NLSA 2025 Canada Summer Games Team Selection Criteria, Process and Information
Introduction
In 2019, the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association’s Board of Directors approved a high-performance program designed to help to prepare its teams to be competitive for the 2025 Canada Games being held in NL.
Over the previous three years, approximately 40 players in both the 2008 and 2009 age groups were selected for the NLSA Provincial Program. The players were exposed to training in both the indoor and outdoor environments. Each age group and gender had two teams selected to represent NLSA at either Atlantics or have travelled to Ottawa and Montreal to gain different competitive experiences.
During this time, NLSA has delivered similar training sessions to all respective teams. We also introduced a Game and Training Model to all the players involved and teams have used this model to guide how they play and train. While time has been lost due to COVID, players have responded to every challenge the coaching staff has presented.
Since 2020, NLSA has been encouraged by significant player development in the 2008 and 2009 age groups. There has been movement between age groups and within the specific age groups (i.e., players selected for a second team in 2022 were then selected for the first team in 2023). We are hoping the 2025 Canada Games Program will amplify that development.
NLSA Vision/Mission/Values
Vision: Providing a quality soccer experience for all participants.
Mission: To provide leadership to grow and develop soccer enabling all participants to reach their highest goals.
Values:
Selection Process
The Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association is hosting an open trial for the 2008 & 2009 age groups (boys and girls) at Topsail Turf (CBS Turf) on the following dates:
The tryout process will consist of match play (either 9v9 and/or 11v11). Players may be asked to play various positions.
There is a $50.00 trial fee associated with the tryout and 100% attendance is required to be considered for selection.
Selection Criteria
Players will be identified and selected based on the 4-corner model:
In addition to the 4-corner model, the players must demonstrate commitment, work ethic, team spirit, positive attitude, and attendance at Canada Games training programs and events.
NLSA staff and a group of qualified coaches will be at the trials evaluating the players. These evaluations will be put together and used during team formation and selection. The selection committee will be as follows:
Appeals will go through the NLSA’s appeals process which aligned with Canada Soccer’s appeals process (http://www.nlsa.ca/content/rules-regulations-policies-and-documents).
Team Size
20 players will be selected in the pool for both the male and female programs. 2 standby players for male and female will also be selected in case of long-term injury or players leaving the program.
Adding Players After Trials
After the selection of the 20 players, plus 2 standby players (who will remain in their club environments unless called into the group) there will be no additions to the squad unless a player leaves the program (injury, illness, moving, etc.). One of the standby players will then replace this player in the 20 players, and another standby player could be added. A player who moves into the province or is performing well at various events, could be added to the standby list, but will not be added directly to the final squad.
Removing Players from the Squad
Players will be removed from the squad if:
Player Expectations
Throughout the two-year program, squads will train and/or play on-field 2-3 times per week (indoor and outdoor). They will also attend two fitness sessions per week, along with yoga and other off-field programs on a scheduled basis.
Fitness, training and game performances will be recorded through new technology that our new high-performance sponsor, VK Investments Inc., has enabled NLSA to purchase and use in the program. The players will be receiving their personal data on a weekly basis and will review their feedback every eight weeks with the coaching staff. Data will be recorded and available to prospective university or national team coaches. Nutrition, rest and recovery, and mental wellness will be integrated into the program, along with communication with the parents to help the players maintain their expected school grades.
There will be province, out of province, and international travel over the two-year period. Grants, sponsors, and fundraising, as well as a program fee, will cover the expenses of these events.
A healthy soccer, school, and social life will be very important in the development of these athletes. Players selected for this high-performance CG Program are entering into a program that will need full commitment to the objectives and demands of the program.
Unfortunately, it will not be possible to participate in two high-level, provincial sports while in this program. Each player is currently going through their own growth and development at differing rates. We need to guide these young athletes on how to achieve their best performances consistently without occurring overuse injuries and having adequate time for rest and recovery, schoolwork and a social life.
Selected players will be permitted to attend other selected sport events following consultation with Mark Marshall and the coaching staff.
Selected Players Outside of the Metro Area
Player selected from outside of the metro area will be given the following options:
Coaching Staff & Support Staff
Coaching and support staff is yet to be determined. Once the staff has been finalized players and parents will be notified and an announcement to membership will be made.
Contact Information