Future STARS! Soccer Programs for Preschoolers*

Final Post...

2010-11-29T13:29:00.000-06:00

For everyone that loved Future Stars Soccer...it has a new home. Go to www.icanplaysports.ca for information and registration details.

Thanks for a GREAT season!

2010-09-29T06:42:00.000-06:00

Thank you STARS! for a great fall soccer season (in spite of the questionable weather!). You are all shooting off into the soccer universe at light speed!

The next edition of Future STARS! Soccer is a bit uncertain as we have yet to secure a facility that will allow us to run a winter session. Full details and online registration information will be posted to the FS! home page at http://www.futurestarssoccer.ca/ as soon as it is available. If anyone has any leads on a suitable gym or other sports facility that might work, please pass on the tip!

Enjoy the rest of this great Autumn weather (finally!) and keep shooting for the soccer STARS!

Tuesday FS! Soccer CANCELLED AGAIN....

2010-09-21T15:25:00.001-06:00

Mother nature is not smiling down on our Tuesday practice times this session! The fields are again cancelled due to wet conditions so no practice tonight.

HOWEVER, the forecast is calling for sun and warmer temperatures beginning Thursday. I know we can hold them to this so our plan is to get our remaining practices in as follows:

Thursday, September 23rd, 6pm at Les Sherman Park
Saturday, September 25th, 10am at Les Sherman Park
Tuesday, September 28th, 6pm at Les Sherman Park

On Thursday, please look for us in the green space adjacent to the main field as there may be another group on the soccer field itself. Also, if any of the foregoing dates are cancelled due to weather we will just carry on into the first week of October until we get all scheduled practices in.

FS! Soccer Saturday

2010-09-17T07:05:00.000-06:00

The forecast is for cool but dry, so we are going to try again to get a practice in on Saturday this week. Practice #4 will go:

Saturday, September 18th, 9am at Les Sherman Park

See you there!

Soccer CANCELLED AGAIN - Tues, Sept 14th

2010-09-14T14:49:00.002-06:00

I am sorry to say, but expect it will come as no surprise to most, that soccer is again cancelled due to the weather conditions. While the City has allowed the field to be used at the coaches' discretion, I have just been outside and do not think it would be much fun for anyone to go ahead in the rain.

As the weather permits, we will be making alternate arrangements to make up the dates missed outdoors. Please watch your email and this blog for updates as we may get some rescheduled dates on short notice and at times and locations outside of what we originally anticipated. If it becomes necessary, we will move some sessions indoors but hopefully it won't come to that.

Stay tuned....

Soccer CANCELLED for Sat, Sep 11th

2010-09-11T07:47:00.000-06:00

Sorry, but our field permit has not been reinstated for Les Sherman Park this morning. The ground is just too wet to play soccer safely and without damaging the turf. We will look to, again, reschedule this practice to a later (hopefully drier) date.

See you on Tuesday!

MakeUp Practice - Sat. Sept 11th at 9am

2010-09-10T08:51:00.003-06:00

Weather and field condition permitting, we will go ahead with a make-up practice to replace Tuesday this Saturday, September 11th, 9am at Les Sherman Park.

Please check back to this site to confirm that the field is open before heading out Saturday morning. The blog will be updated to confirm the status, either way, by 8am.

NO PRACTICE SEPTEMBER 7!

2010-09-07T15:11:00.002-06:00

The City field permits for today have been cancelled due to wet field conditions. Please see the City's website here for details.

Therefore, there will be no FS! practice on Tuesday, September 7th. SORRY!

We are tentatively planning to schedule a make-up practice for Saturday, September 11th at 9am at Les Sherman Field. Once the coaches' availability is confirmed a follow up notice will be posted here.

Fall Session Blasts Off!

2010-08-18T20:30:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all the STARS! for a great first week of practice. It is always difficult to get all the information out to the "Big People" while the STARS! are set and anxious to play. So, this post provides just a few more details about the format of our program that you may find helpful:

· Practice Time – We get access to the field about 10 minutes prior to the start time noted on your schedule. STARS! are welcome to have some free ‘kick about’ time during this period while the coaches are setting up (which usually takes about 5-10 minutes). We will start practice as soon as all the equipment is in place. Please be ready to play!

· Curriculum – FS! Soccer is a skill development program NOT a soccer league. Sessions are activity based and follow the guidelines of the Active Start Stage of both Sport Canada’s and the Canadian Soccer Association’s Long Term Athlete Development Model. The primary objective of the Active Start Stage (ages 0-6 years) is for the STARS! to learn fundamental movements and link them together into play. One activity each week is devoted to a gross motor skill that is universal to athletic activity and general physical fitness (i.e., running, jumping, twisting, balance). Quasars! get to test their skills at the end of each practice in a 1 vs. 1 “competitive match”. Pulsars! will spend about one-third of each practice testing their skills in a 3 a-side micro-soccer game (sometimes 4 vs. 4). This format gives them multiple opportunities to touch the ball and naturally creates the triangle formation of players on the field which is the basic shape of the game of soccer. Having no goalkeepers in either format allows for lots of celebration!

· Organization – Routine is important for this level. You will find each practice follows the same basic format with a different theme each week intended to engage the STARS’ imagination. Groups are organized primarily on chronological age with a typical ratio of 1 coach for every 10 STARS! for the Quasars! and 1:8 for the Pulsars! In the Quasars! teams, we do encourage STARS! to stay with their group so that they get to try all of the various activities. However, the main goal is for your STAR! to have a positive introduction to soccer. If that means he/she spends the entire session “kicking about” with mom/dad or gravitates to one activity over another, GO WITH IT!

· Parent & Tot Soccer – Each Quasar! must have a parent/guardian with them on the field who is actively involved in the practice. Parents often serve as partners in activities and always act as “encouragers” to get their STAR! involved. Early on and often for the youngest STARS!, parents NEED to go so far as to play hand-in-hand with their STAR! as a team, particularly in the 1 vs. 1 match. As the STARS! get more comfortable and as the activities allow, encourage your STAR! to participate with increasing independence.

· Progression – We hope all of our PULSARS! will graduate on to organized league and team play with a solid foundation of basic soccer skills. The Regina Soccer Association operates on a club based (zoned) structure and offers competition suited to the under 8 age group. You can find information about the various leagues and clubs at http://www.reginasoccer.com/ or ask any one of our FS! Coaches and they can point you in the right direction.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Spring Session - Photography Reminder

2010-06-15T05:08:00.001-06:00

For those that pre-ordered a photo collector card of their STAR! with your registration, please remember to email the photographer with your image selection so that he can arrange to get your STAR's photo out to you.

The images are placed on the photographer's website for viewing at http://www.sportsshooter.ca/. You can access the galleries by clicking the link here or via the link on the FS! homepage. Once on the Sports Shooter site you can find the FS! Galleries by clicking on the Future STARS Soccer link.

Once you find a photo in the galleries, CONTACT THE PHOTOGRAPHER DIRECTLY and he will work his magic to print and arrange delivery your collector card.

FRIDAY Wind-Up Moved Indoors!

2010-06-10T09:37:00.002-06:00

Given the forecast for rain, tomorrow's Windup for the Friday group will now be located indoors at the South Leisure Gymnasium. The start time will also be bumped up to 9:15am to ensure we have everything wrapped up by 10am.

NO PRACTICE FRIDAY, JUNE 4th!

2010-06-04T07:46:00.002-06:00

City fields remain closed so no practice Friday morning. Sorry!

Our final practice for the Friday groups - GAME DAY! - will be next Friday, June 11th, 9:30am at Lakewood Field.

NO PRACTICE THURSDAY, JUNE 3RD!

2010-06-03T15:22:00.003-06:00

Due to the rain earlier today, the City has cancelled the field permits for today. (http://www.regina.ca/Page1030.aspx)

Unfortunately, this means we will not be able to go ahead with the makeup practice this evening.

Week #7 was just not meant to be for this group. This is the first time we have ever had to outright cancel a Future STARS! practice but the schedule this year and other commitments of our coaches just will not allow us to get this one in. Sorry!

See you at our Saturday groups' GAME DAY on Saturday, June 5th at the usual time at Lakewood Field. Please, cross your fingers for no rain!

Make up Date for Saturday, May 29th Practices

2010-06-01T07:18:00.002-06:00

Notwithstanding that the forecast is again for rain, we will try to have a practice to makeup for last Saturday on Thursday this week. However, please note the change of location. The details are as follows:

Date: Thursday, June 3rd
Time: Quasars (Orange Team – 3 & 4 year olds) – 6pm to 6:30pm
Pulsars (Green Team – 5 & 6 year olds) – 6:45pm to 7:30pm
Field: Westhill Park Greenspace (just south of Sherwood Drive, behind the Westhill Park Baptist Church which is on Doiron St)

If Thursday does get rained out, unfortunately, the practice will not be rescheduled.

Saturday, June 5th will be our final practice – GAME DAY!

NO PRACTICES SATURDAY, MAY 29TH!

2010-05-29T06:32:00.003-06:00

The City field permits for today are cancelled due to wet field conditions.

Therefore, there will be no FS! practice on Saturday, May 29th. SORRY!

We will determine whether or not the practice can be rescheduled to a later date based on field and coaches' availability and let you know as soon as possible.

NO PRACTICES FRIDAY, MAY 28th!

2010-05-27T16:09:00.002-06:00

The City has cancelled all field permits for today and will not be reassessing the fields until after 9am tomorrow. Lakewood Field was pretty saturated already on Wednesday and it has rained considerably since then so it is extremely unlikely the field would be re-opened in any event.

Therefore, there will be no FS! practice on Friday morning. SORRY!

We will determine whether or not the practice can be rescheduled to a later date based on field and coaches' availability and let you know as soon as possible.

Photography Buttons

2010-05-20T09:34:00.003-06:00

If you have pre-ordered a photograph PLEASE remember to wear your blue "Sportsshooter" button to upcoming practices. This is how the Photographers identify who to focus their camera lens on during the practices. Rob and Devona try their absolute best to get an action shot of everyone who has ordered a photo, but need your assistance in ensuring your STAR! has his/her button on. THANKS!

Soccer Field Road Restrictions

2010-05-12T06:04:00.001-06:00

Just a heads up for you on your way out to soccer practices at Lakewood Field – The south section of Wellband Drive (which is the street that Lakewood Field is on) is closed for resurfacing. The North section and Wadge Street are open but traffic is restricted. Please give yourself some extra time as you may need to park a block or two a way and walk in.

Make Up Practice June 9th and May 12th Portraits

2010-05-10T13:59:00.005-06:00

The forecast for this week is favourable for soccer - hooray! Assuming all goes as hoped, practices scheduled for Wed. May 12th will go ahead.

May 5th Rescheduled:
We will add one additional practice session on to make up for the one missed last week. Please add Wed, June 9th at 6:10pm to your calendar - same location, Lakewood Field.

Portraits Rescheduled:
To those of you that have ordered photos, the portrait session scheduled for last week will also be this week, May 12th. Photographer Rob will be set up at the field at 5:45pm. Look for him off to the far corner of the soccer pitch, closest to the lake. As per the previous email you received, please ensure your STAR gets a portrait shot taken AND collects a blue button to wear during practices so that Rob knows who to focus his lens on for the action shots.

Fields Are Open Again!

2010-05-07T15:37:00.002-06:00

The City has reinstated all field permits so our practices scheduled for Saturday, May 8th at Lakewood Park will go ahead as scheduled:

Quasars! (3 & 4 year olds) - 9:15am
Pulsars! (5 & 6 year olds ) - 10:00am

See you on the pitch!

NO PRACTICES FRIDAY, MAY 7TH!

2010-05-06T15:30:00.001-06:00

The City has cancelled all field permits for today and will not be reassessing the fields until after 9am tomorrow. Therefore, because of the unlikelihood that our permit will be in effect for the field, there will be no FS! practice on Friday morning.

We will determine whether or not the practice can be rescheduled to a later date based on field and coaches' availability and let you know as soon as possible. At this point, the most likely scenario would be that we will simply add an extra week on so that our final practice will be Friday, June 4th (hopefully by June the snow will be gone!)

NO PRACTICE TONIGHT

2010-05-05T15:13:00.001-06:00

The City has cancelled all field permits for tonight - so no FS! practices this evening. We will attempt to reschedule the session, if possible, to another date.

Saturday Pulsars Start Time

2010-04-13T06:52:00.001-06:00

There was a misprint on the Spring Schedule. The Saturday Pulsars (5 & 6 year olds) group will start as close to 10am as we can get the field set, rather than 10:15am as noted on the schedule page.

Spring Session Kicks Off....

2010-04-12T06:10:00.003-06:00

Just a reminder that the 2010 SPRING session of Future STARS! Soccer begins this week.

The first practices kick off:

FRIDAY, APRIL 9th
9:30am for Quasars (3 & 4 year old group)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14th
6:10PM for Quasars (3 & 4 year old group)
6:10PM for Pulsars (5 & 6 year old group)

SATURDAY, APRIL 17th
9:15am for Quasars (3 & 4 year old group)
10am for Pulsars (5 & 6 year old group)

Until May 1st, all spring practices are at the Regina Soccer Centre at Credit Union Eventplex (on the Evraz Place exhibition grounds). The best access to the soccer facility is from the Elphinstone Street or Princess Street entrances.

Please arrive at least 20 minutes early the first week to collect your registration package (t-shirt/ball/receipt).

Please be sure to wear your FS! t-shirt, shorts/sweats, SHINGUARDS and clean soccer/running shoes. AND DON'T FORGET A WATER BOTTLE and your SOCCER BALL (if you are a new STAR you will get your ball and t-shirt at the first practice).

If you still need them, child size, sock-in shin guards will be available at the field for $10.

REMEMBER! Quasars! is a Parent/Tot program - on field participation by a parent/guardian is REQUIRED for each Quasar STAR!

P.S. For those of you that have ordered collector card photographs, details will follow in a separate email.

Communication to Spring Registrants

2010-04-05T15:04:00.003-06:00

Please ensure that Future STARS! is recorded as a safe sender in your email system. Any field changes, weather cancellations or other information about the spring session will be sent out by email. Because the emails usually go to multiple recipients, many email filters will automatically send the messages to your junk folder by default. This may cause you to miss important notices about your program.

Spring Session is FULL!!

2010-03-31T20:49:00.002-06:00

Thank you!

The response to our spring session has been overwhelming to say the least. Our online registration system was over capacity and all of our programs were completely full within 5 minutes of the link being posted.

Future STARS! is a small, volunteer run program that seems to now have far more demand than resources.

We appreciate your understanding and sincerely apologize to those of you that were disappointed not to be able to get in to the program.

I would also direct you to another option that might be of interest to you. The Regina Soccer Association offers a league based program for the under 6 age group (children born 2004 and 2005). You can find more information at www.reginasoccer.com.

2010 Spring Registration Update

2010-03-29T10:20:00.002-06:00

We are able to confirm that Saturday classes will be offered for the Spring Session.

We are also able to confirm that the Friday morning class received very positive response and is going ahead as well. Those who have pre-registered by email will be contacted with details for finalizing their registration. That class is completely full at this time.

Finally, based on coaching and facility time available, some class times have been changed slightly from what was originally proposed. Please note the following schedule:

Session #1 - Quasars (3 & 4 year olds) - Wednesdays at 6:10pm
Session #2 - Pulsars (5 & 6 year olds) - Wednesdays at 6:10pm *revised
Session #3 - Quasars (3 & 4 year olds) - Fridays at 9:30am
Session #4 - Quasars (3 & 4 year olds) - Saturdays at 9:15am *revised
Session #5 - Pulsars (5 & 6 year olds) - Saturdays at 10:00am *revised

Online registration for all sessions (other than #3 Fridays) opens Wed., March 31st at 6pm. The link to the online registration system will be posted on our main website at 6pm (www.futurestarssoccer.ca).

2010 Spring Registration Information

2010-03-15T16:11:00.004-06:00

Online registration for the 2010 Spring Session of Future STARS! Soccer will open Wednesday, March 31st at 6pm. Registrations, including payment, will be accepted online only. The registration link will be found on our home page on the evening of March 31st.

Detailed information regarding the spring program offering is available here. Practice day options include: Wednesday evenings, Friday -mornings and Saturday mornings (although Saturday practices remain tentative pending confirmation of coaches).

NEW this session! For the first time, Future STARS! is offering a weekday morning practice time for the Quasars! (3 & 4 year old group) – Fridays at 9:30am. To assess whether there is sufficient interest in this time slot we would like to pre-register interested participants. Please reply by email (prior to March 25th) if you have a child that would like to register in this group.

PLEASE let us know if you wish to be removed from our distribution list.

Spring Information

Call for Coaches

2010-03-10T18:43:00.001-06:00

Future STARS! Soccer is looking to add enthusiastic volunteers (ages 14-adult) to our coaching staff for the 2010 Spring Session.

NO EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED
Training and detailed practice plans are provided
Time commitment is only one hour per week for 8 weeks (April 14 – June 5)

A playful, outgoing spirit, an ability to interact well with children, and a little patience are the only real requirements

Youth helpers (14 years +) and adult coaches (18 years +) are required to ensure as few kids as possible are turned away on registration night. If you or someone you know might be interested in helping, please reply to this email as soon as possible.

Online Registration for the Spring Session will open March 31st at 6pm. An email reminder with reference to the details for the spring programming will be delivered the week of March 15th. Without new coaches, the program offering will be very limited this season.

We need to hear from YOU!

Spring Registration

2010-02-26T13:26:00.002-06:00

Information regarding the upcoming spring session will be available and posted to our main website the week of March 15th.

As it has in the past, we are tentatively planning for the spring session to begin indoors in mid-April, move outdoors in May and wind up by the first or second week of June.

While we cannot confirm practice days until field and facility permits are issued by the City (sometime in March), we would expect to be able to offer programming on Saturday mornings and/or Mon/Tues/Wed evenings depending on the field times we are assigned and the number of volunteer coaches we have signed up.

If you are already in our database, expect to receive an email reminder once the details are available.

No Practice February 16th

2010-02-14T10:58:00.003-06:00

Please note that, as per your schedule, there is no soccer practice on Tuesday this week as the gym is unavailable. See you back on February 23rd.

Winter Session - Photography Information

2010-02-08T16:45:00.002-06:00

For those that pre-ordered a photo collector card of their STAR! with your registration, our photographer (Rob Weitzel of Sports Shooter and Rob Weitzel Graphic Productions) will be on site taking portraits in advance of our practices on Tuesday, February 9th.

Quasars! (orange team) - beginning at 6:00pm
Pulsars! (green team) - beginning at 6:50pm

The images are placed on the photographer's website for viewing at www.sportsshooter.ca. You can access the galleries by clicking the link here or via the link on the FS! homepage. Once on the Sports Shooter site you can find the FS! Galleries by clicking on the FS! logo.

Once you find a photo in the galleries, CONTACT THE PHOTOGRAPHER DIRECTLY and he will work his magic to print and arrange delivery your collector card.

Winter Session Full

2010-01-05T08:58:00.004-06:00

Registration for the winter session is now complete. Confirmation emails, including details about how to get ready for your first practice, will be sent out soon to registrants.

If you were unable to register but wish to be put on a waitlist, please send us an email via the form on our main website.

Registration information for the 2010 Spring Session will be available in March.

2010 Winter Session - Registration

2009-12-18T16:50:00.002-06:00

Online registration for the 2010 Winter Session of Future STARS! Soccer will open Monday, January 4th at 6pm. Registrations, including payment, will be accepted online only. The registration link will be found on our home page at www.futurestarssoccer.ca on the evening of January 4th.

Full programming details are attached and will be posted in the FS! Bulletin Box in the left hand margin of our home page at www.futurestarssoccer.ca.

The winter program offering is limited to Tuesday evenings for both Quasars (ages 3-4) and Pulsars (ages 5-6). All practices will be held at Western Christian College at 4400-4th Avenue.

Winter Session Update

2009-12-01T09:13:00.000-06:00

Registration information for Future STARS! 2010 will be posted soon. FS! sessions are tentatively booked to start in February. Thank you for your patience - Stay tuned.

Keep shooting for the soccer STARS.

Thanks for A Great Season!

2009-09-29T06:21:00.002-06:00

Thank you STARS! for a great fall soccer season. You are all shooting off into the soccer universe at light speed!

The next session of Future STARS! will begin indoors in January 2010. Watch for registration details to be posted online (here and on our website) near the end of November 2009.

Keep shooting for the soccer STARS!

6pm KickOff for the rest of September

2009-09-08T08:49:00.001-06:00

As the days start getting shorter, we will start FS! as close to 6pm as possible. For the remaining three practices please be ready to kick off right at 6pm.

New Practice Location

2009-09-01T12:32:00.001-06:00

Just a reminder to check your schedule and note that now that we are into September the FS! practice field location has moved to Les Sherman Park.

Les Sherman Park is in the Cathedral Village area, off of 15th Avenue at McTavish. The field is very close to the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre.

View Larger Map

Parking in this area is VERY limited so be prepared to walk a bit.

Soccer Photos

2009-08-27T06:21:00.000-06:00

For those of you that may have missed having your Star’s portrait taken last Monday, the photographer (Rob Weitzel) will be set up for portraits again on Monday, August 31st. Please arrive about 5:45pm so he can get through everyone and still have time for action shots while the kids play. Rob usually sets up off to the west side of the field. Please also ensure that your Star receives and wears a blue photographer button. This is how Rob identifies who has ordered photos for the action shots.

Fall Soccer Kicks Off Today!

2009-08-17T14:25:00.002-06:00

The soccer gods are smiling and the skies have cleared...soccer is a go!

See you at AE Wilson Park.

Soccer in the Rain....

2009-08-16T19:16:00.001-06:00

The forecast for soccer on Monday is a bit unfavourable (at least for little ones). However, we have very little opportunity to reschedule so the coaches will be there ready to play with anyone that doesn’t mind (possibly) getting a bit wet. Please check back to the blog after 4pm for any update. If it is really horrible or the field permits get cancelled that information will be posted there.

New Field Assignment for Fall Session

2009-08-04T11:19:00.003-06:00

The City has assigned us new permits to replace Lakewood Park which has been taken out of service for restoration. The fall field locations will now be as follows:

Monday, August 17th - AE Wilson Park
Monday, August 24th - AE Wilson Park
Monday, August 31st - AE Wilson Park
Monday, September 7th - Les Sherman Park
Monday, September 14th - Les Sherman Park
Monday, September 21st - Les Sherman Park
Monday, September 28th - Les Sherman Park

Sorry for the change, but thanks for your anticipated understanding!

2009 Fall Session

2009-07-31T08:59:00.002-06:00

Registration for the fall session of Future STARS! Soccer is complete. Thank you!

Practices begin Monday, August 17th at 6:10pm.

Unfortunately, the City has decided to take Lakewood Field (where we were scheduled for) out of commission for repair as of mid-August. We will be assigned a new field or fields next week. We will update the blog as soon as we know what field(s) we have been permitted for.

In the meantime, please check your email for a schedule and other important details about the fall session. Please read this information as it will answer many questions you may have - including field locations, what to wear, etc.

If you don’t already have them, child size (sock in style) shinguards will be available for $10 at the first practice. You can also purchase shinguards at the West Soccer Rugby Shop on Quance Street.

2009 Fall Programs

2009-07-16T07:32:00.002-06:00

Registration for the 2009 Fall Session of Future STARS! Soccer will open Monday, July 27th at 9am. Registrations, including payment, will be accepted online only. The registration link will be found on our main home page on the morning of the 27th.

Full programming details will be available in the next few days on our website at http://www.futurestarssoccer.ca/.

The fall program offering is limited to Monday evenings for both Quasars (ages 3-4) and Pulsars (ages 5-6).

Fall Programming

2009-06-24T21:23:00.001-06:00

There will be a very limited fall session of FS! Soccer for Preschoolers offered Mondays, Aug 17-September 28. Watch for details and registration the third week in July.

Details for the Pulsars Game Day Carnival!

2009-06-12T11:40:00.005-06:00

You should have by now received an email indicating what team colour you have been assigned to. The planned schedule of events is also posted below.

Assuming the forecast for nice weather holds true, in addition to the soccer action, we will have the dinobouncer on hand, a random draw for some prizes and freezies for everyone.

At 11am, the Prairie Canucks Women's Soccer Team are also hosting a hot dog sale/family bar-b-q at the field. For $3, enjoy a hotdog, watermelon and a drink while you picnic in the park!

Many of our FS! Coaches are also members of the Prairie Canucks Soccer Team that is travelling to Sydney, Australia in October for the 2009 World Masters Games. All proceeds from the hot dog sale will be donated towards that endeavour.

We will also have cool soccer calendars available – buy one and get it autographed by your favourite FS! Coach!! Thanks for your support!

GAME DAY CARNIVAL – SCHEDULE

900-915 Jersey Handout & Group Warm Up

915-935 Dinobouncer - Red, Forest, Sky, Yellow
Field #2 - Orange vs. Royal
Field #3 - Navy vs. White
Field #4 - Maroon vs. Kelly

940-10 Dinobouncer - Kelly and Maroon
Field #1 - Red vs. Sky
Field #2 - Forest vs. Yellow
Field #3 - Orange vs. Navy
Field #4 - White vs. Royal

1005-1025 Dinobouncer - Royal and White
Field #1 - Sky vs. Forest
Field #2 - Red vs. Yellow
Field #3 - Orange vs. Maroon
Field #4 - Kelly vs. Navy

1030-1050 Dinobouncer - Orange and Navy
Field #1 - Red vs. Forest
Field #2 - Sky vs. Yellow
Field #3 - Royal vs. Maroon
Field #4 - Kelly vs. White

1050-1100 Wrap up

Pulsars - GAME DAY! Windup

2009-06-08T07:28:00.002-06:00

**Game Day is for the Pulsars groups (Green Team - 5&6 year olds) only**

As promised, here are the details regarding the Game Day Wind Up scheduled for Saturday, June 13th from 9am-11am at Lakewood Field.

STARS! will be split into teams and will play a series of three 20 minute soccer games and one non-soccer game/activity. The schedule is as follows:

900-915: Jersey Handout & Group Warm Up
915-935: Game #1
940-1000: Game #2
1005-1025: Game #3
1030-1050: Game #4
1050-1100: Wrap Up – Prizes/Certificates/Snacks

In order that we can ensure that each team has enough players, please email Cheryl to advise if your STAR! will NOT be able to attend.

Given that many of our volunteer coaches regularly coach teams on both Tuesdays and Saturdays, WE ALSO NEED A FEW PARENT VOLUNTEERS that are willing to make the rounds with their child’s team for the morning. The only real responsibilities are to keep the team together and sub the kids on and off the field every few minutes.

If you can volunteer, please email Cheryl – without your help we simply will not have enough of our own volunteers to cover all the teams!

Team assignments will be sent out on Thursday once we have a better idea of what we are expecting for numbers.

Thanks for your cooperation!

Sat June 6th - Soccer is on

2009-06-06T08:17:00.001-06:00

Final Week of FS!

2009-05-30T10:30:00.002-06:00

The final practices of the spring session are approaching.

Quasars (Orange Teams) wrap up this week with our mini-jambouree and penalty shoot outs on June 2nd and June 6th for the Tuesday and Saturday groups respectively.

Pulsars (Green Teams) will have a mini-game day during their final regular practices on June 2nd and June 6th for the Tuesday and Saturday groups respectively. That will be followed by the combined wind-up for ALL TEAMS on Saturday, June 13th from 9am-11am at Lakewood Field. More details regarding the wind-up will follow.

Thanks for a GREAT SPRING SEASON!

Note - There will be a very limited fall session of FS! Soccer for Preschoolers offered Aug 18-Oct 3. Watch for details and registration the third week in July.

May 19th - Soccer is On!

2009-05-19T14:46:00.003-06:00

Despite the cool breeze today, soccer will go ahead this evening. "Footballers" are hardy souls -all the same, dress warmly!

Picture Buttons

2009-05-19T08:42:00.003-06:00

If you have ordered a photo collector card, please be sure to wear your blue button to the remaining practices. The photographer uses the button to identify those that have pre-ordered while he is shooting images of the STARS! in action.

If you missed having your portrait shot taken (Tuesday groups were May 12th) please let your coach know and we will direct you to the photographer to have one done after practice.

Portraits for Saturday groups are scheduled for May 23rd.

Soccer Is A Go On Saturday

2009-05-09T07:44:00.002-06:00

It is a great day for soccer; just dressly warmly!

See you at Lakewood Field.

Soccer Saturday Will Go Ahead

2009-05-08T15:39:00.002-06:00

Unless it is pouring rain (or snow!), soccer practices will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday, May 9th. Please dress appropriately if you are attending.

If you are unsure of the status in the morning, please check back at this blog as an update will be posted at 8am.

Outdoor Practices & Photo Days

2009-04-30T09:24:00.004-06:00

Some of you may not be convinced but spring really is here and it is finally time to enjoy outdoor soccer! Beginning the week of May 4th, Future STARS! practices will move to the outdoor fields as follows:

Tuesdays are at Westhill Park. Westhill Park is in the Westhill subdivision, almost as far west as you can go on Sherwood Drive. The main entrance is at the intersection of Sherwood and Warwick Drive but there is also pathway access from Kestral Drive and Fairway Road. The parking lot for the Westhill Baptist Church at the corner of Sherwood and Doiron Drive is sometimes available, otherwise all parking is "0n-street, residential".

View Larger Map

Saturdays are at Lakewood Field Park. Lakewood Park is in the Lakewood subdivision, off Wellband Drive. By way of landmarks, you will find it by turning north off at the McDonald's on Rochdale Boulevard at Radway Street and then turn west onto Wellband. Parking is "on-street, residential".

View Larger Map

Soccer Kicks Off This Week

2009-04-12T07:43:00.002-06:00

The 2009 spring session of Future STARS! Soccer begins this week with practices kicking off as follows:

Tuesday Groups:

SESSION #1 - Quasars! (3&4 year olds) Tuesdays, 6:10pm - Starts Tuesday, April 14th
SESSION #2 - Quasars! (3&4 year olds) Tuesdays, 6:55pm - Starts Tuesday, April 14th
SESSION #3 - Pulsars! (5&6 year olds) Tuesdays, 6:10pm - Starts Tuesday, April 14th

Saturday Groups:

SESSION #4 - Quasars! (3&4 year olds) Saturdays 9:15am - Starts Saturday, April 18th
SESSION #5 - Quasars! (3&4 year olds) Saturdays 10:10am - Starts Saturday, April 18th
SESSION #6 - Pulsars! (5&6 year olds) Saturdays 10:10am - Starts Saturday, April 18th
SESSION #7 - Pulsars! (5&6 year olds) Saturdays 9:10am - Starts Saturday, April 18th

All first practices are at CREDIT UNION EVENTPLEX on the Evraz Place Grounds (just east of Queensbury Centre). The most direct access to the soccer facility is from the Elphinstone Street entrace (across from the Fieldhouse) or from McTavish Street (off of Dewdney Avenue).

Please arrive about 1/2 hour early the first week to collect your registration package and for some "Kick About" time before the start of practice.

You can come on the field as soon as the previous session is complete. The instructor led portion of the practice will start promptly at the scheduled time and run for approximately 30 minutes (Quasars!) or 45 minutes (Pulsars!).

Be sure to wear your FS! t-shirt, shorts/sweats, SHINGUARDS and clean soccer/running shoes. DON'T FORGET A WATER BOTTLE and your SOCCER BALL (if you are a new STAR you will get your ball and t-shirt at the first practice).

If you still need them, child size, sock-in shin guards will be available at the field for $10.

REMEMBER! Quasars is a Parent/Tot program - on field participation by a parent/guardian is REQUIRED for each STAR!

P.S. For those of you that have ordered collector card photographs, details will follow in a separate email at a later date – photographs are taken during the outdoor sessions.

Photos on Saturday

2009-03-20T16:58:00.002-06:00

Remember! For those of you that have ordered photos, will be taken this Saturday, March 21st before practice.

Please be sure to get your blue button as well if you did not get one on Wednesday.

The photographer focused on the orange team for action shots on Wednesday so green team don't worry if you have not yet received a button. Make sure you get one on Saturday!

No Practice Saturday, March 14th

2009-03-12T07:09:00.002-06:00

Just a reminder that, due to the provincial championships, there is no Future STARS! practice this Saturday, March 14th.

We do have two practices the following week:

Wednesday, March 18th at 7:10pm
Saturday, March 21st at 10:10am

The remainder of the schedule remains:

Saturday, March 24th at 10:10am
Saturday, April 4th at 10:10am
Pulsars Game Day Windup – Saturday, April 11th from 10am-Noon

See you then!

2009 Spring Registration

2009-02-28T13:14:00.003-06:00

Registrations for the 2009 Spring Session will be accepted online from our homepage only starting at 6pm on Wednesday, March 11th. The registration link will be posted there as of that date/time. Fees are to be submitted using PayPal (by credit card or PayPal account). The spring schedule, fees and other registration details can be found here.

2009 Winter Session Begins Next Week

2009-01-01T11:20:00.002-06:00

The Tuesday Quasars! group for the 2009 Winter Session of Future STARS! Soccer begins Tuesday, January 6th.

Please arrive about 1/2 hour early the first week to collect your registration package (t-shirt/ball/receipt) and for some "Kick About" time before the start of practice.

We get access to the field at 6:00pm. The instructor led portion of the practice will start promptly at 6:10pm and run for approximately 30 minutes.

The facility location is the Regina Soccer Centre at Credit Union Eventplex on the Evraz Place Grounds (just east of Queensbury Centre). The most direct access to the soccer facility is from the Elphinstone Street entrance (across from the Fieldhouse) or from McTavish Street (off Dewdney Avenue).

Please be sure to wear your FS! t-shirts, shorts/sweats, SHINGUARDS and clean soccer/running shoes. DON'T FORGET A WATER BOTTLE and your SOCCER BALL !

If you still need them, child size, sock-in shin guards will be available at the field for $10.

REMEMBER! This is a Parent/Tot program - on field participation by a parent/guardian is REQUIRED for each STAR!

2009 Winter Session Registration

2008-11-24T10:03:00.004-06:00

Note: The link to the online registration system will be posted on our home page as soon as registration opens.

Registrations (including form and fees) for the 2009 Winter Session of FS! Soccer for Preschoolers, as space permits, will be accepted online only at http://www.futurestarssoccer.ca/ beginning December 9th at 6:00pm. Registration fees shall be accepted via Pay Pal.

Please refer to the link in the FS! Bulletin Box on the left side of the FS! home page for full program schedule and registration details.

Registration in each session is limited and will be accepted on a first paid, first registered basis. Future STARS! reserves the right to combine, reschedule, cancel or otherwise change programs depending on weather, facility availability or as it deems appropriate.

The True Sport Report

2008-11-19T11:05:00.002-06:00

Below is an excerpt from a report commissioned by the Canadian Centre for Ethics and Sport related to sporting experience for preschool aged children:

Helping young children learn and develop through play

The early years 0 to 6 are critical in the brain development of children, with specific windows of opportunity for developing key capacities for learning and functioning later in life.
Play – structured and unstructured – is one of the primary ways that young children explore the world, develop their physical, cognitive and social-emotional capacities, and make the most of these developmental opportunities.
While competitive sport is far too complex for very young children, age-appropriate games and physical activity help young children acquire mobility, coordination, knowledge about the world and themselves, self-confidence and initial social skills.
In 1998-99, an estimated 87 percent of Canadian children aged 4 to 15 participated in organized activities outside of school. Among children aged 4 to 9, those who participated in activities, particularly sports, tended to have fewer difficulties in reading or math than those who rarely or never participated.

The full report, entitled "What Sport Can Do - The True Sport Report" can be found here.

Pulsars! Windup - Saturday, Nov. 1, 8:30-10am

2008-10-30T10:21:00.002-06:00

The GAME DAY windup for both TUES and SAT Pulsars groups is this Saturday, November 1st at the Eventplex. Kick-off is at 8:30am.

Players will be assigned to teams as they arrive. The morning will include three 20-minute games per team with some fun activities and a snack in between matches. Please arrive between 8:15 and 8:25 to collect your jersey so we can start on time!

PLEASE, No Coffee on the Field!

2008-10-22T13:22:00.002-06:00

If you have STARS! in both age groups and choose to sit on the benches between the fields PLEASE:

remove outdoor footwear and
do NOT have coffee or other food/beverage (other than water) on the field.

THANK YOU!

Fall Session Wrapping Up

2008-10-20T08:42:00.002-06:00

The final practices of the fall session are arriving.

The last day for Quasars! (orange team) will be:

Sunday, October 26th, 10am (SAT groups)
Tuesday, October 28th, 6pm (TUES groups)

For the Pulsars! (green team) the GAME DAY windup is the final practice on:

Saturday, November 1st, 8:30am-10:00am (for both SAT and TUES groups)

Players will be assigned to teams (as they arrive) and play two 20 minute games with a snack break and fun activity in between.

Registration for the 2009 Winter session will be available in early December. Due to facilty and coaching availability the session will be staggered with Tuesday groups starting January 6th and Saturday groups on February 28th. Please check back at our main website for details to be posted in the next few weeks (www.futurestarssoccer.ca).

Thanks for a great fall season of preschool soccer!

October Schedule

2008-09-26T05:44:00.001-06:00

The RSA has now confirmed our facility times going into October.

For Tuesday groups there are no changes to the originally proposed schedule (other than the addition of an extra week to replace the rained out session week #1).

Saturday groups do have an adjustment. Please note that two weeks have had to be switched to Sundays when the facility is available.

The windup for the Pulsars! (green team - 5 & 6 year olds) has also now been scheduled: Saturday, November 1st, 8:30-10am at the Eventplex.

Accordingly, the schedule for October looks as follows:

Tuesday Sessions:
TUES, OCT 7th, 6:10PM at Credit Union Eventplex
TUES, OCT 14th, 6:10PM at Credit Union Eventplex
TUES, OCT 21st, 6:10PM at Credit Union Eventplex
TUES, OCT 28th, 6:10PM at Credit Union Eventplex
PULSARS! GAME DAY WIND UP - SAT, NOV 1st, 8:30AM-10:00AM at CU Eventplex

Saturday Sessions:
SUN, OCT 5th,10:10AM at Credit Union Eventplex
SAT, OCT 11th, 10:10AM at Credit Union Eventplex
SAT, OCT 18th, 10:10AM at Credit Union Eventplex
SUN, OCT 26th, 10:10AM at Credit Union Eventplex
PULSARS! GAME DAY WIND UP - SAT, NOV 1st, 8:30AM-10:00AM at CU Evenplex

Star Phoenix Article - Escaping the Soccer Wilderness

2008-09-17T08:33:00.003-06:00

This article [embedded link] recently published in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix is an interesting commentary on the importance of practice time versus competitive play for skill development. Percy Hoff, the interviewee in the article, is a highly accomplished and respected coach in Saskatchewan. He has overseen and been responsible for the development of a number of technical programs and policy documents for the provincial soccer association.

Wear Your Photography Button

2008-09-15T18:35:00.003-06:00

If you ordered a collector card photo please be sure to have your STAR! wear the blue button you received from the photographer when your portrait was taken.

This is how the photographer identifies that you have requested a picture and helps to ensure that he gets some shots of your STAR! in action.

Soccer is On.

2008-09-13T08:05:00.002-06:00

There will be practice this morning at 10:10am at Lakewood Field. See you there!

Tuesday, September 9th - 1st Practice Do Over

2008-09-09T04:44:00.000-06:00

The weather looks to be cooperating today! The first Tuesday practices will go ahead for both Quasars! and Pulsars! at Litzenberger Park. Kick-off is at 6:10pm, but please arrive early to collect your registration package.

As well, a reminder for those of you that have ordered photos, portraits will be taken beginning at 5:30pm.

Saturday Practice As Scheduled...

2008-09-06T07:43:00.000-06:00

Although the weather is not ideal, as of 7:30am, the first Saturday practices are still going ahead as planned this morning. Please dress appropriately for the cool, wet conditions.

Registration packages and receipts will be available at the field beginning at 9:15am. Portrait photos for those who have ordered pictures start at 9:30am. Remember, we are at Lakewood Field.

See you on the pitch!

Cougar Soccer Saturday

2008-09-03T06:26:00.001-06:00

Don't forget - this Saturday, September 6th is "Soccer Saturday" at the UofR Cougars game.

The U of R Women’s Soccer team invites all Future STARS! (and their families) to be their special guests. Wear your FS! t-shirt and join the Future COUGARS! cheering section.

Be a “ball kid” during the match

Show off your skills in the FS! game at half-time

Meet the 2008 Cougars after the final whistle

All while enjoying a snack and cheering on the Cougars to their first win of the 2008 season.
Come and be part of the action! Sat. Sept 6th, 12pm vs. U of Calgary

Please let us know by email that you will be attending.

1st Tuesday Practice Postponed

2008-09-02T15:15:00.000-06:00

The weather is just not cooperating and the City has now cancelled the athletic field permits for today. Given the wet, cold conditions soccer would likely not be much fun tonight in any event - particularly for little ones. Accordingly, there will be no practice today for either Quasars! or Pulsars! We will try again next week:

Tuesday, Sept. 9th at Litzenberger Park - Kickoff 6:10pm

For those of you who have ordered pictures, this will also be portrait day starting at 5:30pm. Registration kits will be available for pick up beginning at 5:20pm.

This week's practice will be added on at the end of the schedule indoors.

Holding Pattern for Tuesday Groups

2008-09-02T06:19:00.000-06:00

As of this morning, please assume that the first Tuesday practice is still a go at Litzenberger Park. However, depending on the field status and weather conditions later in the day, it may be rescheduled. Please check back after 3pm to confirm the status....

2008 Fall Session Starts This Week

2008-09-01T13:09:00.000-06:00

Tuesday Groups begin Sept. 2nd at Litzenberger Park.
Saturday Groups begin Sept. 6th at Lakewood Field (**Note the location change**).

Please arrive early to collect your registration materials.

Don't forget about the Cougar Soccer Saturday this weekend featuring all registered Future STARS!