LITTLE SPARKS (U3) PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Players Born in 2024

Little Sparks is a child’s first introduction to Prairie Fire FC. This parent-and-child program is designed to create a fun, comfortable and positive first experience with movement, a soccer ball and being part of a group.

At this age, soccer should not look like formal training. Children learn through imagination, repetition, exploration and play. Little Sparks sessions use simple stories, movement games and ball activities that allow each child to participate alongside a parent or caregiver.

The program is science-informed and aligned with Canada Soccer’s Active Start principles, which emphasize fun, positive reinforcement and the development of basic movement skills.

Format

• Eight-week program
• Once per week
• 30-minute sessions
• Parent or caregiver participation
• Small groups with plenty of space to explore
• Short, play-based activities
• One ball per child whenever possible
• No formal teams, positions, scores or standings

Thirty-minute sessions are appropriate for this age because young children benefit from short activities, frequent changes and opportunities to take breaks. Parents and caregivers provide comfort, encouragement and an active example for their child.

What We’re Developing — The “Why”

Little Sparks is about building a positive relationship with movement and the ball—not teaching tactics or creating finished soccer players.

During the Active Start stage, children develop through active play. Running, stopping, jumping, balancing, kicking and changing direction help build the physical literacy needed to participate confidently in soccer and other activities later in life.

Our goal is for every child to leave the field feeling successful, excited and ready to return.

Little Sparks develops:

• Comfort moving in an organized activity
• Confidence exploring with a parent or caregiver nearby
• General movement and coordination
• Early familiarity with a soccer ball
• Listening and responding to simple cues
• Social comfort around other children
• Curiosity, imagination and creativity
• A positive first connection with soccer

What Coaches Need to Coach

U3 Coaching Behaviours

U3 coaching is about creating an experience, not delivering technical instruction.

Coaches will:

• Welcome every child and parent by name
• Create a safe, friendly and energetic environment
• Use simple stories and themes such as animals, vehicles, space or adventures
• Keep activities very short and change them before children lose interest
• Demonstrate activities instead of giving long explanations
• Use simple cues such as “go,” “stop,” “freeze,” “little touches” and “find your grown-up”
• Encourage parents and caregivers to participate actively
• Allow children to observe before joining when they need extra time
• Celebrate effort, exploration and participation
• Provide one ball per child whenever possible
• Avoid lines, laps, elimination games and complex instructions
• Never pressure a child who needs a break
• Finish with a fun activity that leaves children wanting to return

The coach leads the environment, while the parent or caregiver helps the child feel safe and confident enough to explore.

Parent and Caregiver Role

Parents and caregivers are an important part of Little Sparks.

During each session, they will:

• Participate alongside their child
• Model movement and enthusiasm
• Help their child understand simple activities
• Provide encouragement without pressure
• Allow their child to explore and solve simple movement challenges
• Celebrate effort instead of correcting every action
• Help create a safe and positive environment for everyone

No soccer experience is required. Parents only need to be present, positive and willing to play.

U3 Four Corners of Development

What Little Sparks Is Not

Little Sparks is not traditional team soccer.

At U3, we do not focus on:

• Winning or losing
• Formal games
• Positions or formations
• Passing patterns
• Complex soccer techniques
• Long periods of instruction
• Comparing one child’s ability with another

Every child develops at a different pace. Success may look like kicking the ball, joining one activity, following a simple cue or feeling comfortable enough to move away from their parent for a few moments.

All of those moments matter.

Research and Development Foundations

Little Sparks is informed by early-childhood development, physical-literacy principles and national grassroots guidance.

Canada Soccer — Grassroots and Active Start

Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards
Provides national guidance for creating positive, age-appropriate learning and development environments.

Canada Soccer Grassroots Program Guide
Explains Canada Soccer’s development-first grassroots philosophy and the importance of building a love of soccer and physical activity.

Canada Soccer Long-Term Player Development Guide
Describes Active Start as an opportunity to develop basic movement skills through informal play and positive reinforcement.

Physical Literacy and Early-Childhood Development

Sport for Life — Active Start
Explains how children from birth to age six develop fundamental movement skills through daily active play.

Sport for Life — Physical Literacy
Explores how early movement experiences build the confidence and competence needed to remain active throughout life.

Sport for Life — Long-Term Development Stages
Explains how Active Start and other early development stages create a foundation for lifelong participation.

Grassroots Coaching

UEFA — Grassroots Coaching Tips for Children
Provides guidance for creating fun, child-centred grassroots soccer experiences.

UEFA — Grassroots Football Overview
Highlights safe environments, friendships and positive early experiences as the foundation of a lifelong love for the game.

Where the Fire Begins

Little Sparks is not about how well a child can play soccer. It is about how they feel when they arrive, how much they enjoy moving and whether they leave excited to come back.

This is their first step into Prairie Fire FC.

Play. Explore. Belong.