Age Classification for 2017/18 Indoor Season

 
Since summer 2016, Saskatchewan Soccer Association (SSA) has been examining the impact of changes to youth age classifications for the Canada Soccer National Club Championships, which became effective in 2017, with the goal of developing the best possible direction for the membership of Saskatchewan Soccer.
 
SSA has undertaken extensive consultation at the provincial level and investigated if further direction would be forthcoming from Canada Soccer. Canada Soccer has recently advised that provinces value the ability to structure their competitions in the way that works best for their specific environment, and as such, there will not be a standardized national approach. 
 
These consultations were undertaken to ensure SSA provides a structure for soccer within the province that aligns with the national direction without negatively impacting the alignment to LTPD, the health, wellness and enjoyment of players, the quality of player development and the ability of our Member Organizations to offer soccer programming across all of the streams.
 
Now that our consultations have concluded age classifications at the provincial level starting with Indoor Season 2017-2018 and onward the following outdoor season will be as follows:

• Under 4 (born on or after January 1, 2014)
• Under 6 (born on or after January 1, 2012)
• Under 8 (born on or after January 1, 2010)
• Under 10 (born on or after January 1, 2008)
• Under 12 (born on or after January 1, 2006)
• Under 14 (born on or after January 1, 2004)
• Under 15 (born on or after January 1, 2003)
• Under 17 (born on or after January 1, 2001)
• Under 19 (born on or after January 1, 1999)
• Senior (15 and over)
• Masters Women (over 30)
• Masters Men (over 35)

By extending Youth to U19, we believe this will enhance the retention of older youth athletes and extend playing opportunities for those athletes. As well it will serve as a bridge in the transition from youth to adult within the Soccer for Life Stream. The Masters Women age group will be clarified in SSA policy as 30 years of age and older. This aligns with the change brought forward by Canada Soccer in May 2015, and the change Saskatchewan Soccer made to the age classification for Women's Soccer for Life Masters Provincial Championships in 2016.
 
The Soccer for Life Youth Provincial Championships will be offered at the U15, U17 and U19 age groups (6 aside Indoor, 9 aside Indoor and 11 aside Outdoor).
 
The Provincial Soccer League will continue to be offered at the U13/U14, U15 and U17 age groups, with the winners of the U15 and U17 age groups going on to represent Saskatchewan in the CSA Club National Championships.
 
In order to maintain an aligned system, we request all Member Organizations align their programming to the provincial age classifications noted above for the long term. By working in partnership to develop an aligned and cohesive system, Saskatchewan athletes, coaches and officials will be best positioned to achieve their goals in soccer.
 
Should you require further information or wish to discuss changes in age classification please contact Octavian Iliuta.