Scores & Standings

We support the best practices and research in developing young players. As such, since 2014 we have supported the principles of Long-Term Player Development including the removal of scores and standings from our development programming under the age of 12.

Research has shown the competitive elements present in encouraging the promotion and relegation formats at the youngest ages of development removes the focus from individual technical and tactical development and creates a win-at-all-costs approach to team management.

In addition, the format brought adult competition structures to the children’s game ensuring that adult outcomes were prioritized. Indeed, evidence has shown that the promotion/relegation model in the children’s game caused conerning player poaching across club environments as one team earning promotion would approach the children that were leading players on teams that were relegated.

Guelph Soccer is a proud Member Association Level 2 Club Licence-holder in Canada Soccer’s Club Licensing Program and provides age and stage appropriate development environments for players of all ages. That includes the removal of scores and standings for players under the age of 12 and pooling of players at the earliest development ages.

We believe every member of the Guelph Soccer community has the right to a quality experience and a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of their fellow community members.

Want to learn more? Send us your questions at community@guelphsoccer.ca!