Final Information Release - Competitive Stream Planning Process

Final Information Release - Competitive Stream Planning Process
 
On behalf of the Saskatchewan Soccer Association, I am very pleased to be able to provide an update on the Competitive Stream Planning Process. One of the primary focuses of the SSA Technical Department for 2015 was on the development of a Competitive Stream Plan to compliment the plans that have been developed for the High Performance, Recreational and Grassroots Streams and complete the planning process for the SSA stream-based model. Through the stream-based model, the SSA is committed to creating a participant-centered system that focuses on positive experiences and development. Based on the Canadian Sport Policy and Long Term Player Development model, participants within the Grassroots, Recreational, Competitive and High Performance Streams have different motivations, needs and goals. By creating separate strategies, plans and programs for each Stream, the SSA and our Member Organizations and Entities are better positioned to meet the needs of all participants.
 
According to the Canadian Sport Policy, the primary goal of competitive sport is to provide Canadians with the opportunity to systematically improve and measure their performance against others in competition in a safe and ethical manner. Aligning to the Long Term Player Development (LTPD) model, the Competitive Stream is also defined as the Soccer for Life - Competitive stage (Stage 7 - Competitive). Within the stream-based model, the Competitive Stream sits beside the High Performance and Recreational Streams rather than above or below as is the case in a pyramidal structure, providing a series of programs, services and opportunities targeting the unique needs and wants of participants within this Stream.
 
In addition to being committed to developing a high quality plan for the Competitive Stream, the SSA also made a significant commitment to engage and consult with both our Membership and a group of external experts throughout the planning process. Using the framework from the "LTAD Competitions Review for Team Sports" as a guide, the planning process for the development of the SSA Competitive Stream plan consisted of four steps:
 
Step 1: Identify and Define the Key Components of the Competitive Stream
Step 2: Analyze the Competition System and Identify Issues
Step 3: Develop Solutions/Alternatives
Step 4: Make a Decision on Direction
 
The level of engagement from target Member Organizations and Entities was outstanding throughout the steps of the planning process, which included surveys, a follow up meeting and series of webinars, and speaks to the importance of both the planning process and resulting direction. Overall, 18 Member Organizations and Entities and more than nearly 40 individuals participated in the various stages of the planning process, leading to a plan that is more representative of the needs of the SSA membership and developed based on ideas and rationale that are better understood throughout Saskatchewan.
 
In addition to being a tremendous engagement opportunity, the Competitive Stream Planning Process has also been extremely transparent. The various tools, presentations and information releases have been posted on the Competitive Stream Planning Process home page on the SSA website throughout the process. Individuals interested in the future direction of the Competitive Stream in Saskatchewan are encouraged to visit the SSA website to review the information presented.
 
This release marks the end of this stage of the Competitive Stream Planning Process; however, there remains much work to be done to present and implement the ideas that have been developed. Moving forward, the framework for the Competitive Stream Plan will be completed by the SSA Staff and available to the Membership by the end of
 
January 2016, with the full plan targeted for completion by the end of March 2016. From there, work with continue in advance of the various stages of implementation beginning with the indoor 2016/17 season and continuing in to the 2017 outdoor season and beyond.
 
On behalf of the SSA, I would once again like to thank all of the individuals who participated in and contributed to this process over the past eight months and look forward to continuing to work and collaborate with you as we prepare for a new future of competitive soccer in Saskatchewan.
 
Should you have any questions about the Competitive Stream or planning process, please contact me at your convenience.
 
Yours in soccer,
 
Dave Nutt
Director of Soccer Operations
Saskatchewan Soccer Association
P: 306-975-0826
E: d.nutt@sasksoccer.com