2026/2027 Grassroots Identification Sessions
U8-U13 (2019-2014)
Discover the Jr. Gryphons Pathway
Guelph Soccer is proud to be home to the Jr. Gryphons, a player-centered development program designed to help young athletes reach their full potential in a positive, challenging, and supportive environment while instilling a life-long love for the sport.
Our Grassroots Development Program focuses on long-term player development, with licensed coaches creating an environment where players are encouraged to develop their technical skills, decision-making, confidence, and love of the game. Identification Sessions provide an opportunity for both players and families to experience our coaching philosophy while allowing our technical staff to identify players who will thrive within our program.
Whether your child is currently playing recreational soccer, development soccer, or with another competitive program, we welcome players who are eager to learn, work hard, and challenge themselves.
How the identification process works
Our identification process is designed to give every player multiple opportunities to showcase their abilities in a comfortable, development-focused environment.
New players will:
Register for their age group's Identification Sessions
Participate in two (2) identification sessions with players in their age group
Be evaluated by Guelph Soccer's coaching and technical staff
IMPORTANT:
Following these sessions, selected players will be invited to participate in the Returning Player Sessions alongside current Jr. Gryphons players for additional evaluation before final roster decisions are made.
New Player - Identification Sessions Schedule
Returning + Invited Players - Identification Sessions Schedule
what to expect at identification sessions
Identification Sessions are designed to reflect the training environment players can expect throughout the season. Players will participate in age-appropriate game play.
Our goal is to create a positive and enjoyable environment where players can perform at their best while becoming familiar with the Jr. Gryphons coaching philosophy.
Our coaches evaluate far more than technical ability. We look for players who demonstrate effort, coachability, decision-making, teamwork, enthusiasm, resilience, and a willingness to learn.
*Please note additional session information and arrival instructions will be sent via email prior to the start of Identification Sessions.
About the 2026/2027 Grassroots Development program
The Grassroots Development Program runs from October 2026 through September 2027 and is designed to provide players with a structured, development-first soccer experience. More information about the program, season structure, fees, and expectations will be available in the 2026-2027 Grassroots Development Program Information Guide soon.
2026-2027 Program Information Guide
(Link coming soon)2026-2027 Grassroots Coaching Staff
(Link coming soon)
All Grassroots inquiries can be directed to Grassroots Manager, Cameron Oliver, at cameron.oliver@guelphsoccer.ca.