WHAT IS RECREATIONAL SOCCER?

Whether they dream of playing for Canada’s National Teams or simply want to have fun with their friends, taking the right approach to the game when children are young sets the stage for a lifetime of enjoyment. For players under the age of 12, many of whom are lacing up cleats for the first time, the goal of this approach is simple: The Ajax Soccer Club's Player pathway follows The Canada Soccer pathway and provides a roadmap for players of all ages and aspirations who want to play soccer at the recreational, competitive or high performance levels, with the aim of encouraging lifelong participation. The Pathway is built around the principles of Long-Term Player Development (LTPD).

LTPD is a model of athlete development that parallels what doctors and psychologists have long used to better understand human development: as a series of distinct stages, which take us from infancy through adulthood.

A person’s abilities, behaviour and emotions, as well as their understanding of the world around them, varies from stage to stage. When young soccer players are able to train and compete in an environment that’s appropriate to their stage of development, they not only perform at their best, they also have more fun.

Ajax Soccer Club aligns its Recreational programs with Ontario Soccer’s Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) program. LTPD is about putting the player first and offering age-appropriate opportunities for kids to enjoy the game of soccer. Making the game fun is key in teaching and coaching so that players will continue in the game as they get older.

Our Recreation Programs do not have a skill level requirement. We have children of all levels participating on each of our  teams in all age groups. Each player will receive a full uniform to wear during participation.