FAQS

CAN PLAYERS ATTEND EVALUATIONS AT DIFFERENT CLUBS?

We encourage players to only attend evaluations at one District club. If players are not asked to register for the club they were evaluated at, they will be placed on a list and the 5 District clubs will look to find a place for the player to play.

WHY ARE WE UNABLE TO ACHIEVE LTPD GOALS IN OUR CURRENT MODEL?

In a two-season model, preparation and rest time is limited. Each year we end one season and rush into the next. Administration effort is doubled in many cases, stretching our resources unreasonably. The need to play the required WYSA games in a two-season model does not provide room for new programming or implementation of Skill Centres. The one-season model provides the ability to implement adequate rest and new programming in the “slower” months. 

MY CHILD IS A MULTI-SPORT ATHLETE, HOW DO THEY PARTICIPATE IN SOCCER AND OTHER ACTIVITIES IN A ONE SEASON MODEL?

An important aspect of the one season model is the ability to minimize conflict with other winter sports activities. A variety of supplemental programming will be provided through the months of November to March. These opportunities will help to alleviate conflicts during the winter months where youth are busy playing multiple sports in one day or having to pick one sport over the other. Our goal is to make soccer more accessible for multi-sport athletes, keeping our families involved in the game longer by proactively addressing the need to choose one sport over others.

MY CHILD HAS ONLY PREVIOUSLY PLAYED HOCKEY IN THE WINTER, WHAT SHOULD WE DO MOVING FORWARD?

We encourage multi-sport athletes and understand that some families have previously opted out of the indoor season. We recommend you attend evaluations in January 2023 as you have in the past. Team training will begin in February on a lighter schedule and pick up in March with the commencement of competition. Clubs are able and willing to accommodate the previous commitments you have made. 

WHY WOULD WE HAVE NO COMPETITION DURING THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST?

This period is a rest break from competition, but it is not intended to be a complete break from the game. The implementation of Canada Soccer Skill Centres during the period will facilitate training, friendly games, tournaments, provincial championship games and camps. Removing the obligation of structured competition play during this will provide a more flexible summer for families.

HOW DO I REGISTER MY CHILD FOR THE ONE SEASON IN 2023 IF THEY ARE A REGISTERED RECREATIONAL PLAYER DURING INDOOR 2022?

We recommend players attend evaluations in January while they continue to participate with their recreational team. If your child is selected for a competitive developmental or premier team, they will join the club in March once their season is complete. Pending further details players may have the ability to participate in double training however club training will not take precedent over their current team. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN RECREATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL/PREMIER?

The major difference between recreational soccer and developmental/premier is the time commitment. The commitment for Recreational soccer is twice a week. A larger time commitment is expected for Developmental & Premier soccer with a minimum of two training sessions and 1 game a week.  Additionally, when taking part in recreational soccer, players are not evaluated, rosters will be balanced for size, and friend requests (must be mutual) will be considered. For Developmental & Premier soccer, players are evaluated and friend requests are not considered.

*Additional information and specifics on Recreational soccer can be found on each of the District Clubs websites.

WILL RECREATIONAL SOCCER BE GOING TO A ONE SEASON FORMAT?

No. Developmental and Premier will be the only groups currently moving forward with the one season model. At this time, Outdoor Recreational soccer will continue to occur in May - June, with playoffs for U13-U18 occurring in September. The indoor Recreational soccer season will continue to occur in October - March. 

WHAT IS DEVELOPMENTAL SOCCER?

Developmental Soccer is for players aged 9 – 12 and is intended for those players who have a passion for the game, are committed to practicing, and want to play in an environment that fosters skill development and achievement, rather than simply winning. Developmental players attend evaluations to be assessed. Players are placed on a team based on their abilities and skill level. Each District Club will look to form balanced Developmental teams.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PREMIER 1 & PREMIER 2?

All 5 District Clubs host both Premier 1 and Premier 2 competitive teams for players between the age of 13 and 17. The 5 District Clubs are holding evaluations in January and will choose the top available 16 to 18 players who will form the Premier 1 team. Depending on the remaining number of interested and qualified players available, the Club will form a Premier 2 team. Once formed, these teams will compete against other Premier 1 and Premier 2 teams within Manitoba.

WILL JANUARY BE THE ONLY EVALUATION PERIOD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?

Yes, there is only 1 evaluation period in January.