OTTAWA ROYALS TRANSITION PROGRAM

In order to facilitate the transition between House League and Competitive soccer, the Ottawa Royals Soccer Club has established an ongoing program that identifies the most promising players at the U7, U8, and U9 levels (both girls and boys) and starts to organize and prepare them for the move to a more competitive environment.

The program works by allowing talented players to play in a semi-competitive environment before starting their competitive careers at the U9 level.

SPRING ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE

The spring assessment schedule can be found in the TRYOUTS section.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

One program cycle is summarized below:

1. LATE SUMMER/FALL - The most promising U7 and U8 House League players are identified and asked to join the program.

2. WINTER - Program players practice together over the winter. Sessions will be limited to 20 players per group (U8 Boys, U9 Boys, U8 Girls, U9 Girls).

3. SPRING/SUMMER - The summer teams are formed.

SUMMER TEAM FORMATION

Teams at both the U8 and U9 levels will be formed using both Transition Program players and walk-on players. Players will participate in tryout sessions in the spring and will be selected based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, skill, attitude, and willingness to learn. Participation in the winter portion of the program does not guarantee a place on a summer team. Both the boys and girls teams will be formed as outlined below. The number of teams at each level will depend on the number of players.

U8 Select - The goal of the U8 Select team(s) is to introduce players to more focused practice sessions, familiarize them with the laws of the game, and get them accustomed to a more challenging game environment. Player development and game awareness will be emphasized over team results (wins and losses). The Selects will play exhibition games against other teams and play in tournaments at the U9 level. The Selects would also provide "call-ups" to the U9 team(s) when necessary.

U9 Competitive - The goal of the U9 Competitive team(s) is to build on what the players have already learned and further develop their game awareness and experience. As with the U8 Selects, player development and game awareness will be emphasized over team results.

COACHING DEVELOPMENT

In addition to providing development for the players, the Transition Program will provide coaching development for coaches who are willng and able to move from House League to Competitive. As the program moves along, new coaches will be mentored and will be able to learn from the more experienced coaches who came before them.

QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

If you have any questions or comments, you can contact:

  David Faguy - Transition Program Coordinator (Boys)
  dfaguy@nrcan.gc.ca

  Neil Carroll - Transition Program Coordinator (Girls)
  njcarroll@hotmail.com