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U11 PROGRAM OVERVIEW (PLAYERS BORN 2015 & 2016)
The U11 age group marks an important transition in player development. At this stage, players begin to connect their technical skills with decision-making and team concepts while still learning best through play. Weyburn Soccer’s U11 program is science-informed and aligned with Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Standards and the Learn to Train stage, ensuring development remains age-appropriate, engaging, and player-centred.
Training and competition at U11 are designed to challenge players appropriately while continuing to protect enjoyment, confidence, and long-term participation in the game.
PROGRAM OPTIONS
U11 Community Soccer
The U11 Community program is designed for players who want to continue developing their skills and enjoying game play in a supportive environment without increased training frequency or travel demands.
Format – Community
1 training session per week (75 minutes)
1 game day per week
Sessions are game-based and focus on skill development, understanding the game, and building confidence. Game days allow players to apply learning in a positive, development-first environment.
U11 Competitive Soccer (Celtic Program)
The U11 Competitive program is designed for players who are ready for increased training frequency, commitment, and structured competition while still following long-term development principles.
Format – Competitive
2–3 training sessions per week
Participation in the Forge Spring Soccer League
League play across 4 weekends (2 in May, 2 in June)
Additional friendly matches and tournaments may be entered at the discretion of the coaching staff
The Forge Spring Soccer League provides meaningful competition between rural communities, with balanced teams and development prioritized over results.
WHAT WE’RE DEVELOPING (THE “WHY”)
At the U11 Learn to Train stage, Canada Soccer emphasizes:
Strong technical foundations performed at increasing speed
Decision-making and game understanding through small-sided play
Continued development of physical literacy and athletic movement
Confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset
Training sessions are structured to support learning through repetition, variation, and guided discovery rather than early specialization or rigid tactics.
WHAT COACHES NEED TO COACH (U11 COACHING BEHAVIOURS)
U11 coaching focuses on connecting technique to decisions in game-like environments.
Coaches will:
Use small-sided and positional games to teach concepts
Encourage players to read the game and make choices
Reinforce simple team principles: support, width, pressure, recovery
Rotate positions to support overall understanding of the game
Provide feedback that focuses on decision-making and effort
Use games as learning opportunities, not evaluations
U11 FOUR CORNERS OF DEVELOPMENT CHART
| Technical | Physical | Psychological | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passing and receiving under pressure | Speed and agility | Confidence | Team communication |
| First touch and ball control | Coordination and balance | Focus and resilience | Leadership development |
| Dribbling with purpose | Change of direction | Decision-making | Cooperation |
| Shooting technique | Athletic movement skills | Growth mindset | Respect |
| Combination play | Physical literacy continuation | Self-belief | Sportsmanship |
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATIONS (U11 PROGRAM)
The U11 program is grounded in sport science, child development research, and Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Standards. Families interested in learning more about the foundations of our approach can explore the resources below:
Canada Soccer – Learn to Train
https://canadasoccer.com/coach/grassroots/
https://canadasoccer.com/coach/long-term-player-development/
Physical Literacy & Child Development
https://physicalliteracy.ca
https://sportforlife.ca/physical-literacy/
Coaching & Player Learning
https://www.ukcoaching.org/resources/topics/children
https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/football-development/grassroots/