Winter Programs - U8-U11 Skill Centre

Halifax City Soccer Club

Skill Centre Program (U8-U11)

Program Overview

The Halifax City Soccer Club Skill Centre is designed in alignment with Canada Soccer’s Skill Centre model. It provides players with an age-appropriate, professional training environment focused on developing technical ability, game understanding, and a love of the game.

This program is for motivated players who want to train and play in a structured pathway that prepares them for future competitive opportunities.

Age Groups:

• U8: Born in 2018

• U9: Born in 2017

• U10: Born in 2016

• U11: Born in 2015

Parent/Guardian Role: Supportive from the sidelines; players participate independently with their training groups and coaches.

Duration: 18 weeks total 

Cost Options:

• U8/U9: $525 (Additional $50 if Uniform is required)

• U10/U11: $550 (Additional $50 if Uniform is required)

*Returning players are expected to use their uniform from the previous season unless damaged or outgrown

Registration Fee Includes:

• Club membership

• Governing body fees (including insurance)

• Field Rental

• Festival Entry Fees & Referee Fees

• Coach Support and Education Costs

• Access to club resources and development pathway

Program Dates & Location

• Season: October 20, 2025 - March 7, 2026

• Location: BMO Soccer Centre, Sacred Heart School of Halifax, East Coast Varsity Dome (Festivals)

Tentative Schedule (Wednesdays @ BMO Soccer Centre, Sundays @ Sacred Heart School of Halifax):

• U8 Boys: Wednesdays @ 6:00 pm, Saturdays @ 1:00 pm Match Day = Sunday

• U9 Boys: Wednesdays @ 6:00 pm, Saturdays @ 2:00 pm Match Day = Sunday 

• U10 Boys: Wednesdays @ 6:00 pm, Sundays @ 1:00 pm or 2:00pm  Match Day = Saturday

• U11 Boys: Wednesdays @ 6:00 pm, Sundays @ 3:00 pm or 4:00pm Match Day = Saturday

• U8 Girls: Wednesdays @ 5:00 pm, Saturdays @ 11:00 am   Match Day = Sunday

• U9 Girls: Wednesdays @ 5:00 pm, Saturdays @ 12:00 pm   Match Day = Sunday

• U10 & U11 Girls: Wednesdays @ 5:00 pm, Sundays @ 1:00 pm or 2:00 pm Match Day = Saturday

Coaching Standards

All coaches in the Skill Centre are certified in line with Canada Soccer and Soccer Nova Scotia requirements, ensuring a high-quality training environment. Standards include:

• Respect in Sport certification

• Ethical decision-making training

• Valid police checks

• Canada Soccer Skill Centre methodology training

This ensures a safe, supportive, and development-focused environment that follows national best practices.

Program Focus

• Technical Development: ball mastery, dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting

• Tactical Awareness: learning positioning, spacing, and decision-making in small-sided games

• Game Play: regular small-sided games and festival-style play to maximize touches

• Player Pathway: preparing players for competitive play (AA, AAA, and beyond)

• Holistic Growth: building confidence, resilience, teamwork, and love for the game

Communication & Scheduling

The program uses the Spond App to manage schedules, notifications, and updates. Families will receive a unique link to join prior to the start of the season.

Parent Orientation

Before the season begins, parents/guardians will receive an online presentation introducing:

• Club values and philosophy

• The Halifax City SC development pathway

• Safe sport guidelines and requirements

• Club code of conduct

Key Reminders

• Sessions are designed for player development, not standings or scores.

• Parent encouragement is vital to supporting player confidence and long-term growth.