IFC's Grassroots Development Programs are focused on providing a nurturing environment for those players who are passionate about soccer and want a challenge above-and-beyond community house league programs. They are designed to help the development of every soccer player involved at a grassroots level (U4-U13 Boys & Girls), encouraging them to play freely, enhance basic skills and tactics in an enjoyable, supportive atmosphere. These development programs offer professional coaching from certified IFC Academy staff, and take a long-term approach to player development with the underlying aim for our young players to develop the foundation and fundamental skills required to succeed at whatever level of the game they aspire to reach.
IFC Grassroots Program Goals
Every player registered in IFC Grassroots programming deserves an enjoyable experience within the game, regardless of the role they play, their age, their level of experience or their ability. For a young soccer player at IFC, an enjoyable experience means having access to high-quality training programs where they can have fun with their friends, learn new skills and play the game in an appropriate format.
>>Goal 1: Keep more young players involved in the game for longer by providing them with an enjoyable experience with the game.
>>Goal 2: Produce clear training guidelines for coaches so that they can deliver the best possible environment for young players.
>>Goal 3: Develop better players by increasing opportunity and access to better training and competition for more young players.
2026 Grassroots Outdoor Season
| AGE | LOCATION | DAY | TIME | REGULAR FEE | REGISTRATION |
| U4 to U13 Grassroots Development Programs | |||||
| 2022-2018 (U4/5, U6/7/8) | Dufferin District Park | Tuesdays | 6:30-7:30pm | $495 | Click Here |
| 2017-2016 (U9/10) | Dufferin District Park | Tuesdays | 7:30-8:30pm | $495 | Click Here |
| 2015-2013 (U11/12/13) | Dufferin District Park | Tuesdays | 7:30-8:30pm | $495 | Click Here |
| 2022-2018 (U4/5, U6/7/8) | Dufferin District Park | Thursdays | 6:30-7:30pm | $495 | Click Here |
| 2017-2016 (U9/10) | Dufferin District Park | Thursdays | 7:30-8:30pm | $495 | Click Here |
| 2015-2013 (U11/12/13) | Dufferin District Park | Thursdays | 7:30-8:30pm | $495 | Click Here |
Grassroots Program Structure
The Grassroots Training and Festival program will run twice a week this outdoor season.
Tuesdays and Thursdays in Concord Thornhill at Dufferin District Park
Training is structured so that all players train together in stations led by our Academy technical leads. Groups will be determined by chronological and developmental age.
Training will resemble the game and conclude with match-play, in Festival format. Open team rosters will be used to ensure competitive balance and opportunity to move between teams.
Grassroots+ (Plus) Program
What Is Grassroots+?
Grassroots+ consists of 6 bi-weekly festival days held throughout the summer on Saturdays. These festivals feature inter-squad games where players compete against fellow IFC players in a controlled, development-focused environment.
Format: Inter-squad festival games in age-appropriate formats [eg. 3v3, 5v5, 7v7, 9v9]
Schedule: TBD [6 bi-weekly sessions, 2 Saturdays per month in June, July and August 2026]
Day: Saturday Mornings
Who It’s For: Grassroots players U6 (2020) and older seeking more competition and game exposure
Why Grassroots+?
⚽ More Game Play: Additional opportunities to play and compete beyond weekly Grassroots sessions
🧠 Game Understanding: Encourages decision-making, teamwork, and technical skills
📈 Player Development: Bridges the gap between Grassroots training and higher levels of Academy play
😊 Positive Environment: Focused on fun, confidence, and long-term development within the Club
Grassroots+ is completely optional and is intended to complement the overall Grassroots experience for families looking for a little more competition during the outdoor season.
Uniform
Each player will be provided with a uniform kit - jersey, shorts, socks, bag & soccer ball.
Program Registration
Early-Bird Price: $445 (Expires: March 1, 2026)
Regular Price: $495
Grassroots+ Price: $100 (Additional fee for 6 bi-weekly festivals)
+ Sibling Discount: $20 (Available after 1 registered family member)
+ Withdrawal Deadline: May 1, 2025 (Subject to admin fee)
Grassroots Outdoor Schedule - REGISTER FOR ONE OR BOTH DAYS!
Tuesday Dates at Dufferin District Park:
May 26;
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30;
July 7, 14, 21, 28;
August 4, 11, 18, 25
September 1* (Season-Ending Festival)
Grassroots+ Weekends:
6 Bi-Weekly Festivals on Saturday Mornings from June to August 2026 (Dates TBD - Two per Month)
Thursday Dates at Dufferin District Park:
May 28;
June 4, 11, 18, 25;
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30;
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3* (Season-Ending Festival)
Grassroots+ Weekends:
6 Bi-Weekly Festivals on Saturday Mornings from June to August 2026 (Dates TBD - Two per Month)
Proud supporter of IFC Grassroots
*Refer-a-friend program conditions: 1. Members cannot use Refer-a-friend code for personal use. 2. Members can only be rewarded for up to two (2) NEW registered referred members, totaling up to $50.00. 3. Member credits can be applied to future IFC programming or account registrations on a deferred payment plan. 4. Only one (1) credit voucher is accepted per program registration.