To our valued FDSA members,
After consideration of parent, player, and coach feedback from the 2022 season, as well as consultation of Long-Term Player Development literature, the Board has approved the following adjustments to the FDSA’s slate of 2023 program:
- Players will no longer be streamed at the U11 level. All U11 players will be registered within the Mini program, which will include one 75-minute training/technical session and one 75-minute game session per week. More information about the U11 Mini program can be found here.
- This change has been adopted in order to increase the program offering for U11 players through participation in our Skill Center. Skill Center will offer players an additional practice each week, as well as some opportunities to travel and play in select games and competitions through the year. We believe that this can allow players to attend a number of Skill Center events that is suitable for them as individuals, from a variety of available options, providing both choice and player development.
- For those players seeking to play more soccer, a U11 age group will be added to our Skill Centre program. This program will provide one additional training session and will also include the formation of Skill Centre teams who will travel to participate in exhibition games throughout New Brunswick.
- The U13 Foundations program will operate the same as the 2022 season, with a minor adjustment pertaining to the league in which the teams will play. U13 Foundations teams will be entered into the Southwest Soccer League (SWSL) instead of the New Brunswick Soccer League (NBSL). This adjustment will minimize the travel required for the players, which is an aspect about which we received much feedback, while maintaining a high level of competition.
- For those players seeking to play more soccer, the U13 Academy program will provide an additional training session, a strength and conditioning session, and will also include the formation of Academy teams who will travel to participate in tournaments (tentatively planned to include a tournament each in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec).
Should you have any questions or concerns about these program adjustments, please do not hesitate to reach out to Barry Morrison, Director of Soccer Development, at bmorrison@fdsa.org.
We are excited about another great season of soccer on the horizon and look forward to seeing you on the pitch!
