New to Soccer?
Welcome to Cowichan Soccer!
If this is your family’s first time playing youth soccer, this page covers the basics — what to expect, how we keep players safe, and where to get help.
New: Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards
As part of the rollout of the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards, you may begin to hear more about open rosters and what they mean for your child’s soccer experience.
We want to take a moment to clearly explain what this looks like and why this change is being made.
What are open rosters?
In age groups U13 and younger, teams are no longer permanently set for the entire season. Players may move between training groups or game environments within their club based on their development and readiness for challenge.
This does not mean teams no longer exist.
Players will still be part of a team environment and will typically train and play with a consistent group. However, coaches and Technical Directors now have the flexibility to make adjustments when it supports a player’s development.
Why is this important?
Children develop at different rates. Development is not always a straight line, and players benefit most when they are placed in environments that are both challenging and supportive.
Open rosters allow coaches to:
- Provide the right level of challenge
- Support confidence and enjoyment
- Adjust environments as players grow and change throughout the season
What does this mean for your child?
At times, players may have opportunities to move between groups. This is a normal and expected part of the process and is always done with development in mind.
Movement between groups is not a promotion or demotion. It simply allows coaches to place players where they can continue to learn, build confidence, and enjoy the game.
What will this look like across clubs?
Clubs may organize training slightly differently (using balanced teams, tiered groups, or a combination of both), but all clubs are following the same Grassroots Standards.
This ensures that, regardless of club structure, decisions are based on appropriate challenge and long-term development — not rankings or labels.
Why this approach matters long term
Players develop best when they are:
- Challenged enough to improve
- Confident enough to keep trying
- Supported enough to enjoy the process
By creating flexible environments, open rosters help players:
- Build stronger confidence
- Stay engaged in the game
- Continue developing their skills
- Enjoy soccer for longer
Our goal is to support each player in reaching their potential while continuing to have a positive experience in the game.
We understand that this is a change, and we will continue to provide information over the coming weeks to help families better understand what this looks like on and off the field.
What to Expect in Youth Soccer
Our youth programs are designed to be:
- Fun and inclusive
- Age-appropriate
- Focused on development, not just winning
Most youth players can expect:
- 1–2 practices per week
- 1 game per week
- A season running from September - March
No previous soccer experience is needed.
See Season Info & Fees and Schedules for details.
How Games Work
Younger age groups play small-sided games:
- Fewer players on the field
- Smaller field sizes
- More touches on the ball
- More involvement for every child
This approach is recommended by Canada Soccer and helps players learn faster while having more fun.
Small-Sided Game Rules (PDF)
Player & Parent Expectations
We want soccer to be fun, safe, and respectful.
Players are expected to:
- Be respectful to teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents
- Try their best and have fun
- Follow the rules of the game
Player Code of Conduct (PDF)
Parents and guardians are expected to:
- Support all players and coaches positively
- Respect referees and volunteers
- Help create a safe, welcoming environment on and off the field
Parent Code of Conduct (PDF)
Player Safety
Your child’s safety and well-being are extremely important to us.
Cowichan Soccer follows Canada Soccer Safe Sport guidelines, including:
- Respectful behavior standards
- Appropriate supervision (Rule of Two)
- Safe, respectful environments for all players
Helpful resources:
- Canada Soccer Safe Sport Guidelines
- Rule of Two Overview
Safe Sport Flag Tool
(how to report concerns)
Reporting Concerns
If you ever have a concern about:
- Player safety
- Inappropriate behavior
- Bullying or misconduct
Please know that:
- Concerns are taken seriously
- Reporting is confidential
- You will be supported
How to Report Inappropriate Conduct
Reporting Child Abuse & Misconduct
If you’re unsure whether something should be reported, it’s always okay to ask.
Equipment
Most players need:
- Soccer cleats (outdoor)
- Shin guards
- A water bottle
Team jerseys are provided by the club.
Your coach will share details once teams are formed.
Still Have Questions?
Check out our FAQs
Visit Season Info & Fees
Or Contact Us — we’re happy to help
We’re excited to have your family be part of Cowichan Soccer 
We would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, the traditional territory of the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) Tribes.