Arsenal Club Program

The Arsenal Club Program is the newest addition to our offerings, designed to support player development from an early age. Our goal is to establish club teams that focus on building fundamental skills, confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of teamwork.

The Club Program is intended for players who have a love for soccer and the skill, motivation, and commitment required to compete at a higher level.

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Commitment Expectations

Club teams require a higher level of commitment in terms of effort, attitude, and time. Players can expect a combination of practices, technical training sessions, and games, averaging three to four sessions per week.


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Practice & Game Information

Outdoor 2026 Season

Practices
Team practices are scheduled by the coach and held at local fields.

Games
Matches are played in Edmonton and surrounding areas.
Fort Saskatchewan Soccer is affiliated with Edmonton Minor Soccer Association (EMSA). Game schedules are released by EMSA in mid-to-late April for the full outdoor season.

Tournaments
Teams may choose to participate in tournaments throughout the season. Tournament participation is determined by each team, and any associated registration costs are the responsibility of the team.

Arsenal Club Technical Training

Technical training is provided by the coaching staff and Soccer Elite Academy. Players and coaches work alongside Elite Academy staff to support skill development and progression.

Players may be assigned skill “homework” to complete during practices or on their own time, focusing on individual or team development needs.

Outdoor Academy Training

• Location: Taurus Field
• Duration: Typically 1.5–2 hours
• Schedule: April to June 2026
  Dates and times will be released once confirmed         

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Player Requirements

Practice Gear

Players must wear:

• T-shirt
• Soccer shorts
• Appropriate footwear (indoor shoes or outdoor cleats)
• Shin guards
• Solid black socks that fully cover shin guards

Note: Game jerseys must not be worn during practices.

Game Gear

Players must wear official game jerseys for all matches. Jerseys are provided on loan for the season.

A $100 jersey deposit will be held on the player’s TeamLinkt account and refunded once the jersey is returned in clean, well-maintained condition at the end of the season.

Parent Reminder:
Please wash jerseys, shorts, and socks regularly. Shin guards can be washed and air-dried. Avoid hot dryers, as they may damage jerseys.

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Tryouts & Commitment

Tryout Fee: $15 per player, per season

Players must participate in tryouts to determine tier placement and assess overall fit for a club team.

Players accepted into the Club Program are expected to commit to attending all practices, technical sessions, and games. If your player has a conflicting commitment, please contact the Club Director to discuss options.

Important Tryout Information

• Mandatory Attendance: Players must attend tryouts to be considered for a club team.
• Community Program Registration: Players not selected for a club team who wish to play community soccer must register during the official community registration period.
• Arrive Early: Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tryout time to check in.

Tryout Evaluation Criteria

Players are assessed in two main areas:

1. Soccer IQ & Skill
   Understanding of gameplay, passing, dribbling, and overall technical ability.
2. Attitude & Coachability
   Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and work as part of a team.

Players are scored and ranked using preset evaluation criteria. Due to limited roster spaces, not all players can be accepted.

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2026 Outdoor Fees

Club fees are divided into two components:

1. Administrative Fees (All FSS Members)
   Cover administrative costs, FSMSA fees, and referee fees.
2. Club Fees
   Cover technical providers, additional pitch rentals, and EMSA club player fees.

U12-13 (2012/2013) Boys and Girls

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FAQ – Parent Information

What Is Club Soccer?

Club soccer is the competitive stream of Fort Saskatchewan Soccer (FSS), designed for players seeking a higher level of competition and development.

• Club teams: Tier 1–3
• Community teams: Tier 4–7
• Weekly commitment: Approximately three on-field sessions per week

Why Does FSS Offer a Club Program?

FSS has a long history of club soccer, previously competing in the Tri-County program. In 2023, the club program was relaunched to provide a high-quality local option for competitive players who were leaving the community to play elsewhere.

Why Are Club Fees Higher Than Community Soccer?

Club fees are higher because:

• EMSA requires club fees to be at least 40% higher than community fees
• Additional technical training is included
• Facility and pitch rental costs are higher

These fees support enhanced player development opportunities.

What Is a Technical Provider?

FSS partners with a third-party technical provider that:

• Oversees technical training
• Supports coaches
• Develops age-appropriate training plans

Many technical staff members have played at provincial, national, or international levels.

Why Are There Additional Facility Costs?

Club teams train at multiple locations:

• Outdoor fields (May–September): regular team practices
• Taurus Field (April–July): early-season technical training
• Indoor season: Dow facility and school gyms

All facilities are owned and maintained by the City of Fort Saskatchewan, with rental fees set by the city.

Why Are School Gyms Used?

School gyms provide essential indoor training space, allowing teams to:

• Continue training during winter
• Use futsal and alternative training formats
• Maintain consistent development

How Do Club Tryouts Work?

Player selection is based on:

• Current-season coach evaluations
• On-field tryout assessments

Selections are made collaboratively by Arsenal Club coaches, the Club Director, and an independent third-party assessor to ensure fairness. Evaluation criteria are available upon request.

Why Is There a Tryout Fee?

Tryout fees help cover facility rentals and third-party evaluation costs.

Why Are Parent Coaches Used?

As a developing program, FSS currently relies on parent coaches to keep fees manageable. All parent coaches:

• Meet Alberta Soccer Association (ASA) certification requirements
• Receive mentorship and on-field support from the technical provider

What Training Do Coaches Receive?

• Minimum ASA coaching certifications
• Ongoing technical support
• Club mentorship and development opportunities

Is There Goalkeeper Training?

Yes. Each team designates two goalkeepers who receive position-specific training during technical sessions.

What Tier Will My Player Play In?

Teams declare their tier at the start of the season. Final placement is determined after team formation, player assessments, and consultation with coaching and technical staff.

Unlike community soccer, club teams remain in the same tier for the full season.

Why Am I Asked to Volunteer?

Volunteers help keep registration costs affordable, support sustainability, and enhance the experience for all players.

Why Is There Fundraising?

Mandatory fundraising fees support equipment replacement and pitch rentals. Additional team fundraising may support tournaments, apparel, and team events.

Is Club Soccer Right for My Player?

Club soccer may be a good fit if your player:

• Enjoys competition
• Can commit additional time
• Is eager to develop their skills

Families should expect some involvement in volunteering and fundraising.

When Are Practices and Games?

• Games: Scheduled by EMSA and released before the season
• Technical Training: Scheduled based on facility availability
• Team Practices: Set by individual coaches

Season Length

• Indoor: September to mid-February
• Outdoor: April to late July

Some teams may play longer due to tournaments or postseason play (U13+).

Interested in Coaching?

We are always looking for enthusiastic coaches.
Please contact the Club Director at:
clubdirector@fortsasksoccer.ca