Outdoor 2026 Newsletter

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 General Information

What is the new soccer season structure?

The Outdoor Soccer Season introduces a refreshed structure designed to increase participation, enhance player development, and improve the overall experience for players and families. Updates include adjustments to scheduling, number of games, practice formats, volunteer roles, and the introduction of distinct league pathways.

Our three primary leagues are outlined below (additional details are provided throughout this document):

League Options

House League (U5-U19)

• Open to all skill levels, including beginners of any age
• Fun, low-pressure, non-travel league
• Weekday games only
• Focus on participation, enjoyment, and player development
• Intra-Cold Lake league (Cold Lake teams only)

Tier 4 (U9-U19)

• Designed for players seeking increased development and competitive play
• Requires weeknight travel and weekend commitments
• Intra-Tier 4 (playing clubs such as Bonnyville, St. Paul, Lac La Biche, Vermillion, etc.)

Adult Co-ed League

• Open to all skill levels, including beginners and returning players
• Intra-Cold Lake league (Cold Lake teams only)

Registration Period: TBD

Exciting Updates

• No volunteer bonds or Bingo
  Volunteering is optional and now comes with financial incentives.
• No waitlists
  Register with confidence—we will place you on a team.
• Extended season into July/August (Tier 4 only)
  Previous seasons ended in June (excluding provincials). The 2026 season will run until the end of June, with an optional extension to the season to the end of August for those who want to keep learning, providing more touches on the ball, more fun, and greater flexibility for summer vacation spots will be limited, as well as more details to come.

Season Timeline

• Season Start:
• Tier 4: April (weather/space dependent)
• House League: May (weather dependent)
• Season End:
• Tier 4: End of June (Depending on if the team qualifies for provincials)
• House League: End of June.

NOTE: Season extension will be offered from July to the end of August. More information to come.

Tier 4 player evaluations will take place in March, with the possibility of practices beginning shortly thereafter. Exact dates will be announced.

Registration & Player Assessments

• House League players may register directly in their required age group once registration opens. (Early bird pricing will be offered this year)
• Tier 4 players will register for evaluations only. Following evaluations, players will receive an email from their divisional director with a password to register for Tier 4 or instructions to re-register for House League, in accordance with the Player Assessment and Team Assessment Policy. (Players who get moved to the house will still qualify for the early bird pricing)

Minimum Playing Time Guarantees

• House League matches: Minimum 50% playing time
• Lakeland League / Lakeland Cup/tournament matches: Minimum 25% playing time

All players will be actively welcomed and included, and NO waitlisting.

Team Numbers & Composition

The number of teams across all leagues is dependent on registration numbers.

• House and Adult leagues compete only within Cold Lake
• Tier 4 teams compete against other associations and may attend out-of-town tournaments.

Team Sizes & Game Formats

House League

Age Group	Players per Team	Game Format
U5	10	5v5 (no goalkeeper)
U7	10	5v5 (no goalkeeper)
U9	12	5v5 (with goalkeeper)
U11	12	7v7 (with goalkeeper)
U13-U19	13	9v9 (with goalkeeper)

Tier 4

Age Group	Players per Team	Game Format
U9	12	5v5 (with goalkeeper)
U11	12	7v7 (with goalkeeper)
U13	14	9v9 (with goalkeeper)
U15-U19	17	11v11 (with goalkeeper)

Adult League

• Age: 16+
• Team Size: Team choice
• Game Format: TBD

Field Locations

All teams are planned to play on the fields surrounding the Energy Centre (lower and upper fields), subject to change based on registration numbers.

Turf usage is dependent on weather conditions and availability.

Season Schedule

House League

• Two games per week (May to the end of June)
• Teams supported and monitored by a Team Leader
• Youth referees provided for house league games. (U9 and up)

Tier 4

• Follows the official Lakeland League schedule
• Teams also participate in the next age group’s House League games (e.g., U11 Lakeland plays in U13 House League)
• Referees provided for sanctioned Lakeland League matches
• Minimum of three events per week (two practices and one game)

Adult League

• Two games per week from mid-May to the end of July
• Break in August
• Resume early September to early October

Specialized Training

• Optional weekly skills sessions for House League players (dates TBD)
• Weekly goalkeeper-specific training sessions (dates TBD)

Note: All specialized training is dependent on volunteer availability.

Practice Formats

House League

A new Team Leader format removes the need for formal coaching experience and allows team leaders to focus on organizing gameplay.

• 10-minute warm-up
• 20-minute game
• 5-minute break
• 20-minute game
• 5-minute team wrap-up

Tier 4

• Traditional structure with a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and Manager
• Coaches must follow the defined CLSA-provided tactical themes and practice frameworks to support consistent long-term player development between all players.

End-of-Season Events

House League

• End-of-season Fun Fest end of June.
• U5-U9: Festival-style play
• U11-U19: Tournament format

Tier 4

• Lakeland Cup (late June, dates TBD)
• Optional Practices and in-house games from July to the end of August.
• One out-of-area tournament expected

Adult League

• Season concludes in October—or when the snow arrives!

Tournaments

House League

• Optional tournaments organized and paid for by families if enough interest
• No travel expectations
• Hybrid teams permitted

Tier 4

• Includes Lakeland Cup, provincials (if the team qualifies), and one out-of-district tournament
• Additional tournaments are optional and parent-funded if enough interest
• Hybrid teams permitted

Adult League

• Optional tournaments organized and paid for by players
• Hybrid teams permitted

Note: All players are registered with the Alberta Soccer Association (ASA) and may participate in sanctioned tournaments.

Equipment

Jerseys

• House League: Jersey with number (U9+ also receive shorts and socks)
• Lakeland League: One or two jerseys with name and number, plus shorts and socks
• Planned colours (availability permitting): Light Blue (Manchester City) and Pink (Inter Miami)

Soccer Balls

• Practice balls provided for all age groups U9 and up) U5 & U7 will get Timbit balls

Coach Shirts

• All House and Lakeland coaches receive a Cold Lake Soccer Association COACH shirt

Volunteer  Compensation

With the removal of volunteer bonds and Bingo requirements, paid compensation is offered for essential volunteer roles.

Incentive Levels

• Refer to the Staff Compensation Policy
• Miscellaneous roles (e.g., net setup, field maintenance, raffles): $15-$25/hour

Payments are issued at the end of the season once commitments are fulfilled.

Important Notes:

• Staff compensation rates are team-specific and cost-neutral
• Tier 4 staff compensation rates are higher due to increased weekly commitments
• Staff compensation is additive (multiple roles may receive multiple payments)
• If insufficient volunteers are available, teams may be dissolved

Fees

What’s Included in House League Fees (approx. per player)

• Association overhead
• Jersey (U9+)
• Grass field rental
• Turf rental
• ASA and administrative fees
• Fun Fest allowance
• Volunteer incentives
• Coach shirts

Why Are Lakeland League Fees Higher?

Additional costs may include:

• Enhanced jerseys
• Increased turf usage (weather and availability dependent)
• Lakeland League and Lakeland Cup fees
• One out-of-district tournament
• Higher volunteer incentive requirements

Additional Questions?

Please contact Facilities@clmsa.ca