At CVUSC, we believe every player should have the opportunity to develop and enjoy the game in an environment that is appropriate for their age, ability, experience, and individual stage of development. Our goal is to help players and families understand the different opportunities available within the soccer pathway, while supporting each player’s long-term development and continued enjoyment of the game. Explore the resources below to learn more about the CVUSC player pathway, Canada Soccer’s Long-Term Player Development (LTPD), and the different environments and opportunities available to players as they progress through the game.
Player Pathway
Built around the principles of Long-Term Player Development
CVUSC's player pathway provides a roadmap for players of all ages and abilities to participate at various levels of the game, encouraging lifelong participation. United's goal is to encourage players to strive for the level they desire to play, to support all players to achieve their goals, and enjoy the process.
CVUSC's player pathway provides a roadmap for players of all ages and ability to participate at various levels of the game, encouraging lifelong participation. United's goal is to encourage players to strive for the level they desire to play, to support all players to achieve their goals, and enjoy the process. The Pathway is built around the principles of Long-Term Player Development (LTPD).
Our programming includes inclusive opportunities such as VYSL, UDP, Summit Soccer Camp, and Super Soccer Saturday, as well as selected, higher-performance opportunities such as PDL, West Coast League, UPP, and Spring Academy. Each program has a specific purpose and provides players with different opportunities to develop and experience the game.
A player's placement in a particular program is not a permanent decision or a prediction of where they will play in future seasons.
Players develop at different rates, and their needs, interests, commitment, and stage of development can change over time. For programs that involve selection, there may be opportunities for players to move between environments as they progress or when a different environment better supports their development. Our aim is not to place a permanent label on a player, but to help provide the right environment at the right time.
Beginning with the 2027/28 season, and in alignment with the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards, CVUSC will no longer conduct one, or two-day player evaluations for U13 and younger players. Instead, opportunities for higher-level programming will be informed by ongoing observation of players over time. This allows our technical staff and evaluators to consider a broader picture of each player's development rather than basing a decision on evaluation sessions. Players will continue to be observed within their regular training and playing environments, allowing coaches and technical staff to consider factors such as technical development, game understanding, effort, attitude, confidence, commitment, and readiness for a particular environment.
Most importantly, development is not linear. A player may be ready for a particular opportunity at one stage and benefit from a different environment at another.
The Comox Valley United Soccer Club is proud to support Canada Soccer's Long Term Player Development
Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) is the Canadian Soccer Association’s pathway to success on both fronts. LTPD is a player-centered approach that provides guidelines for correct training, competition, and recovery, based on scientific principles of human development and athlete training, combined with the knowledge of expert coaches.
Player-centered means we respect the developmental needs of our players first and foremost. We ensure that our young players have fun while they learn so they want to continue playing. It also means we provide challenging opportunities for players that are extending so they can develop their abilities and pursue excellence. All of these needs are addressed in the seven stages of LTPD.
The pathway is built around the seven stages of Long-Term Player Development. Here are the stages, and the club divisions that correspond to each one:
- Active Start - (U-4/U-6 M/F) *SoccerTots, Bambinos, and Micros
Gives the youngest players the opportunity to develop basic movement skills like running, jumping, landing, kicking, throwing, and catching in a fun setting built around informal play and positive reinforcement.
- Fundamentals - (U-6/U-8 F) *Micros, Minis - (U-6/U-10 M) *Micros, Minis, Juniors
Allows children to develop their movement ABCs— agility, balance, coordination, and speed—and learn the basics of the game while emphasizing fun, cooperation, and maximum time on the ball.
- Learning to Train - (U-8/U-11 F) *Minis and Juniors - (U-9/U-12 M) *Minis, Juniors, Youth or U12 PDL
This “golden age of learning,” when children become less self-centered and are more able to reflect on their actions and learn from mistakes, provides an optimal window for further development of skills. The focus is on learning by doing, building a larger repertoire of soccer movements and teaching the basic principles of play in a fun and challenging environment.
- Train to Train - (U-11/U-15 F) *Juniors, Youth, or U12 - U18 PDL - (U-12/U-15 M) *Youth or U12 - U18 PDL
The onset of the adolescent growth spurt for most kids during this stage is an ideal time for endurance training. Players are also introduced to concepts like mental preparation, goal setting, and coping with winning and losing while learning more advanced soccer skills, including position-specific techniques.
- Training to Compete - (U-15/U-19 F) *VYSL Youth or PDL, and Women's - (U-16/U-20 M) *VYSL Youth or PDL, U21 Men, Div 2 Men Players are now working to hone their soccer skills under a variety of competitive conditions in an 11 v 11 game format that mirrors adult play. Along with the continued refinement of advanced techniques, players work to develop their tactical awareness, discipline and mental toughness.
- Training to Win - (U-18+ F) *PDL, Women's, Mid Isle Women's - (U-19+ M) *U21 Men, Div 2 Men, Master's With most of their soccer skills now fully established, the focus for EXCEL players at the National Team, semi-professional and professional levels shifts to performing at their best. They work on adapting strategies quickly to suit changing demands, establishing a pre-training and pre-match routine, and maintaining optimal physical and psychological fitness
- Active for Life This stage encompasses boys and girls, men and women of all ages and abilities who want to play soccer for fun and fitness. They may be youth players who don’t pursue high performance play through the EXCEL program, former competitive players who don’t intend to play internationally, or professionally or, they may be brand new to soccer. In all cases, the game structure is adapted to suit the level of play, the number of players and the available space.
External pathway resources
Players Code of Conduct
Representing CVUSC
We ask that our players share our common values when they are representing CVUSC.
CVUSC Player Code of Conduct
Overview
As a member of Comox Valley United Soccer Club, I understand that being part of a team means more than playing soccer. I have a responsibility to myself, my teammates, my coaches, my opponents, game officials, and the broader CVUSC community. I will represent CVUSC with respect, integrity, and good sportsmanship at all practices, games, tournaments, and club events. I understand that soccer is an opportunity to learn, develop, challenge myself, build relationships, and have fun. I recognize that my attitude, effort, behaviour, and commitment contribute to the experience of everyone around me. I will do my best to be a positive teammate, to support others, and to help create an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and safe.
As a CVUSC Player, I Will:
- Practice and encourage good sportsmanship with all players, coaches, team staff, game officials, opponents, and parents at every practice, game, tournament, and event.
- Remember that I am part of a team. I will support my teammates and contribute positively to the team throughout the season. I will always try my best and give my best effort.
- Be committed to my team. I will attend practices, games, tournaments, and team events whenever possible. If I am unable to attend, I will provide my coach with reasonable notice.
- Be on time and prepared. I will make every effort to arrive on time for practices, games, and team events and be ready to participate.
- Listen, learn, and accept feedback. I will do my best to listen to and learn from my coaches and understand that feedback is an important part of my development.
- Treat everyone with respect. I will treat my coaches, team staff, teammates, opponents, game officials, volunteers, and parents with respect, and I will expect to be treated with respect in return.
- Respect the decisions of coaches, team staff, and game officials. I will accept their decisions without confrontation or inappropriate behaviour and will follow the rules of the game and the expectations of my team and club.
- Communicate respectfully. If I disagree with a coaching or team staff decision, I will speak respectfully with my parent or guardian, who may act on my behalf, or speak directly with the coach or team staff to express my views appropriately.
- Help create a positive environment. I will encourage my teammates, celebrate their successes, and support them when things do not go as planned. I will not bully, harass, intimidate, or intentionally exclude others.
- Remember that development is a process. I will focus on learning, improving, and enjoying the game rather than only on results. I understand that mistakes are part of learning and that every player develops at their own pace.
- Help keep soccer fun. I deserve to enjoy my soccer experience, and I will speak with my parents, coach, or another trusted adult if I am no longer enjoying my experience or if something is affecting my ability to participate positively.
- Help create a safe and healthy environment. I understand that I have the right to participate in an environment free from alcohol, drugs, smoking, vaping, and other substances or behaviours that could negatively affect my safety or the safety of others.
- Make responsible choices. I will not use alcohol or drugs before or during practices, games, tournaments, or team events.
- Respect my teammates and their families. I will encourage my parents and family members to support my team and me in a positive and respectful way.
- Represent CVUSC proudly. I understand that my actions reflect not only on me, but also on my teammates, coaches, family, and Comox Valley United Soccer Club.
- Remember why I play. Soccer is an opportunity to learn, develop, challenge myself, build friendships, and have fun. I will do my part to make it a positive experience for myself and those around me.
Parent and Guardian Code of Conduct
Supporting your children
CVUSC Parent & Guardian Code of Conduct
Comox Valley United Soccer Club is a grassroots, community-based club that relies heavily on volunteers. Our coaches, managers, board members, and many others give their time to provide positive soccer experiences for players in our community.
As a parent or guardian, I understand that my actions and behaviour directly influence my child and the players around them. I will help create a positive, respectful, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for everyone.
As a CVUSC parent or guardian, I will:
- Remember that my child plays soccer for their enjoyment, development, and experience, not mine.
- Encourage effort, learning, teamwork, and good sportsmanship rather than focusing only on winning or results.
- Support my child and their teammates positively and never ridicule, criticize, or yell at a player for making a mistake.
- Allow coaches to coach and respect their decisions regarding playing time, positions, tactics, and player development.
- Respect referees and game officials, understanding that mistakes happen and that many officials are young and developing their skills.
- Never yell at, insult, intimidate, or question the honesty or integrity of a referee, coach, player, or volunteer.
- Treat opposing players, coaches, families, and all members of the soccer community with respect.
- Recognize and appreciate that CVUSC relies heavily on volunteers and treat those who give their time to our club with respect, patience, and appreciation.
- Raise questions or concerns respectfully and through the appropriate channels, rather than on the sideline or in front of players.
- Communicate respectfully in person, by email, in team group chats, and on social media.
- Ensure my child arrives prepared and on time for practices, games, and team events whenever possible, and communicate absences to the coach.
- Remember that my behaviour sets an example for my child and contributes to the experience of everyone around them.
I will put the player first, respect the game and the people who make it possible, and do my part to make CVUSC a positive place for everyone to play, learn, and develop.
Uniforms and Equipment
Player's Kit
Having the right gear helps players stay comfortable, safe, and ready to play.
To promote safety and consistency, players are required to have the proper equipment. Shin guards are mandatory for all players and must be worn under socks during every practice and game. Soccer cleats are required for outdoor play, while non-marking indoor shoes are needed for indoor sessions.
Players should also bring a labeled water bottle to stay hydrated and avoid mix-ups.
Club-provided jerseys must be worn during games, and players are expected to keep their uniforms in good condition.
Click on the tabs below to find out further information.
PDL Division (U12-U18):
Players receive two jerseys (home and away) at the beginning of the season, which must be returned at the end of the season. If jerseys are not returned, the replacement cost will be invoiced. Players are expected to keep both Jerseys in good condition.
Each Player keeps a training t-shirt, club shorts, and club socks. They must bring their own shin guards and cleats.
VYSL League (U4-U7) -Supported by Tim Hortons :
Players keep a Timbits jersey and socks. They receive a Timbits ball and medal at season’s end. Shin guards and cleats must be supplied.
VYSL League (U8 and Up):
Players keep a club jersey or club training shirt. They must bring their own socks, shin guards, and cleats.
UDP Program (U8-U13):
New players or players who have outgrown their previous training shirt will receive a new training t-shirt. Shin guards with socks and clean cleats, or turf shoes are required.
UPP Program (U14-U18):
Players must bring their own shin guards, socks, and cleats.
Super Soccer Saturday Program (U8 -U12+):
No training shirt provided. Players must bring their own socks, shin guards, and wear non-marking indoor shoes or futsal shoes.
Summit Program (U8 and Up):
Players receive a training top. They must bring their own shin guards with socks and cleats.
Academy (U12 & U13):
Players receive two jerseys (home and away) at the beginning of the season, which must be returned at the end of the season. If jerseys are not returned, the replacement cost will be invoiced. Players are expected to keep both Jerseys in good condition.
Players do not receive a training t-shirt. They must bring their own shin guards and cleats.
At the Club we have a Jersey Return Program. This is a completely optional initiative. Over time, some families may have collected multiple jerseys in the same color or have ones their players have outgrown.
If you'd like to pass them along, you're welcome to return any washed and gently used jerseys to the clubhouse during office hours.
Safe Sport
Safety First
Player safety and ongoing parent education are of the utmost importance to the Comox Valley United Soccer Club, in conjunction with BC Soccer. Every coach, parent and player is expected to know these documents.
- Code of Conduct to Protect Children in Sport
- Guidelines for Adults Interacting with Children in Sport
- Steps for Reporting Child Sexual Abuse
- Reporting Child Sexual Abuse and Misconduct
- Steps for Reporting Inappropriate Conduct
- Soccer Canada Rule of Two
- CVUSC Rule of Two and Safe Sport Policy (2025)
- CVUSC Anti-Bullying Policy (2025)
The health and safety of our players is a priority at CVUSC. Concussions can happen in soccer, and recognizing the signs, responding appropriately, and following a safe return-to-play process are important responsibilities for players, parents, coaches, and team staff.
We encourage all CVUSC members to learn more about concussion awareness, management, education, and returning to play. Visit the resources below for information, training tools, policies, and return-to-play guidelines.
Visit the resources below to explore safe sport resources
