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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Vermilion Soccer?
Vermilion Soccer is built around player participation. The Mini age levels (Ages 5-9) are progressive in skill development, and positioning. Teams are generally co-ed – there have been U10 girls teams in the past. All games/tournaments are “non-competitive” – all participants are recognized, each is allowed to participate as fully as they want or are able.

!! New in 2008: The U12 program has been revised throughout Alberta to a “development format”. The teams will play games in an eight player format. The field size is modified for the reduced player count. There may be some 11-a-side tournaments still available this year, however in 2009 ASA will not sanction the 11 player competitive format. There will be no provincial tournament opportunities for this age group. There will still be a district – wide wrap-up tournament at the end of the season.

The Youth age levels compete in District Tier IV competition. Tier IV is non-selective, emphasis is on continued skill development within a team play environment. Players who show particular skill and desire can enhance their participation experience through more competitive Tier III and Tier II teams. Tier III teams are community based but include players from other district towns. Tier II teams are currently organized and coached by District personnel (more information on Lakeland District Soccer can be found at www.lakelandsoccer.ca )

How long does Soccer Run?
Spring (Outdoor) soccer typically runs from the last week of April to the last week of June (about 10 weeks). During this time the “Mini” soccer players – Ages 5-9 – have opportunity to learn new skills, play some inter-club (Vermilion) games, and perhaps play games against out of town teams. The “Youth” teams (ages 10-17) practice, and participate in a district league leading to Zone playdowns. Weekends from the end of May through the middle of June have Youth and Mini tournaments which teams may participate in if they choose. Teams which win the Zone competition have the opportunity to play at a provincial championship in July.

Indoor Soccer typically runs from the last week of September through the end of February. The Mini group(s) practice, play inter-squad games and occasionally travel to or host a fun-day to play other teams. The Youth teams participate in a district league leading to the Zone playdowns. Zone playdowns occur in February. Successful teams move on to Provincial competition held later in March.

Why do we register so early?
Vermilion Soccer begins outdoor registration in mid-March to be able to declare the number of teams that will be playing during the on-field district league play portion of the season. We need to be ready with team alignments by the first week of April to allow District scheduling to be completed before the season begins in the first week of May. To encourage on-time registration, we charge a late fee for registrations received after the noted deadline (deadline varies year to year – typically first week in April). Having lots of time ahead also allows more Mini games to be scheduled with other district towns.

I paid the registration fee, what else is expected?
Outdoor soccer requires significant input from the entire participating group. With that in mind Vermilion Soccer requires that parents of players provide volunteer time – 6hrs/player for mini-age, 8hrs/player for youth. Volunteer time spent is recorded in a binder at the “Soccer Shack” (at the Provincial Park Fields). The “Volunteer Coordinator” reviews the hours and assesses whether the volunteer hour requirements have been met. Unmet obligations result in cashing of bond cheques. Our preference is for the volunteer hours to be provided, as there are many tasks that need taking care of (See outline list on registration form) and “many hands make light work”. We are sure there is something we need done that you can do, that will fit in your schedule.

There are a number of positions that are recognized as requiring a higher level of commitment to the association, and by actively participating in those positions the parent will be credited with meeting all volunteer hour requirements. Examples of these positions are: Coach, Executive member, Director/Coordinator Position – these positions typically bear the responsibility for a key aspect of the Soccer program and many extend over the entire calendar year.

Indoor Soccer is played indoors at local school gymnaisiums or out of town in a variety of facilities. The physical tasks required to run the program are significantly less than outdoor, so volunteer hours/bond cheques are not required. There are still Coaching and manager positions to fill, and the coaches are usually open to help so don’t be afraid to step up.

Who/What is Lakeland District? and How does Vermilion Soccer Fit in?
Competitive soccer in Alberta is supervised by the Alberta Soccer Association (ASA), this association is made up of a number of geographical districts covering the province. Lakeland District is the geographical region within which Vermilion resides. Lakeland District Soccer Association (LDSA) is the administrative group with oversight of soccer within our district. Our district extends west to Vegreville and Viking, north to Lac La Biche and Cold Lake, east to the Saskatchewan Border and south to Provost. LDSA provides an administrative interface with ASA for Community Member Associations within the District.

As many of the communities within our district are small, LDSA provides an organizational means to coordinate soccer throughout the district and ensure there are “real games” to be played across the age levels. This inter-community competition helps player and team development.

As many of the communities are small, all communities within the district have agreed that Tier II and higher competition will be run by the District only. This allows the communities to focus on Tier IV and V teams which do not require highly specialized coaching, and are inclusive in team structure. As Tier IV and V competition is generally complete by the end of June, communities with the interest still have the opportunity to develop Tier III teams that play through the summer.

Vermilion Soccer has a member position at District meetings. We are expected to provide feedback, insight, and direction to the LDSA board regarding district issues and ASA initiatives. Vermilion participates in the Youth league play to ensure game competition for our teams. Vermilion has historically hosted a portion of the outdoor Zone playdown.

More information about the District, board members, and member communities can be found at: www.lakelandsoccer.ca

What Events Does Vermilion Soccer Host?
During the outdoor season, Vermilion has historically hosted a Mini Tournament (late May). This tournament is a participatory tournament for Under-6 (ages ~4-5) Under 8 (ages ~6-7), Under 10 (ages ~8-9). Typically it is hosted on two days and has 50-60 teams participating.

In 2006 we held an inaugural 3vs3 tournament. We look forward to hosting the third annual tournament again in 2008.

The Outdoor Zone playdowns are typically split between Vermilion and St Paul with each community alternating which age groups are hosted (U12/U18, U14/U16). This tournament involves both boys and girls teams from within the district at Tier IV and Tier V level. These tournaments are held in the latter part of June.

Vermilion has also hosted the Provincial Tier IV tournaments for a number of age levels. This tournament usually occurs during the second week of July.

Vermilion also hosts one other tournament during the summer. In 2006 we hosted a Senior Tournament in July. In the past we had hosted a Tier II/III tournament in mid August. Declining participation in the “Harvest Classic” encouraged a new direction.

During the Indoor season Vermilion Soccer will host League play days where a specific age and gender group of District based teams each come to play two games each. Vermilion teams also travel to other towns for similar events.

What is the Under-4 Program?
During the outdoor season we run an introductory program for 2-1/2 to 3yr olds. The program operates one night a week and starts two weeks later than the regular soccer programs (after the last snowfall hopefully…). The purpose of the program is to introduce soccer skills to your toddler. Foot skills – dribble, pass, shoot are the dominant features of the program. Other emphasis can include group participation skills and responding to group directions. A parent/guardian (16yrs +) is required to attend with the player, but no other volunteer hours are required for this player. As this group is very young, game situation play is not implemented until near the end of the program at the discretion of the coach. (Success with this group is often measured by successful “sharing” of the game ball in a game context.) The wide spread of maturities within this group (up to 18months age differential, boy and girl mixed) means we can only offer this program once a week. Typically it is scheduled on a Monday which is a lower traffic night at the Soccer fields.

Where can I get more information on Soccer at the District and Provincial Level?
Alberta Soccer Association supervises competitive soccer in Alberta. They have a comprehensive website at www.albertasoccer.com Website information includes lists of sanctioned competitions throughout the province, general/provincial competition rules, tournament hosting guidelines, administration contact information, player insurance information, Provincial competition results, coaching and refereeing course time and location information.

Lakeland Soccer District Association has oversight on our local district competition. They have a comprehensive website at www.lakelandsoccer.ca Website information includes League play schedules, District Executive Board member contact information, District member Community Association contact information, lists of locally offered coaching and referee courses.

If you have other questions feel free to send an e-mail to any of the contacts listed on this website