U3–U7 | Atléti Start Program

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The Atléti Start Program (U3–U7 children born between 2020 and 2024) is the foundation of Atlético Kingston Football Club’s player development pathway. This stage aligns with Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Standards and Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) model, specifically the Active Start and FUNdamentals stages, where the focus is on building a lifelong love of sport and physical activity.

Our objective is simple: create a fun, safe, and engaging environment where children develop movement skills, confidence with the ball, and a passion for the game that we love!

Program Structure

U3–U4 (born 2024-2023) | Active Start

At this stage, children are introduced to soccer through movement-based games and parent-supported activities that develop basic physical literacy.

Focus areas include:

• Running, jumping, balance, coordination, and agility
• Introduction to the ball through dribbling and simple games
• Social interaction and enjoyment through play
• Building confidence in a positive sport environment

Sessions emphasize free play and exploration, helping children develop comfort with the ball and movement.

U5–U6 (born 2022-2021) | Early FUNdamentals

Players begin to interact more regularly with the ball and develop basic soccer techniques through small-sided activities and guided play.

Key development areas include:

• Ball mastery and dribbling
• Changing direction and protecting the ball
• Simple attacking concepts (moving forward with the ball)
• Learning teamwork and listening to coaches

Players participate in small-sided games (3v3 or 4v4) which maximize touches on the ball and encourage creativity.

U7 (born 2020) | FUNdamentals

At U7, players begin to experience a more structured training and game environment while still prioritizing fun and skill development.

Development focuses include:

• 1v1 attacking and defending
• Passing and receiving
• Basic game awareness
• Confidence in small-sided matches (3v3, 4v4 as they grow)

Players participate in festival-style game days, where teams play multiple short games in a fun and supportive environment.

Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards

Atlético Kingston’s grassroots programs follow national development guidelines designed to support young players.

Key principles include:

• Small-sided games to maximize touches on the ball

• Equal playing time for all players

• No standings or results emphasis at young ages

• Age-appropriate field sizes, balls, and match formats

• Qualified coaches trained in Canada Soccer grassroots methodology

These standards help ensure children develop skill, creativity, and confidence before competition becomes a focus.

Transition to the Atlético Kingston Development Pathway

Following Atléti Start, players progress into the U8–U13 Atlético Kingston Development Program, where training begins to emphasize:

• Individual technical development
• Decision-making in game situations
• 1v1 attacking and defending
• Introduction to team concepts

This progression connects to the broader Atlético Kingston Player Pathway, which includes:

U3–U7 → Atléti Start (Grassroots)

U8–U13 → Development Program (Grassroots)

U14–U17 → Competitive Pathway

U18+ → University, League1 Ontario, and Adult Soccer Opportunities

This structured pathway ensures every player has a place in the game, whether their goal is high performance competition or lifelong participation in soccer.

Program Highlights

U3 (born 2024)

• One session a week, each session is 30 minutes in length
• Parents/guardians play on the field with the child
• All programs are led by certified technical coaching staff

U4-U6 (born 2021 to 2023)

• One session a week, 45 minutes per session
• All programs are led by certified technical coaching staff

U7 (born 2020)

• One session a week, each session is one hour in length
• All programs are led by certified technical coaching staff

For more information about the Grassroots program, please watch the following video.

Grassroots video for parents