, physical and psychological. Where fit the LFC Staff (Coach & TD) reserve the right to move players to other squads or tiers accordingly throughout the season. Our emphasis is player-centric with development the number one priority. We focus on the technical, tactical, physical and psychological development of individual players on a pathway towards maximizing their full potential. Teams in the U10 - U13 will be by birth year. U15 – U17 age groups will be formed in accordance to ASA guidelines, example below: U13 (2011) U15 (2009 & 2010) U17 (2007 & 2008)

LFC Program Outline U13 (2011), U15 (09/2010), U17 (07/08) Program kicks off in October 2023; Coach Evaluation/Feedback (on going); All teams will be made of up to 16 players. All LFC Competitive Coaches are CSA certified and undertake training with the LSA Technical Director; Age Group Head Coach evaluated by Technical Director 10 Sessions with The Bridge Sports Therapy and Training – Strength & Conditioning LFC Evaluations/ Tryouts will be in September 23 – See page 17 for dates and times 2 APPROVED TOURNAMENTS: Out of town tournament to be approved by the Technical Director Possible Local Tournament

LFC Values Every player, coach and manager in LFC is to adhere to the non-playing ‘LFC Values’. These are a set of non-negotiables that allows us to build a culture of respect to ourselves, others and our environment. When as a team or individual at a training facility, tournament venue, hotel or restaurant: - Appropriate LFC clothing only, Clean up after ourselves (dressing rooms & benches), Show good manners and respect at all times (hold doors open for other etc), Respect all officials, committee members, teams, referees & spectators, No phones/game devices allowed at meal times, players are asked to sit with teammates. We should all be proud to represent LSA, LFC & the City of Lethbridge

LFC Practices Practice days will be Tuesdays or Thursdays & Sundays; All LFC teams will be allowed 2 home exhibition games/ season with referees provided; All equipment will be provided for use by LSA; All sessions ran at the Servus Sports Centre; All sessions will be ran by certified LFC coaches, following VWFC curriculum & will be overseen by our Technical Director; All coaches and players must wear their LFC attire for sessions.

Age Groups Age Group Year of Birth Indoor Provincial Competitions U10 2014 No U11 2013 No U12 2012 No U13 2011 U13 T1, T2 U15 2009 & 2010 U15 T1, T2 U17 2007 & 2008 U17 T1, T2

THE BRIDGE SPORTS THERAPY AND TRAINING We have partnered up with The Bridge Sports Therapy and Training to provide us with a program on improving performance, preventing injury and providing injury care as needed to our club. Depending on the team’s age, needs and ideal training location, they will design a specific program to help LFC athletes improve their movement quality, strength, power, speed, agility and quickness. They have a new 7,600 square foot location in east Lethbridge (its just off of Highway 2 and 43 Street) and houses physiotherapy, chiropractic (future), and massage therapists in conjunction with a state-of-the-art performance training centre and highly trained performance staff. We are excited to offer this program to our teams as it is our intention to provide quality, comprehensive treatment and training to our athletes for injury prevention, efficient treatment and overall performance gains.

Player Fees Each player must pay an initial registration fee to the LSA, these payments may be made at the LSA Office located at the Soccer Centre building. Failure to complete payments before deadlines will result in player suspensions. If suspended, a player will not be permitted to practice or compete in any games with the LFC or house league until payment is made. Note: Any tournament in addition to the outlined program must come to the board for approval and will be at the team’s expense. Age Group INDOOR 2023-2024 LFC FEE BRIDGE (10 Sessions) U10 TBD N/A U11 TBD N/A U12 TBD N/A U13 TBD TBD U15 TBD TBD U17 TBD TBD

Lethbridge Whitecaps Academy LSA are a proud technical partner with the Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club. Through our partnership we are able to offer the Lethbridge Whitecaps Academy and Caps to College programs. This is a step on the pathway to Boys MLS Prospects and the Girls Rex Prospects. BMO Academy players earn opportunities to showcase their talent, including events like the High-Potential Player (HPP) program. BMO Academy players also have the opportunity to be invited to the Prospects program training in Vancouver and a connection to the clubs Girls Elite and Boys MLS academies in Vancouver. BMO Academy The BMO Academy is for players aged between 9 years old and 14 years old. The focus of all sessions is providing supplementary individual training to enhance and maximize the players development. All sessions are conducted by nationally qualified staff and follow ‘The Whitecaps Way’ curriculum used throughout all Whitecaps Academy Centres. Caps To College (C2C) The C2C program is for players aged 15 wishing to continue their soccer careers into collegiate environment and beyond. As well as working on the technical aspects of the players game, this program also works on soccer education, fitness, selfpromotion & recruitment. Supported by Whitecaps Manager of Collegiate Transition Ryan Clark, the Lethbridge ‘Caps to College’ (C2C) program provides both players who have graduated from Whitecaps FC Full-time programs and additional invited players with the best opportunity to play in college and university with Whitecaps head coaching staff and college transition experts. People wishing further information please contact: LSA Technical Director Sam Heap([email protected])

Club Fundraising Lethbridge FC is a non-profit organization with fundraising being required for the financial operation of the club. The club mandates that every player/family be committed to fundraising policies and participation in these activities is expected from everyone. We are working on different fundraising opportunities to help keep costs down for all members of the Lethbridge Football Club. We will be asking all Parents, players and coaches to participate with Club Fundraisers brought forth from the club during indoor season.

LFC Evaluations/ Tryouts- Outline Evaluation Sessions are for players in all LFC age groups. During these sessions players are asked to show they have the necessary ability to join a competitive soccer program. From these evaluation sessions (and from information we have on the players throughout the previous seasons) we can place players in the environment we believe suits their current development path, whether that be regards tiering, LFC or LSA House. Squads will be made up of players deemed to be in similar ability level and placed in a tier appropriate to that. Players that are not selected to the LFC program will automatically be placed in our LSA House program.

Evaluation Schedule Will take place at Servus Sports Centre SCHEDULE U10-U12 Boys & Girls EVALUATION SESSIONS SCHEDULE U13-U17 Boys & Girls EVALUATION SESSIONS U10 Boys and Girls (2014) U13 Boys and Girls (2011) Boys - September 11 and September 12 (5:00 -6:00pm Both days) Girls - September 11 and September 12 (6:15 – 7:15pm Both Days) U11 Boys and Girls (2013) Girls - September 13 and September 14 (5:00 – 6:00pm Both Days) U12 Boys and Girls (2012) Girls – September 18 and September 19 (5:00 – 6:00pm Both Days) U15 (2009 & 2010) Boys - September 13 and September 14 (6:15 – 7:15pm Both Days) Boys – September 20 and September 21 (5:00 – 6:00pm Both Days) Boys – September 18 and September 19 (7:30 – 8:30pm Both Days) Girls – September 18 and September 19 (6:15 – 7:15pm Both Days) U17 (2007 & 2008) Boys - September 13 and September 14 (7:30 – 8:30pm Both Days) Girls – September 11 and September 12 (7:30 – 8:30pm Both Days) Boys – September 20 and September 21 (7:30 – 8:30pm Both Days) Girls – September 20 and September 21 (6:15 – 7:15pm Both Days) LFC season to start on October 2023

Kidsport / Canadian Tire Jumpstart Funding KidSport is a national not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to kids aged 18 and under. KidSport Lethbridge & Taber provides financial support up to 300 per child, per calendar year towards sport registration fees. Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a registered charity dedicated to removing financial barriers so kids across Canada have the opportunity to get off the sidelines and get into the game. Jumpstart’s core purpose is to enrich the lives of kids in need through sports and physical activity. Arrangements for applications to KidSport and Jumpstart can be made through the funding organizations websites. https://kidsportcanada.ca/ or https://jumpstart.canadiantire. /