March 15th, 2016 - SSA Membership Renewal Deadline -
Contact
Nicole Knecht
for further assistance.
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A
Message
from
SSA
Executive
Director,
Doug
Pederson
 On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff, I want to extend our most sincere thanks to everyone across the province who has contributed to soccer this past year. Serving the needs and interests of the participants is at the heart of everything we do. Our job is to provide the opportunity for all participants to experience positive relationships through soccer.
Soccer thrives due to growing interest of the participants, moreover, it is the dedication of the thousands of volunteers, board members and staff that make it all possible. We often hear that local soccer Boards are short of volunteers and the community volunteers that are in place are often over stretched. The holidays remind us to be thankful and we offer this as a reminder to participants of all ages; take the time, now and throughout the year, to say thanks to those who do so much so you can enjoy this great sport.
As 2016 approaches, we have much to be proud of and even more to look forward to in the new year. Of primary interest is the Strategic Planning process that is underway. One of our major priorities in the completion of the 2012-2015 Strategic Plan was to have consulted with membership on the major issues of importance. We are proud to say that we received your full support. We are excited by the level of active participation of member organizations, entities, players, coaches, referees, parents, organizers and stakeholders; we have seen far more engagement than we have never seen before. This level of consultation brings us confidence in the final product that is anticipated. We are grateful to the leadership of Paul Varian of Capitis Consulting, who will be developing his recommendations for consideration in the new year, culminating with the presentation of the Plan at the AGM in March.
The Strategic Plan will encourage change. While soccer is in very good shape provincially, by working together with a common vision and a clear direction, we will be presented with a chance to improve the game and the service we provide to the participants. With the Plan ratified in March the real work will begin. The Board of Directors and Staff of the SSA are dedicated to working in a collaborative, thoughtful and thorough manner as we develop transition plans that will take the Association forward in the years ahead.
Soccer is a sport enjoyed by thousands throughout the province; take time, say thanks and remember the positive experiences from this past season. We wish you the very best during the holiday season and throughout 2016.
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| January 1, 2016 - SSA Offices closed for New Year's Day |
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January 15, 2016 -
Registration Deadline for S4L Indoor Provincial Championships
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| January 15, 2016 - EXTENDED DEADLINE - SSA Recognition and Technical Awards Nominations due to the SSA Offices |
| February 15, 2016 - SSA Offices Closed for Family Day |
| February 26 - 28, 2016 - S4L 6-Aside Indoor Youth Provincial Championships - Regina, SK |
| March 4-6, 2016 - S4L 8-Aside Indoor Youth Provincial Championships - Saskatoon, SK |
| March 15, 2016 - SSA Membership Renewal Deadline |
| March 19 - 20, 2016 - SSA Annual General Meeting and Membership Symposium - Saskatoon Inn, Saskatoon, SK |
March 19th, 2016 - SSA Recognition and Technical Awards -
Saskatoon Inn, Saskatoon, SK |
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A big Thank-You to all our Coaching Course Learning Facilitators and Camp Instructors, couldn't have done it without you, their dedication and commitment, challenging & successful 2015.
The SSA received great feedback about the Learning Facilitators and Instructors at all of our events and we will be counting on everyone again in 2016.
Best Wishes for the Christmas Season and a Happy New Year!
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COACH DEVELOPER
CORE
TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
The Coaches Association of Saskatchewan will be hosting Core Training for Coach Developers on
March 11 to 13, 2016 in Saskatoon. These events will provide Master Learning Facilitators, Learning Facilitators, Master Evaluators, and Coach Evaluators an opportunity to complete their Core Training requirements
For more information or to register for the March 11 to 13 workshops in Saskatoon, click
HERE.
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Certification Requirements for Participation in SSA-sanctioned Tournaments
Tournament Organizers, Member Organizations, Entities, Teams, Coaches and Team Personnel (Managers, Trainers, Gender Representatives, Medical Staff, etc.) participating in SSA-sanctioned tournaments are reminded of the registration, training and certification requirements for coaching staff and team personnel as of January 1, 2016.
New for 2016:
U8: FUNdamentals + NCCP Making Ethical Decisions Module (MED) and/or Online Evaluation (BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2016)
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Extended Absence Notice
Our Coordinator of Member Services, Lara will be away from the office from January 22, 2016 and returning March 9, 2016. She will have intermittent access to email and will be able to respond to matters that are not time sensitive. In her absence, please direct your communications on the following matters to the following SSA Staff:
Grassroots Workshops: Dave Nutt,
SoccerJam: Jen Ellarma,
Member Services: Lara Schroeder,
Club Excellence: Lara Schroeder,
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Thank you to the below sponsors for all their support in 2015.
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NOMINATE SOMEONE DESERVING TODAY!
2015 SSA Recognition and
Technical Awards
Do you know someone that goes above and beyond, on or off the field?
The SSA extends the invitation to nominate players, teams, coaches, referees, and volunteers that exemplify the Values, Vision, and Mission of the organization.
Share this opportunity with players, coaches, parents, and volunteers in your community and help us to recognize excellence in the game.
Forms are available on our website and
THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JANUARY 15TH, 2016.
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Information has been released regarding the upcoming Soccer for Life Indoor Youth Provincial Championships - Deadline for registration is January 15th, 2016.
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CHANGES TO CSA CLUB NATIONALS
AGE CATEGORIES IN 2017
On behalf of Canada Soccer, the Saskatchewan Soccer Association (SSA) is now able to notify the SSA membership that the Canada Soccer Sport Chek Canadian National Championships (National Club Championships) will be transitioning to the U15 and U17,male and female, age categories for youth competitions beginning in 2017 (Senior and Masters competitions will not be impacted by this change). This change has been discussed at the national level over a number of years and stems mainly from challenges in delivering a competition in the U18 category in October due to conflicts with university and college attendance and soccer program participation.
The SSA has been proponents of the restructuring from U18 to U17 for the reason explained above, and have also been supporters of the adjustment to U15. With a smaller player pool than many of the other provinces, soccer in Saskatchewan is operated on two-year age bands. Currently, with a national competition at U14, this places some Saskatchewan athletes that are playing their first year of 11-aside soccer in an environment that both qualifies to and participates in a Club National Championship, which may have a detrimental effect on the development of these athletes. In addition, with two-year age bands, players as young as 12 years old (first year U14s with late birthdays) may be representing Saskatchewan at a National Club Championship.
Despite being in support of this change, it is fully recognized that this transition will have a much more significant impact on Provinces and Territories that run two-year age bands as opposed to those that currently run single year categories. The SSA is currently engaged in the planning process to develop a new Competitive Stream, which will be the area most impacted by this change in the short term due to the qualification for the Canada Soccer Sport Chek Canadian National Championships. The planning process will be expanded to include discussion on the adjustment required to the new age classifications immediately in preparation for the anticipated launch of new programming within this Stream in 2017. Additionally, much thought and consultation will be required to understand the potential impact on other grassroots, recreational and competitive structures and environments throughout Saskatchewan. The SSA is committed to working with the membership to develop an overall soccer system that accommodates this change, while still maintaining to global best interests of all participants.
More information on the impact of these changes will be made available to the membership as it is received; however, in the short term, should you have any questions about this change, please contact Dave Nutt, Director of Soccer Operations, at 306-975-0826 or
[email protected]
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Venues announced for 2016 Sport Chek National Championships
Four provinces - Newfoundland Labrador, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick - have been selected as hosts for the 2016 Sport Chek National Championships. As hosts, the provincial soccer associations will stage both the men's and women's competitions during the Sport Chek National Championships from 5-10 October 2016.
The Sport Chek National Championships are Canada's premier amateur soccer competitions, with provincial and territory winners pitted against each other at the senior and youth levels on the national stage.
"The Sport Chek National Championships encourage excellence in our sport, from the youth to senior levels in amateur club soccer," said Canada Soccer President Victor Montagliani. "Our host provinces and host cities will once again prove to be excellent ambassadors and hosts for our game in Canada."
In 2016, Newfoundland Labrador will host the two senior competitions in St. John's (men's Challenge Trophy and women's Jubilee Trophy), Ontario will host the U-18 Cups in Vaughan, Prince Edward Island will host the U-16 Cups (venues to be confirmed), and New Brunswick will host the U-14 Cups in Moncton.
Next year marks the 94th edition of the senior men's competition (since 1913) and 35th edition of the senior women's competition (since 1982).
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2016 SSA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MARKS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THE STRATEGIC PROCESS
When: March 19 - 20, 2016
Where: Saskatoon Inn and Conference Centre, Saskatoon (2002 Airport Dr, Saskatoon, SK S7L 6M4, Canada)
The connection with all Member Organizations and Entities is an invaluable asset for the SSA and moreover, we look to offer opportunities that enable us to come together and grow collectively. Plans have begun for the upcoming 2016 SSA Annual General Meeting and Symposium and we encourage all SSA members to consider attending and participating.
This AGM serves as a critical time for the Organization, as we look to present and ratify the upcoming Strategic Plan.
Regular Member Organizations and Entities are required to send representation to the Annual General Meeting and Associate Member Organizations and Entities are strongly encouraged to include themselves in the meetings and discussions presented.
More information will follow in the new year, including hotel information, Awards banquet information, and details about the weekend's presentations and events. For more information, please contact Jen Ellarma at
[email protected].
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Competitive Stream Planning Process Update
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One of the primary focuses of the SSA Technical Department for 2015 was on the development of a Competitive Stream Plan to compliment the plans that have been developed for the High Performance, Recreational and Grassroots Streams and complete the planning process for the SSA stream-based model. Through the stream-based model, the SSA is committed to creating a participant-centred system that focuses on positive experiences and development. Based on the Canadian Sport Policy and Long Term Player Development model, participants within the Grassroots, Recreational, Competitive and High Performance Streams have different motivations, needs and goals. By creating separate strategies, plans and programs for each Stream, the SSA and our Member Organizations and Entities are better positioned to meet the needs of all participants.
According to the Canadian Sport Policy, the primary goal of competitive sport is to provide Canadians with the opportunity to systematically improve and measure their performance against others in competition in a safe and ethical manner. Aligning to the Long Term Player Development (LTPD) model, the Competitive Stream is also defined as the Soccer for Life - Competitive stage (Stage 7 - Competitive). Within the stream-based model, the Competitive Stream sits beside the High Performance and Recreational Streams rather than above or below as is the case in a pyramidal structure, providing a series of programs, services and opportunities targeting the unique needs and wants of participants within this Stream.
In addition to being committed to developing a high quality plan for the Competitive Stream, the SSA also made a significant commitment to engage and consult with both our Membership and a group of external experts throughout the planning process. Using the framework from the "LTAD Competitions Review for Team Sports" as a guide, the planning process for the development of the SSA Competitive Stream plan consisted of four steps:
Step 1: Identify and Define the Key Components of the Competitive Stream
Step 2: Analyze the Competition System and Identify Issues
Step 3: Develop Solutions/Alternatives
Step 4: Make a Decision on Direction
The level of engagement from target Member Organizations and Entities was outstanding throughout the steps of the planning process, which included surveys, a follow up meeting and series of webinars, and speaks to the importance of both the planning process and resulting direction. Overall, 18 Member Organizations and Entities and more than nearly 40 individuals participated in the various stages of the planning process, leading to a plan that is more representative of the needs of the SSA membership and developed based on ideas and rationale that are better understood throughout Saskatchewan.
In addition to being a tremendous engagement opportunity, the Competitive Stream Planning Process has also been extremely transparent. The various tools, presentations and information releases have been posted on the
Competitive Stream Planning Process home page on the SSA website throughout the process. Individuals interested in the future direction of the Competitive Stream in Saskatchewan are encouraged to visit the SSA website to review the information presented.
This release marks the end of this stage of the Competitive Stream Planning Process; however, there remains much work to be done to present and implement the ideas that have been developed. Moving forward, the framework for the Competitive Stream Plan will be completed by the SSA Staff and available to the Membership by the end of January 2016, with the full plan targeted for completion by the end of March 2016. From there, work with continue in advance of the various stages of implementation beginning with the indoor 2016/17 season and continuing in to the 2017 outdoor season and beyond.
The SSA would once again like to thank all of the individuals who participated in and contributed to this process over the past eight months and look forward to continuing to work and collaborate with you as we prepare for a new future of competitive soccer in Saskatchewan.
Should you have any questions about the Competitive Stream or planning process, please contact
Dave Nutt.
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On t
he Grassroots Workshops Road with Lara
Throughout the last part of this year, I've remained hot on the Grassroots Workshops road, visiting Valley Soccer Association (10.21), Battleford Youth Soccer (10.28), Battleford & District Senior Soccer (11.30), Regina United Futsal Federation (12.02), ASTRA Academy (12.07), Tisdale Soccer (12.10). I will finish off 2015 with Saskatoon Youth Soccer (12.15) and Saskatoon Adult Soccer (12.22).
This will bring the total of Grassroots Workshops conducted to 31, which means that I've been able to meet with half of the membership for this specific purpose in 2015. Thank you to everyone who has met with me in 2015; I look forward to meeting and chatting with the rest of our membership groups in 2016!
To stay informed about Grassroots Workshops, click
here
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OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCCER OPERATIONS
Hello SSA Members!
Thank you for taking the time once again to read and consider some thoughts "From the Desk of the Director of Soccer Operations". Since the last edition of the Soccer News, there have been many exciting achievements and happenings within the SSA.
Saskatchewan's PSL and Saskatchewan Open Cup Championships teams proudly represented the province at the
2015 Canada Soccer SportChek National Championships
. In addition, Saskatchewan's post-secondary programs, University of Saskatchewan Men and Women, University of Regina Women and Lakeland College Men and Women, wrapped up their 2015 seasons. A well-deserved special mention goes to the Huskies Women, who finished first in the Canada West East Division and earned the right to host the Canada West Select Six for the first time. Meagan Manson was a leader for Huskies all year and earned a CIS Second Team All Canadian selection, the first for a U of S women's soccer player since 2000. Head coach, Jerson Barandica-Hamilton, was also named the Canada West Coach of the Year in only his second year with the program.
We are also very excited for High Performance Development Centre athletes, Taylor Bubnick and Jacqueline Altrogge, who have earned the opportunity to join Swansea City Ladies Football Club in Wales after training with the Club over the summer. The Swans are members of the Welsh Premier Women's League, with this partnership representing another opportunity and pathway for Saskatchewan athletes. Taylor and Jacqueline were recently featured as CTV Saskatoon Athletes of the Week,
click here to watch the feature and hear more about this amazing opportunity!
Finally, I would like to recognize another Saskatchewan athlete, referee (and SSA Staff Member) Chantal Boudreau. Chantal was selected as an Assistant Referee for the CONCACAF Under-20 Women's Championship in Honduras, the first ever such selection for an official from Saskatchewan. We look forward to hearing all about this tremendous opportunity from Chantal upon her return and to many more appointments at this level and beyond for Saskatchewan's first FIFA List official!
As this will be the last edition of the Soccer News for 2015, I would also like to take this time to acknowledge and thank the representatives of SSA Member Organizations and Entities that have participated in the Competitive Stream Planning Process. As we complete the initial phase of the planning process with a final set of webinars on December 9 and 10, I am grateful for the commitment and knowledge shared by those that have been involved in the process. I truly feel that we are developing a plan that the entire soccer community can feel a part of, which would not have been possible without the contributions of so many. If you have not taken the time to visit the Competitive Stream Planning Process webpage, I would encourage you to
click here
to read, see and hear more about the process and direction of competitive soccer in Saskatchewan.
What I'm reading...
Further to the thoughts that were shared on the importance of scores and standings, winning and losing, and competition in youth sport in the last edition of From the Desk of the Director of Soccer Operations, here is another interesting read:
The coach being interviewed for this piece is responsible for the U18 team at Chelsea FC in London, England; however, much of what he states is relevant throughout the soccer system in Saskatchewan. In order for players to be successful on their soccer journey, at some point, they need to learn how to win games. Learning to win is not inherent to sport participation, any more than is developing skills; it must be learned through experience.
That said, the most important statement in this article is the following, "...winning games of football can be the focus in the professional development phase if all previous elements of player development have been age-appropriate and connected." The article goes on to speak about the focus being placed on technical training and movement skills at the youngest ages, followed by learning how to play the game. Only when these objectives are achieved, does the coach believe it to be possible for the 16-18 year old boys the he works with to begin to learn how to win.
This approach aligns almost seamlessly to the Canada Soccer Long Term Player Development model, which guides player development across the country. In the grassroots stages (Active Start, FUNdamentals and Learning to Train), the focus is on physical literacy (i.e. movement skills) and technical training. As athletes transition in to the high performance stages (Training to Train and Training to Compete), the focus gradually shifts from technical mastery, through tactical development (i.e. Learning to play the game) prior to learning how to win in the Training to Compete stage. In other words, as stated in the article, the focus can (and should) only progress to winning if all previous elements of player development have been properly achieved.
Coaches and soccer leaders, please consider the following as you work with our young athletes; if one of the biggest Clubs in the world, playing in one of the most competitive environments, does not see the need to focus on winning until players are 16-18 years old and on the brink of become professionals, why would we take that approach to grassroots, recreational and competitive soccer in Saskatchewan?
Thank you for once again taking the time to read this report "From the desk of the Director of Soccer Operations", I hope that you found it informative. As stated in the last edition, I look forward to using this forum as a tool to engage with the SSA Membership on a more regular basis moving forward, so if you have any topics that you would like to see appear, please send them along and I will do my best to address them either individually on in a future report.
Yours in soccer,
Dave Nutt
Director of Soccer Operations
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High-Performance Development Centre
High Performance Stream Update
In 2011, the SSA began implementing a systematic change to the provincial development model, where a Stream-Based Maturational Model replaced the long antiquated Chronological Pyramidal Model. The core result of this change is that each individual participant will have the opportunity to self-select the 'Stream' that is a best fit for their own personal goals. Following an introduction to soccer within the 'Grassroots' Stream, each participant can subsequently transition into the Recreational, Competitive, or High-Performance Stream. Moving across the Streams requires is an increase in training and competition standards (e.g., coaching certification/training hours, sport science integration), and greater focus on mentality, discipline, and lifestyle choice. Participants within a Stream-Based Model are no longer subjectively selected based on criteria such as physical size. Placement within the Stream of choice for a participant is determined by maturational attainment within the SSA's Five Pillars of Development (Physical, Psychological, Social, Technical, and Tactical). This ensures an athlete-centred framework supports each individual participant's development and reduces the chance that athletes are missed during the identification process.
High-Performance Stream Program Transition
Over the past three years, High-Performance athlete identification and coach development in Canada has gone through evolutionary change. With the elimination of competitions like the National All-Stars and National identification and training programs such as the Regional and National Training Centres, athletes and coaches are now provided new opportunities to reach higher levels within the game. In response to these changes, as well as the cancellation of the Pacific Challenge in 2016, the Saskatchewan Provincial Selects Program (PSP) has also been eliminated. In its place have come new and revised programming initiatives that better fit with the SSA's High-Performance Strategic Plan and Canada Soccer's new Pathway.
The Saskatchewan Soccer Association (SSA) is pleased to announce details of the 2016 High-Performance Stream Combine for U13 (2003)/U14 (2002)/U15 (2001) Female and Male Saskatchewan athletes. Three weekends consisting of competition and testing will be used to expose participants from across the province to the High-Performance Stream, develop a High-Performance athlete identification database and as a mechanism to identify athletes for future High-Performance Stream opportunities beginning during the outdoor 2016 season, including:
- High-Performance Development Centre (HPDC) and future Canadian Soccer Association Regional EXCEL (REX) programming
- High-Performance Centre of Excellence (HPCOE)
- High-Performance Centre of Goalkeeping Excellence (HPCGE)
- High-Performance Prairie League (HPPL)
- High-Performance Indoor Showcase League (HPISL)
- 2017 Canada Summer Games/2019 Western Canada Summer Games.
CLICK HERE for i
nformation about the High-Performance Combine that will be replacing the Provincial Selects Program and details on each of the individual programs making up the SSA's High-Performance Stream.
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS JANUARY 21, 2016!
For more information about the HPDC program, visit the
SSA Website.
For more information about the Centre of Excellence initiative and the High Performance Development Centre, check out the SSA Website or contact
Coach Terrol
.
Technical-Tactical-Physical-Psychological-Social
The HPDC 5 Pillars of Development
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RESPECT IN SPORT FOR ALL MEMBER ORGANIZATION AND ENTITY COACHES, MANAGERS AND TEAM PERSONNEL
Respect in Sport is REQUIRED...No Exceptions!
And WHY?
- Provincial-wide MANDATE from SaskSport Inc., to all Provincial Sport Governing bodies for ALL sports, ALL TEAMS in Saskatchewan - FAQ about the RiS Provincial Certification Initiative
- Everyone deserves a safe, abuse-free, and bullying-free environment
- Reduce the risk of liability for YOU, as a volunteer - Education is power against instances of negligence, abuse, and harassment
Your RIS number must be provided upon registration with your member organization.
All Coaches and Team Personnel must possess Respect in Sport (RIS) certification prior to participating in their first soccer related activity, therefore, please note that participation in local games, tournaments, and access to travel permits is prohibited without RiS.
Certification is FREE and only takes approximately 3 hours.
Click here
to begin.
Contact
Udo Baecker for further information regarding RiS Certification.
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*Please be advised: Your personal information will not be used for any purpose other than that for which your consent has been given.
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SEND US YOUR PICTURES!!!
From the sidelines, at the end of a game, to the finish of a great practice, we want to share your pictures and stories! Submit yours today to
[email protected]
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