EHSC Skill Centre Programs

The overarching purpose of the Canada Soccer Skill Centre model is to provide “access to high-quality programs where they can have fun with their friends, learn new skills and play the game in an appropriate format.” EHSC offers this Skill Centre program for U8, U9, U10, and U11 players to give them early access to quality soccer.

Skill Centre Goals:

1. To keep more young players involved in the game for longer by providing them with an enjoyable experience with the game.
2. Produce clear training guidelines for clubs so that they can deliver the best possible environment for young players in their region.
3. Produce better players across Canada by increasing opportunity and access to be better training and competition for younger players.

Skill Centre Principles:

• Training will be FUN
• Accessible 
• Meaningful Feedback
• High Contact Time
• Training Resembles the Game

Commitment Level:

The EHSC Skill Centre program will have training sessions twice-per-week with game experiences on some weekends, where they play against other clubs in the province. 

Training sessions are held at various facilities in East Hants, both indoors on turf, in the gym at Maple Ridge Elementary, and outdoors on grass (during the summer season). The Skill Centre groups are led by volunteer/parent coaches, who will be trained and supported by the EHSC Technical Staff. Many of our Skill Centre coaches eventually become competitive team coaches!

Game Experience - U8 & U9 (Birth Years: 2017, 2018)

Our u8 and u9 players will participate in "Jamboree" style games versus teams from other clubs from the province. Jamborees typically consist of 2 25-min games organized by SNS/NSSL, in a 2-3 hour span on a weekend, in the HRM area. At u8/u9, the games are 5-Aside (4 field players + 1 goalie) and consist of a single 25-minute period. The expectation is all players will try all positions over the season, including goalie. Goalkeeper training sessions will also be available for all interested Skill Centre and Competitive Stream players.

Game Experience - U10 & U11 (Birth Years: 2015, 2016)

Our u10 and u11 players will participate in league-style games, organized by SNS/NSSL. The games consist of two 25-minute halves (50 minutes total) and are played over 8 weekends. Games are held in the HRM area. At u10/u11, games are 7-Aside (6 field players + 1 goalie). The expectation is all players will try all positions over the season, including goalie. Goalkeeper training sessions will be available for all Skill Centre and Competitive team keepers. Days and times to be determined once club practice schedule is established. The league may be organized into pools or divisions, with players of equivalent skills grouped together and playing against similarly skilled groups from other clubs.

Volunteers Wanted

While availability of a Skill Centre program is always dependent on registration numbers, it is further limited by how many willing Volunteer Coaches sign up. We are always looking for engaged parents, guardians, or others who are willing to help out in any number of ways. To ensure the sessions are as organized as possible, we are always seeking volunteers to support session delivery. These volunteers will receive a $25 credit towards a future registration. Note: Volunteers must be approved by EHSC leadership and must complete a criminal background check (club covers associated costs). If you're interested, please fill out the expression of interest form on our website. 

The EHSC Skill Centre Programs are always subject to change, for season specific details please click here.

For more information on the Skill Centre model, please check out the updated CSA Skill Centre Manual.