Southwest Sting
  Ages and Tiers

Ages for Indoor Season 2010-11:

U10 (under 10) : birth years 2001, 2002
U12 (under 12) : birth years 1999, 2000
U14 (under 14) : birth years 1997, 1998
U16 (under 16) : birth years 1995, 1996
U18 (under 18) : birth years 1993, 1994

In order to play in a specific age level, you must be born in either of the specified birth years, or earlier (younger). There are no over age players allowed in any age category. Note that players move upto the next age group in the indoor season.

OUTDOOR GAME FORMAT:   U10 games are 7vs7, U12 games are 8vs8, U14 and up play 11vs11.

TIERS:

Edmonton Minor Soccer Association offers competitive soccer in two levels, Division A (Tiers 1 & 2) and Division B (Tier 3). The intent of these levels is to offer both age and experience differentiation, while providing high quality competitive play.

Tier 1:
This is the highest level of competitive soccer in Edmonton and Alberta. Teams in this level are highly committed, and players are making soccer their #1 sport choice by playing and training at this level. Tier 1 teams are made up primarily of the oldest age players (2nd year in an age class) who have the highest skill level. Occasionally, 1st year players in an age class may play on Tier 1 teams, but they must have exceptional soccer skills in order to do so.
Tier 1 Season:
The Tier 1 indoor season runs from late September through the end of March, with league games starting at the end of October. The Tier 1 outdoor season runs from the beginning of May through to early September, with 1-2 games per week. Tier 1 teams in the U14 ages and older are eligible to play at a National Championship Level.
Sting Teams in Tier 1 are committed to the highest level of play, and therefore will require the following commitment from each player:

  • Attend 4-5 soccer events per week (2-3 practices, 1-2 games) through the season
  • Attend 2-3 tournaments (with travel out of Edmonton)
  • Participate in extra skill development opportunities through training camps, specialized training programs, or individualized practice as assigned by the coach

    Tier 2:
    This is a high level of competitive soccer in Edmonton and Alberta, geared toward developing 1st year players in an age class, or second year players who are not at a skill development level appropriate for Tier 1. Teams in this level are highly committed, and players are making soccer their #1 sport choice by playing and training at this level.
    Tier 2 season:
    The Tier 2 indoor season runs from late September through the end of March, with league games starting at the end of October. The Tier 2 outdoor season runs from the beginning of May through to early September, with 1-2 games per week. Tier 2 teams are eligible to play at a Provincial Championship Level.
    Sting Teams in Tier 2 are committed to the highest level of play, and therefore will require the following commitment from each player:

  • Attend 3-4 soccer events per week (2-3 practices, 1-2 games) through the season
  • Attend 2-3 tournaments (with travel out of Edmonton)
  • Participate in extra skill development opportunities through training camps, specialized training programs, or individualized practice as assigned by the coach.

    Tier 3:
    This is a competitive level of soccer within Edmonton and Alberta, geared toward participation by players who are soccer enthusiasts, but not necessarily making soccer their #1 choice. As well, it is a venue for both 1st and 2nd year age players in the age level who need further skill development in order to play at a Tier 1 or B level.
    Tier 3 season:
    The Tier 3 indoor season runs from late September through the end of March, with league games starting at the end of October. The Tier 3 outdoor season runs from the beginning of May through mid-July, with 2 games per week. Tier 3 teams are eligible to play at a Provincial Championship Level.
    Sting Teams in Tier 3 are committed to a competitive level of play, and therefore will require the following commitment from each player:

  • Attend 3 soccer events per week (1 practice, 2 games) through the season
  • Attend 1-2 tournaments (with potential travel outside of Edmonton)

    Where do I fit?? Go to Sting Tryout section to find out when and where you should tryout!