LTPD is a model of athlete development that parallels what doctors and psychologists have long used to better understand human development: as a series of distinct stages, which takes us from infancy through to adulthood. A person's abilities, behaviours and emotions, as well as their understanding of the world around them, varies from stage to stage.

Similarly, experts in sport science have identified seven stages of development — each with its own physical and psychological characteristics —that form the basis for LTPD. When young soccer players are able to train and compete in an environment that's appropriate to their stage of development, they not only perform at their best, they also have more fun.

LTPD is player centered, coach driven, and supported by administration, sports science and sponsors. 

LTPD is designed to facilitate the following:

• promote lifelong enjoyment of physical activity
• provide a structured player development pathway
• describe best practices for player development
• create long term excellence. 

LTPD is a program for soccer player development, training, competition, and recovery based on biological age (i.e. physical maturity) rather than chronological age. It is player centered, coach driven, and administration, sport science, and sponsor supported.

LTPD:
• Eliminates gaps in the player development system.
• Guides planning for optimal athlete performance at all stages.
• Provides a framework for program alignment and integration, from volunteer club coaches to national and professional teams.
• Follows scientific principles and practical coaching experiences.

Benefits for players & parents:
• Better understanding of what makes a good soccer program.
• More players learning at their level and having fun.
• Appropriate game and league structures (e.g. size of balls, goals, field etc.).
• More opportunity for players to realize their athletic potential.
• More coaches who are knowledgeable in leading safe, effective practices.

Benefits for coaches & clubs:
• Information and education on effective coaching and practice methods.
• Guidelines for appropriate game structures.
• Guidelines on appropriate competition levels.
• Established pathways for player development for all levels of ability and ambition.
• Affirmation of best practices for coaches and club administrators.

Benefits for all:
• Competitive behaviour is fostered in players, while over-competitive behaviour is discouraged in adults (e.g. coaches and parents).
• Players, parents, coaches, and administrators understand that players are unique and therefore different in interest and aptitude.
• Players stay involved in the sport throughout their lives (as players, coaches, referees or club administrators).
• Soccer grows, and lifelong wellness is promoted for players of all ages, genders, and levels of ability and disability.

The Canadian Soccer LTPD model, is designed to optimize Canadian excellence and lifelong wellness through soccer. By ensuring fun playing experiences for children, a suitable player development pathway for youth and opportunities for lifelong participation for all players regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, LTPD provides a framework for the growth of the beautiful game in Canada.
 

For resource information on CSA and BC Soccers' LTPD please click on the links below:

Rule: Head Coaches of any youth team shall complete the appropriate Canadian Soccer Association/BC Soccer Association coaching course respective to the age group of the team(s) they are currently coaching. 

Note: compliance with this rule will be as of June 1, 2016. Head Coaches shall comply with this requirement within six (6) months of their Head Coach appointment.

To register for or to learn more about a specific Coaching Course CLICK HERE

RULES FOR PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS (AND OTHER CUP COMPETITIONS) 

Provincial Premier Cup, A Cup, B Cup (Girls), Les Sinnott Memorial Cup (Boys),  Coastal Cup, Interior Play Downs: The head coach must have the following CSA / BC Soccer Coaching certification: SOCCER FOR LIFE

Adult Provincial A Cup: At least one member of the coaching staff must have the SOCCER FOR LIFE for teams entered in the Provincial

Adult U21, Master Classics (men/women +35), Adult Provincial B Cup: No Coaching Certification required

As the governing body for soccer in Canada the Canadian Soccer Association is responsible for training coaches from grassroots to national team level. With the increasing number of players registering with clubs across the country this represents a considerable challenge. In order to meet this challenge the Association has developed a Long Term Player Development (LTPD) Model and tailored the Coach Education Program to this Model. As a result a two-streamed education program (COMMUNITY SPORT and LICENSING STREAMS) have been developed in conjunction with the NCCP and our provincial/territorial partners that we feel will meet the needs of both developing coaches and the sport itself.

On behalf of the Canadian Soccer Association, BC Soccer offers national certification courses within the Community Sport Stream  and the Licensing Stream which are age specific and focus on the Long Term Player Development stages. For more information on the BC Soccer coaching courses and registration, please visit their "Coaching Courses" page.

In addition to this, BC Soccer also delivers free Grassroots (3hr) workshops across British Columbia that is non-certification based but provide coaches with the basic tools and curriculum to coach any stage of development.  For more information, please visit the BC Soccer "Grassroots" page.

If you are inquiring about hosting a Coaching Course please see HERE

Please note: You must be at least 16 year of age to enroll in any of the Coaching Course offerings

ACTIVE START (U6)

At this stage, players should participate in stimulating practices and games that develop basic technical skills in a FUN atmosphere. The emphasis should be movement exercises and games that promote a feel for the ball while teaching basic principles of play within a fun but structured setting. Informal games can be set up at the end of practices or as part of a jamboree mixing exercising and games. Play equal time and try all team positions, including goalkeeper, and equal time should be allotted to practices and games.
 
Pre-requisite: N/A
Course Length: 3.5 hours
Course Fee: FREE
Schedule of Courses and Registration: CLICK HERE
*Please wear suitable clothing to participate in on-field activity.*

FUNDAMENTALS (U7-U8)

At this stage, players should participate in stimulating practices and games that develop basic technical skills in a FUN atmosphere. The emphasis should be movement exercises and games that promote a feel for the ball while teaching basic principles of play within a fun but structured setting. Mini game formats are used, ranging from 3v3 to 5v5 and a basic league schedule can be created but no standings should be kept. All players should play equal time and try all team positions, including goalkeeper, and equal time should be allotted to practices and games.
 
Pre-requisite: N/A
Course Length: 7.5 hours
Course Fee: $40 (plus $4.25 user fee / system processing fee)
Schedule of Courses and Registration: CLICK HERE
*Please wear suitable clothing to participate in on-field activity.*

LEARNING TO TRAIN (U9-U12)

This stage introduces players to disciplined training and begins to develop their understanding of principles of play alongside their skills practice. Repetitions are important to develop technical proficiency, but creating a fun and challenging environment is still paramount to stimulate learning and promote a love of the game. Game formats can range from 6v6 to 8v8 as players advance through this stage, and again a simple league schedule can be created, but no standings should be kept – the emphasis is still FUN. All players play equal time and try all team positions, including goalkeeping, and the training to competition ratio should be 2 to 3 training sessions for every game.
 
Pre-requisite: N/A
Course Length: 14 hours
Course Fee: $72.50 (plus $4.25 user fee / system processing fee)
Schedule of Courses and Registration: CLICK HERE
*Please wear suitable clothing to participate in on-field activity.*

SOCCER FOR LIFE ( U13+)

At this stage, skill training demands and training loads are increased to develop and refine skills and tactics. Tactical awareness becomes an increasingly important facet of training, alongside mental toughness, concentration, and diligence. Elite soccer groups may express interest in recruiting talented young players, but coaches and parents should be careful to recognize and protect the long-term interests of each athlete. Game formats develop from 8v8 to 11v11 (although no 11v11 prior to 13 years of age) as players grow through this stage, and the season moves toward year-round play that includes appropriate rest and recovery periods.
 
Pre-requisite: N/A
Course Length: 14 hours
Course Fee: $145 (plus $4.25 user fee / system processing fee)
Schedule of Courses and Registration: CLICK HERE
*Please wear suitable clothing to participate in on-field activity.*
 

B PRE-TEST ASSESMENT (U13+)

The B Pre-Test is a non-certification course that is a mandatory pre-requisite for any coaches wishing to pursue the Canadian Soccer Association’s B License Program.  The main purpose of this course is to give coaches the proper methodology needed to detect and correct errors in technical development and small-sided game situations.  This course does involve some theory components, but is heavily geared towards the ability of the coach to plan and run effective sessions based on technical and tactical coaching topics. Coaches will undergo two (2) practical assessments of approximately 20 minutes each based on assigned topics.  Successful participants will be eligible to apply for the B License Provincial Course while those not meeting the standard will be required to retake the full course and assessment components.

Pre-requisite: Soccer for Life Trained status
Course Length: 20 hours
Course Fee: $500 (plus $4.25 user fee / system processing fee)
Registration: CLICK HERE
*Please wear suitable clothing to participate in on-field activity.*

B LICENSE PROVINCIAL (U13+)

The B License Provincial focuses on working with high performance youth soccer within the Train to Train Stage of Development. This course involves both theory and practical coaching work. The theory components include: stages of development, methodology of training, session planning and the laws of the game (11-a-side). The practical components are heavily geared towards the ability of the coach to plan and implement effective training sessions based on a variety of technical and tactical coaching topics. Coaches will undergo two (2) practical assessments of approximately 20 minutes each based on assigned topics.  Successful participants will be eligible to apply for the B License National Course while those not meeting the standard will be required to retake the full course and assessment components.

Pre-requisite: Successful pass of B Pre Test
Course Length: 40 hours
Course Fee: $700 (plus $4.25 user fee / system processing fee)
Registration: CLICK HERE
*Please wear suitable clothing to participate in on-field activity.*

B LICENSE NATIONAL (U13+)

Application to the B License National courses held in British Columbia are published annually in January and opens for coaches as soon as the Canadian Soccer Association confirms the dates.  The application deadline closes as of February 15th each year and all applicants are reviewed based on the Selection Criteria (see below).  All coaches will be notified of their status shortly after the deadline date once the selection process has been completed.

As per the Canadian Soccer Association’s guidelines, there are only limited spots reserved for this course for BC resident coaches so in addition to a successful PASS on the B License Provincial course, coaches must complete the selection criteria application form made available at the time the application window opens up.

The Canadian Soccer Association has developed a two (2) stream coaching pathway (Community and Licensing Streams), therefore, priority consideration will be given to coaches who are involved in the *Elite levels of play and where mandatory certification for this level is required in league play.

COMMUNITY SPORT STREAM (GRASSROOTS)    
All youth soccer which is non-professional and non-elite* is defined as grassroots.

LICENSING STREAM (HIGH PERFORMANCE / Elite*)
Elite* play within BC is delivered through Vancouver Whitecaps Academy Program, REX Female Program, BC Soccer High Performance Program and EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League

CANDIDATE SELECTION CRITERIA

• EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League Coaches
• BC Soccer High Performance Program Coaches
• Vancouver Whitecaps Academy Program Coaches
• Canadian Soccer Association Program Coaches   
• BC Soccer’s Contract Facilitators   
• Result of B Provincial Practical Assessments
• BC Soccer’s Member Club Technical Directors
• Other

Course Overview: The B License National License focuses on working with high performance youth athletes within the Train to Train and Train to Compete Stages of Development.  This course involves both theory and practical coaching work.  Coaches will undergo two (2) practical assessments of approximately 25 minutes each based on assigned topics.  Successful participants will be eligible to apply for the A License National Course while those not meeting the standard will be required to retake the full course and assessment components.

Pre-requisite:  Successful pass of ‘B’ Provincial License and approved application though the BC Soccer Development Department
Course Length: 6 days (Residential ONLY - $875 including course fee, meals and accommodations - rate is subject to change
 

A LICENSE NATIONAL (U13+)
 

The CSA 'A' License Program is divided into two annual periods of ten days. Both parts will be conducted as residential courses, approximately twelve months apart, at the National Training Centre in Toronto. Each candidate will be required to complete a limited number of assignments between parts 1 and 2. Both Part 1 and Part 2 will include practical and theoretical aspects of study with the Final Practical assessments being held during Part 2 of the course.

See Canadian Soccer Association website for detailed information www.canadasoccer.com