Edmonton Minor Soccer | Programs | EMSA Main

Programs & Benefits

Indoor Benefits

In a city where it’s winter 8 months a year – the benefits of indoor soccer are pretty obvious. The Edmonton area Indoor Soccer Programs have “exploded” over the last few years and as a result many indoor fields have been developed. The Edmonton Soccer Centre West has 4 indoor fields, we have also opened the East and South Soccer centres with 4 fields in each. In addition, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Fort Saskatchewan and most recently St. Albert have also added indoor fields. We have gone from 1 indoor field to 19 fields in less than 20 years – with thousands of interested players and a growing number more every day.

Players from all levels and all ages can play the game. There’s a level for everyone.Games are short and sweet – 1 hour of fast paced non-stop action and you’re done. Not a huge commitment, but what a great workout. Concession, lounge, dressing rooms, and stadium seating for spectators are always available. Best of all – no mosquitos, rain, or snow to ruin the day. Games are always a go! (well almost always – the occasional blizzard has been known to affect us).

Indoor FAQs

Indoor Programs

Minis U5 – U7

6 vs. 6 on 1/2 a field. Field is split with a special net that has goal areas marked. Dozens and dozens of parents and siblings cheering them on in the stands makes this an exciting group to watch! Games for this group usually run Saturday mornings.

Community Teams U9 – U19

6 vs. 6 on a full field. Fast paced like hockey, player changes on the fly, no offside, pass the ball off the boards to a teammate or yourself and shoot to score! No boring moments when the ball goes out of play as most of the time it’s in play. It’s a game like no other. Exciting and fun. Minimum equipment needed – shin pads, indoor shoes, and a water bottle and you’re good to go. Games for this group usually run Saturdays or Sundays.

Competitive and/or Club Teams U9 – U19

6 vs. 6 on a full field. Same game as above except coaches like to set challenges at this level to help kids keep up some of their outdoor game skills too. Benefits of this game for players at this level are numerous. First touch – has to be perfect or the ball can bounce over to the other team. Quick decisions have to be made. Means players have to think about what they’ll do with the ball in advance of receiving it. One touch and two touch game – brilliant at this pace. Passing and give and go’s – accuracy, speed, timing – all of it is challenged that much more with the speed of the indoor game.

Outdoor Programs

When the warm winter does finally hit us, everybody wants to be outside. Outdoor soccer is a great way to get our youth engaged in activities even when school is out. It’s also ensures young people stay active and soak in all that delicious vitamin D.

Community Teams U13 – U19

The community program involves 11 vs. 11 games on a full outdoor field. All players will have equal playing time and will have an opportunity to play all positions. The environment is emphasizes fun and skill development. Coaches will be provided with opportunities for coaching development.

Club teams U9 – U19

Players will participate in motivating practices and games that develop basic technical skills in a fun and structured environment. The main emphasis is on individual development – increasing dribbling skills, using all parts of the foot, changing direction, and improving in passing. Competitive programs involve 7 vs. 7 (U9), 8 vs 8 (U11) and 11 vs 11 (U13-U19) games. Players will have the opportunity to to try different positions based on coaching staff assessment and the needs of each team. The competitive environment is aiming at combining skill development with team growth and individual fun . Coaches will be provided with opportunities for coaching development.