U9 PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Players Born in 2018 & 2019

The U9 stage is an important part of the Prairie Fire FC player pathway. Players are ready to refine their fundamental skills, begin understanding simple team concepts and make more decisions in game-like environments.

Prairie Fire FC’s U9 programming is science-informed and aligned with Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Standards and FUNdamentals stage. Training is age-appropriate, game-based and designed to challenge players while protecting their confidence and love for soccer.

At U9, 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 learn, improve and enjoy being part of a team in a positive and inclusive environment.

The program provides quality coaching, regular training and meaningful game opportunities while allowing players to balance soccer with other sports, activities and family commitments.

Club Format

• One 60-minute training session per week
• Game days
• Game-based and station-oriented training
• Small-sided activities with plenty of ball contact
• Age-appropriate games focused on learning and enjoyment
• Club is a great fit for new players, returning players, multi-sport athletes and players who want a quality team experience with a manageable weekly commitment.

Prairie Fire Performance

Develop Today. Compete Tomorrow. Achieve Together.

Prairie Fire Performance is for players who are ready for increased training, structured competition and a greater commitment to their development.

The program provides a more demanding environment while continuing to prioritize long-term development over short-term results. Players are expected to attend consistently, bring a strong work ethic and be willing to learn.

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 develop skills in a positive team environment
• Participates in several sports or activities
• Prefers a manageable weekly schedule
• Wants to play without increased travel demands
• Is still building confidence and interest in the game

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 U9 does not close the door to future Performance opportunities. Prairie Fire FC supports player movement when their interest, development and readiness change.

What We’re Developing — The “Why”

Canada Soccer’s FUNdamentals stage emphasizes continued physical-literacy development, strong technical foundations and decision-making through small-sided games.

At U9, we are developing:

• Confidence and comfort with the ball
• Dribbling in different directions and at different speeds
• Passing and receiving with purpose
• Turning, shielding and protecting the ball
• Shooting and finishing technique
• Awareness of space, teammates and opponents
• Simple attacking and defending decisions
• Creativity and problem-solving
• Communication and teamwork
• A lasting enjoyment of soccer

Training should challenge players without removing their freedom to experiment, make mistakes and discover solutions.

What Coaches Need to Coach

U9 Coaching Behaviours

U9 coaching focuses on teaching the game through play—not controlling every action from the sideline.

Coaches will:

• Use game-based and small-sided activities
• Maximize time with the ball and minimize standing in lines
• Encourage players to solve problems instead of always providing the answer
• Ask simple questions such as “Where is the space?” and “How can you help?”
• Use clear cues such as “find space,” “support,” “pressure,” “turn” and “protect”
• Rotate positions and roles to develop well-rounded players
• Create opportunities for attacking and defending
• Provide feedback based on effort, decisions and improvement
• Allow players to make mistakes without fear
• Use competition to support learning—not as the only measure of success
• Keep results in perspective and prioritize long-term development

U9 Four Corners of Development

Research and Development Foundations

The Prairie Fire FC U9 program is informed by sport science, child-development principles and Canada Soccer’s national grassroots guidance.

Canada Soccer — Grassroots and FUNdamentals

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 Through Play

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

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 grow in confidence, develop their skills, enjoy the game and become great teammates.

One club. One pathway. Every player.