Edmonds Soccer has been part of our community for more than forty years. In fact, many of our coaches, in their youth, either played for or against the Edmonds Blue & White, and their continuing participation with the club is an indication that the club philosophy has remained the same.
The Edmonds Soccer Club is the soccer operations part of the Edmonds Soccer Association. The Association is registered under the Societies Act of British Columbia, following a set of by-laws and operating in accordance with the rules and policies of the British Columbia Soccer Association (BCSA).
The Edmonds Soccer Club is responsible for the soccer activities and issues within the Association. The Club is comprised of an Executive and the teams registered with the BCSA as part of Edmonds Soccer Association.
The Club Executive is elected each year in March at an Annual General Meeting. Parents of boys registered with the club are eligible to vote and are encouraged to attend the AGM. Members are also elected to assist the Executive in the running of the Club.
The House League is the entry level of soccer and is attended by boys aged 5 to 9. The emphasis in House League is for the boys to have fun while learning soccer skills. Teams are broken down as follows:
U7 - boys who turn 5 or 6 that year
U8 - boys who turn 7 that year
U9 - boys who turn 8 that year
U 10 - boys who turn 9 that year
Each team consists of 10-12 players. House League teams play the other Edmonds teams in their age group, as well as teams from other Burnaby Clubs (if they have age appropriate teams).
House League teams play Mini Soccer, which allows for more touches of the ball. Games are played on smaller fields, with each team having 5 players plus a goalie on the field.
Players are registered with the Club, not with individual teams or coaches. All attempts are made to create balanced teams, and the Club encourages teams to exchange some players every year, so that the players get ready for Divisional play, when teams are created based on skill level, and players may no longer be with their best friends or coach.
The Edmonds House League season always ends with a jamboree, a weekend-long tournament in March that involves a lot of preparation, a great deal of soccer, and probably way too many doughnuts.
While technically part of Divisional play, Under 11 is really a transitional year for players. It introduces them to playing full-field soccer, with each team playing 10 players plus a goalie on the field. There is no "ranking" at this age. Instead, the Club attempts to form balanced teams that encompass players of all skill levels. The aim is to continue the Club Philosophy introduced in House League, while teaching players the new skills they will need in Divisional play.
Under 11 is also a transitional year for coaches. It gives the opportunity to try coaching full field soccer without the pressure that sometimes (often?) accompanies Divisional play. This is also the year for coaches those of you who "did it all" in House League to expand their coaching team: 1-2 assistants, team manager, etc.
Teams from Under-12 to Under-18 are tiered into Gold, Silver, and Bronze teams based upon player ability and/or desired level of competition. Since it is not always possible for the Club to have three levels of teams at every age group, it works with the other Burnaby clubs to ensure that every player has a place.
Tryouts open to all eligible players are usually held in early spring for the following season. The committee handling the tryouts and team selection consists of coaches in the age group, the Divisional Manager or representative, and one other Edmonds coach.
Club and team officials will always strive to encourage and allow players to play at the highest level of their capabilities. Some players, however, may wish to play on a "lower" level team, depending on their own desire to play at a less competitive level.
Players are registered with the Club, not with a coach or a team. No person associated with a team may instruct a player directly or indirectly to play for their team instead of another team. Players registered with the Club require the Club's approval if they wish to play for another club.
Edmonds is part of the 4-District, which encompasses Burnaby, Vancouver, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Squamish. U12 to U18 away games will take place in any of these areas.
A word about referees. THEY RULE. It doesn't matter what their age is, what they say is right. You may not agree with what they say, but if you argue with them, you're not only wrong, you're in the wrong place.
Complaints about referees should be directed to the Chief Referee not the referee of the game. If you are playing against another club, report problems to your House or Divisional Manager, who will then pass it on. If a referee does or says something that you think is wrong, report it. Our Club referees are learning to do their job. It's up to you to ensure that Edmonds maintains a high standard in all aspects of play.
Be aware: referees have the power to eject a coach or spectator from the park. If the referee is denied, he or she will leave the field, the game will be over, and the offending team will be reported.
Offside: It is not an offense to be in an offside position unless, in the referee's opinion, the player is involved in active play by interfering or gaining an advantage, at the moment the ball is touched or played by one of his team. Coaches and supporters are to refrain from advising referees of offside calls.
1. Don't force an unwilling child to participate.
2. Remember that children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
3. Encourage your child to always play by the rules.
4. Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory, so that the outcome of the game is accepted without undue disappointment.
5. Turn defeat into victory by helping your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
6. Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the other team. Don't criticize or make negative comments about your child's coach, teammates or their parents in front of your child.
7. Do not publicly question the referee's decision, and never their honesty.
8. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities.
9. Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give their time and resources to provide a place for your child to play soccer.