CYSA Programs

Charleswood Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) offers recreational soccer programming based on the long term player development model (LTPD) for youth living in the Charleswood, Headingley and neighboring rural areas. 

Our mission is to provide programming and skill development opportunities to any child who is interested in the game of soccer in order to enhance their social/emotional and physical health, in a positive and safe environment. Our goal is to create individuals who remain active for life and who strive to achieve.

Each individual program or division focuses on the unique developmental needs and physical literacy of each player’s age group. By developing skills based on the age and stage of each child we can provide a fun and supportive environment.

Registration details for all divisions and each season of play will be posted on the CYSA website at least one month prior to opening date of registration. This will include the opening and closing dates of that season’s registration period. Indoor typically opens in late August. Outdoor typically opens in late February.

The programs offered for the outdoor season of play are:

1. House League or Mini-soccer

For children 3-8 years of age this is an introductory program to the game of soccer. Play is two nights a week, either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. Each player receives equal playing time, and no scores or standings are kept. The emphasis is on developing an enjoyment of the game in a fun and supportive environment. Teams are all in house which means that they play with other CYSA players and teams at a single location with multiple fields throughout the season. The season runs throughout May and June concluding with the CYSA mini-soccer Jamboree, a Canada Soccer’s Active Start Soccer Fest.

2. City or WYSA Recreational League, U9-U12 age divisions

Play is generally three times a week: two matches, on either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday and one practice. Each player receives equal playing time and no scores or standing are kept. The focus is on skill development and learning the rules of the game in a fun and supportive environment. Teams are separated by gender and matches are played throughout Winnipeg and the surrounding area. The season starts in the first week of May and concludes with the WYSA LTPD Jamboree at the end of June.

3. City or WYSA Recreational League, U13-U18 divisions

Play is generally three times a week: two matches, on either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday and one practice. Each player receives an equal amount of playing time and is encouraged to continue developing skills and take on a more active decision making role. Scores and Standings are kept and while the focus remains on creating a fun and supportive environment there is a competitive aspect to play. Teams are separated by gender and matches are played throughout Winnipeg and surrounding areas. The regular season runs from the first week of May through to the end of June with play resuming in September for the Cambrian Challenge Cup/play-offs.

The programs offered for the indoor season of play are:

Indoor Mini-Soccer

This program has been designed for players in the U4 to U8 divisions. It provides players with the opportunity to continue developing soccer skills and to stay active through the winter months. The program is co-ed and play is once a week for an 8 week period from January to March.

Indoor Soccer

The Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association governs this program. This program is for players in the U9-U18 divisions. All teams are separated by gender and all players receive an equal amount of playing time. Play is twice a week with one match per week and one practice in gym space on a weekday evening. Additional practice time on a turf surface is also provided. All matches are played at indoor turf venues within the city of Winnipeg.

For teams in the U9-U12 divisions each player receives equal playing time and no scores or standing are kept. The focus is on skill development and learning the game in a fun and supportive environment.

For teams in the U13-U18 divisions, scores and standings are kept and, while the focus remains on creating a fun and supportive environment, there is a competitive aspect to play.

The season begins in early to mid-October with a two week break at the end of December. The U9-U12 season ends in March. The U13-U18 teams regular season concludes in January with the Cambrian Challenge Cup/Play-offs taking place in February and March.

Developmental and Premier Programs

The Developmental Program is offered for players in the U9-U12 age divisions who have a strong interest in the game and who hope to achieve a higher level of competitive play. Clubs will conduct evaluation sessions, and based on these assessments they will form as many equally balanced teams as possible. Every reasonable effort will be made that if a child registers and wishes to play at this level, they will be given the opportunity to do so.

The Premier and Premier Developmental Leagues are offered for players in the U13-U17 age divisions. Players interested in the Premier and Premier Developmental Leagues must understand that these competitive programs require an intense commitment to the game and players go through an evaluation process before being offered a team position.

These programs require a player assessment and as such the registration process begins much earlier. There are open borders for those interested in playing at this level. In other words, players can investigate options for cost, coaching experience and qualifications, club vision, etc, before committing to a particular club.

Clubs offering developmental and premier progams in Winnipeg are as follows (alphabetical order):

Players who would like to reserve a space in the recreational program, in case they are not able to play at this level, must complete a separate CYSA pre-registration (no fee) within their age appropriate division and inform the CYSA registrar.

Only those who have pre-registered can be guaranteed space within the recreational program if the player is not offered a roster position with a club team.

Adult soccer - Charleswood Legacy Teams

One of the primary goals of CYSA is to create players who are active for life and who continue to participate in soccer as adults.

In order to encourage players to do so and in celebration of the associations 50th anniversary in the fall of 2018 the first adult league team was introduced for graduates of CYSA. Currently the Charleswood Legacy women’s team competes in the Winnipeg Women’s Soccer League.

All legacy teams will be expected to follow the governance of their respective leagues and may only use the team name, Charleswood Legacy, with the permission of CYSA.

While support in the form of coaching and administrative needs will be provided by the CYSA executive all costs associated with these teams will be covered by the individual team and players.