Q: What is a skill center and how will this impact the training schedule?
A: Training will be scheduled so all registered participants in a specific age group (or groups) will be on the field together. Within that training session, coaches will lead multiple stations that cater to the skill development of all players on the pitch. These groups will be fluid throughout the season and encourage players to train with all their teammates.
Q: When will teams be named for the summer season?
A: Metro leagues in the U7 - U9 ages are not tiered. The St. John’s Metro league insists that set rosters be used for all Metro teams in Summer 2025. FAA does not wish to name set rosters for the summer. Based on our player development philosophy, we prefer to have all players train together and be mixed up each Metro Weekend to ensure all players have a chance to play and develop together. All teams should be balanced to foster group development. This is a main pillar of the Canada Soccer philosophy as well, and we have been informed by the NLSA that this principle will be reevaluated and enforced by them for the 2026 season.
At the U10 and 11 levels, we would prefer to use a similar model to the U7-9 age groups and will have balanced teams in any tier we are able to field a team in (including multiple T1 teams when possible). Regardless of if teams are set or not, they will still use the Skill Centre model during weekly training to continue the skill development of every player in the group.
The U13 Metro teams will have set rosters, but will also train using the same model.
Q: What is the benefit to not naming set teams?
A: As mentioned above, naming teams discourages players who are deemed of lower skill level at a specific moment in time and hinders any future development of players who could succeed with more time and growth.
In addition, a roster of a full-sided team is typically between 18-20 players. By using skill development centres at the lower levels where team size is smaller, players can build relationships on and off the field which will foster a more cohesive team in later years. Players will also benefit from the knowledge of a variety of coaches over the course of a season vs having one set coach.
Q: What if my child wants to be more competitive in their age group?
A: While we still use this training model as it is what is developmentally appropriate for players of this age, we do recognize that some players are eager for a competitive team atmosphere. FAA will endeavor to ensure those players have meaningful opportunities for enhanced skill development.
FAA supports and encourages our multi-sport athletes. We try and accommodate the most common clashes when scheduling our practices and we do not have strict attendance requirements as a pre-requisite to play with the club. We do, however, expect our players to show commitment to the club and their team.