U11 PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Players Born in 2016 & 2017

The U11 age group marks an important transition in the Prairie Fire FC player pathway. At this stage, players begin connecting their technical skills with decision-making and simple team concepts while still learning best through play.

Prairie Fire FC’s U11 programming is science-informed and aligned with Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Standards and Learn to Train stage. Training is age-appropriate, engaging and designed to challenge players while protecting their confidence, enjoyment and long-term participation.

At U11, families may choose between two programs: Club or Performance. Players are not required to participate in both. The right pathway depends on the player’s interest, readiness, goals and desired level of commitment.

Program Options

Prairie Fire Club

Play. Grow. Belong.

Prairie Fire Club is for players who want to continue developing their skills and game understanding in a positive, inclusive team environment.

The program provides quality coaching, regular training and meaningful game opportunities without the increased commitment and travel expectations of Performance soccer.

Club Format

• One 60-minute training session per week
• Game Days 
• Game-based and small-sided training
• Technical development connected to game decisions
• Age-appropriate team concepts
• Limited travel expectations

Club is a great fit for new players, returning players, multi-sport athletes and players who want a quality soccer experience with a manageable weekly commitment.

Prairie Fire Performance

Develop Today. Compete Tomorrow. Achieve Together.

Prairie Fire Performance is for players ready for increased training, greater commitment and structured competition.

Players train in a more demanding environment focused on technical ability, game understanding, athletic development and competitive habits. Long-term player development remains the priority over short-term results.

Performance Format

• One to two training sessions per week
• Participation in Leagues
• Additional friendly matches and tournaments may be added
• Increased technical, tactical and athletic development
• Greater attendance and commitment expectations
• Additional travel may be required

Performance is a strong fit for players who love soccer, want additional training and are ready to challenge themselves in a competitive team environment.

Choosing the Right Program

Neither pathway is considered more important than the other. The best program is the one that fits the player.

Club May Be the Right Fit If the Player:

• Is new to soccer or returning to the game
• Wants to improve in a positive team environment
• Participates in several sports or activities
• Prefers a manageable weekly schedule
• Wants to play without increased travel demands
• Enjoys soccer but is not ready for a larger commitment

Performance May Be the Right Fit If the Player:

• Shows a strong interest in soccer
• Wants to train more frequently
• Is ready for increased competition and travel
• Demonstrates effort, focus and coachability
• Can commit consistently to training and games
• Wants to be challenged in a more demanding environment

Players develop at different rates. Choosing Club at U11 does not close the door to future Performance opportunities. Prairie Fire FC supports player movement when a player’s interest, development and readiness change.

What We’re Developing — The “Why”

During the Learn to Train stage, players begin performing technical skills at greater speed and under increasing pressure. They also develop a better understanding of how their decisions affect teammates and the game.

At U11, we are developing:

• Passing and receiving under pressure
• First touch and ball control
• Dribbling with purpose
• Turning and protecting the ball
• Shooting and finishing technique
• Combination play with teammates
• Awareness of space, pressure and support
• Simple attacking and defending principles
• Confidence, resilience and a growth mindset
• Communication and positive team behaviour
• Continued physical literacy and athletic movement

Training uses repetition, variation and guided discovery. Players need opportunities to try, make mistakes, adjust and discover solutions instead of being given instructions for every situation.

What Coaches Need to Coach

U11 Coaching Behaviours

U11 coaching focuses on connecting technique to decisions in realistic game environments.

Coaches will:

• Use small-sided, directional and positional games
• Connect technical skills to game situations
• Encourage players to scan, read the game and make choices
• Ask questions that help players discover solutions
• Reinforce simple team principles such as support, width, depth, pressure and recovery
• Teach players what to do with and without the ball
• Rotate positions to build complete players and overall game understanding
• Provide feedback focused on effort, decisions and improvement
• Allow players to make and learn from mistakes
• Use competition to support development—not as the only measure of success
• Avoid rigid tactics and early positional specialization
• Create an environment where players feel confident taking appropriate risks

U11 Four Corners of Development

Understanding the Game

At U11, players begin learning simple team principles rather than memorizing rigid formations or tactical instructions.

Players will explore:

In Possession

• Creating width and depth
• Supporting the player with the ball
• Finding and using available space
• Playing forward when possible
• Combining with teammates
• Recognizing when to dribble, pass or protect the ball

Out of Possession

• Applying pressure to the ball
• Recovering when possession is lost
• Protecting important central spaces
• Supporting and covering teammates
• Staying connected as a group

Transitions

• Reacting quickly when possession changes
• Securing the ball before attacking
• Looking forward when space is available
• Recovering toward the ball and goal when possession is lost

These principles are taught through games and guided discovery—not lengthy lectures or fixed patterns.

Research and Development Foundations

The Prairie Fire FC U11 program is informed by sport science, child-development principles and Canada Soccer’s national grassroots guidance.

Canada Soccer — Grassroots and Learn to Train

Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards
Provides national standards for creating age-appropriate, player-centred grassroots environments.

Canada Soccer Grassroots Program Guide
Explains Canada Soccer’s development-first philosophy and guidance for grassroots programming.

Canada Soccer Grassroots Coach Education
Explains the Active Start, FUNdamentals and Learn to Train stages of player development.

Physical Literacy and Child Development

Sport for Life — Physical Literacy
Explains how movement competence, confidence and motivation support lifelong participation in sport.

Sport for Life — Long-Term Development
Outlines the developmental stages that build physical literacy and long-term sport participation.

Coaching and Player Learning

UEFA — Grassroots Coaching Tips for Children
Provides child-centred guidance for creating effective grassroots environments.

UEFA — Grassroots Football Overview
Highlights safe environments, friendships and positive early experiences as foundations for lifelong participation.

One Age Group. Two Pathways. One Club.

Whether a player chooses Club or Performance, they remain part of the same Prairie Fire FC family.

Both programs share the same purpose: to help players improve their skills, understand the game, build confidence and become great teammates.

One club. One pathway. Every player.