The Alberta Youth Soccer League Launch 2021
The Alberta Youth Soccer League Launch 2021
After having the launch of the league delayed by the Covid-19 global pandemic we are excited to begin play in the summer of 2021 with our original seven (7) founding clubs (see below) and our four (4) partner districts. The clubs have been in training camps and exhibition season since early June.
To review the structure of the first provincial wide league at a youth level we will be launching with a single age group, Under 15 players primarily from the 2006 birth year, with both a boys and girls division. In 2022 the league will expand to include 2007 and 2008 birth year players with a goal of being fully operational across 5 birth years by 2024.
“After more than 5 years of hard work by Alberta Soccer, Member Districts and their Member Clubs, we are now in a position to transition core player development to the capable hands of our strongest clubs who will be held accountable by high standards implemented by Canada Soccer” said Shaun Lowther, current Sherwood Park Phoenix Technical Director (former Alberta Soccer TD), “The first group of players (2006 Born) to enter the league have been patient for close to two years due to COVID and we are all excited that the Alberta Youth Soccer League has finally been launched.”
This will be the first youth soccer league in Alberta to periodize training with a schedule across the whole calendar year that will develop players technically, physically, psychologically, and socially. All of the clubs participating must adhere to the Canada Soccer national standards and have a National Youth Club License (NYCL). The schedule will be set-up to provide the proper amount of training, competition, and rest with specific focus on maximizing our ability to use indoor and outdoor facilities that create a true soccer environment.
Similar leagues, running with the same national standards for clubs, are operational in British Columbia (BCSPL), Ontario (OPDL) and Quebec (PLSJQ). Across Canada there are nearly 60 clubs who have met the national standards for the 2021 season.
The inaugural season will start on July 10th with matches in Calgary and St. Albert. A standard season would have started in April but because of restrictions lifting later the season length will be 12 games and run until thanksgiving weekend. The first week schedule is found below with links to the complete schedule available.
For more information go to https://aysl.albertasoccer.com/
GIRLS SCHEDULE (https://aysl.albertasoccer.com/division/1371/12703/games)
BOYS SCHEDULE (https://aysl.albertasoccer.com/division/1371/12698/games)
For questions about the league, please contact Richard Adams - execdir@albertasoccer.com OR 780 378 8108
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Alberta Soccer Vision: A centre of excellence for the game, providing opportunities for all players to reach their full potential
Alberta Youth Soccer League Vision: To create a competitive development environment that provides opportunities for all participants at the highest level of amateur youth soccer in Alberta and Canada
The Alberta Youth Soccer League (AYSL) is a partnership between Alberta Soccer, four (4) Regular Members (Districts) and seven (7) Canada Soccer National Youth Club License (NYCL) holders that is striving to achieve the vision for the league and push towards Alberta Soccer’s overall vision.
The National Youth Club License
The Canada Soccer National Youth Club Licence recognizes the highest achieving organizations from across Canada and rewards them with the Canada Soccer Approved Youth Soccer Club endorsement and associated MLS Home Grown Player benefits. Organizations achieving this licence display characteristics and demonstrate behaviours aligned with the highest expectations of governance, administration, infrastructure, and technical, support their Member Association and Canada Soccer Pathways and participate in the highest level of competition in Canada; the Canada Soccer Player Development Program.
2021 NYCL License Holders
Calgary Blizzard Soccer Club (Calgary Minor Soccer Association)
Calgary Foothills Soccer Club (Calgary Minor Soccer Association)
Calgary Rangers Soccer Club (Calgary Minor Soccer Association)
Calgary Southwest United Soccer Club (Calgary Minor Soccer Association)
Edmonton Scottish United Soccer Club (Edmonton Minor Soccer Association)
Sherwood Park Phoenix (Sherwood Park District Soccer Association)
St. Albert Impact Football Club (St. Albert Soccer Association)
2022 NYCL License Holders
Calgary Villains Football Club (Calgary Minor Soccer Association)
Calgary West Soccer Club (Calgary Minor Soccer Association)
Calgary Eastside Memorial Football Club (Calgary Minor Soccer Association)
