Grassroots Soccer

We appreciate that families and players may have questions about the upcoming changes to soccer in Manitoba - as announced by Manitoba Soccer Association and taking effect in 2026. It applies to all youth soccer organizations in Manitoba.

Valley Gardens CC and other local community centres in the area will continue to work with Winnipeg Phoenix FC to ensure that our local youths have access to local soccer. We will continue to seek local parent and community support for our soccer programming and will be improving our supports for grassroots coaching.

The first phase of the new grassroots programming will officially take effect in Spring 2026 and will apply to U8-U10 players (players born 2016-2018). To facilitate that transition, WPFC is offering a transition season this winter. Details and registration are available HERE.

To better understand the new programming, WPFC has prepared a video.

Youth soccer is changing — and for good reason.

Participation in Canada dropped by 20% before COVID, even as the population grew. Kids were leaving the game because it wasn’t fun anymore.

Grassroots Soccer fixes that by shrinking the game to fit the player:

• Smaller fields

• Fewer players

• More touches

• More decisions

• More FUN

In this video, we break down:

• Why youth soccer had to change

• Why removing league standings matters

• How Game Leaders replace referees

• What station-based training looks like

• How your child benefits from this model

At Winnipeg Phoenix FC, we are fully aligned with the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards and are already using:

• Station-based training

• Fluid rosters

• Game Leaders instead of referees

• Small-sided formats (4v4, 5v5, 7v7)

• No cuts. No tryouts.

• Just soccer, smiles, and skill development.

We are looking forward to a fresh season of fun on the soccer pitches!

VGCC will continue to host TimBits mini soccer in house. Details will be shared soon and registration is anticipated to open in March for TimBits (play starting in May). Stay tuned. Community members are encouraged to sign up for our newsletter to keep informed.