Finding the Right Program

Need some help selecting a soccer program? 

Understanding the Program Levels

The first thing to consider when selecting a soccer program is what program level is appropriate for your player. In soccer, this is often based on player age and it is the birth year that is the determinant of the appropriate Program Level. For quick reference, see the following table:

How Do I Choose From the Available Programs?

Once you've identified your appropriate Program Level, the next thing to consider is the experience that your player will enjoy and what will work best for your family. This is always an individual choice based on a variety of factors. Please see the following suggestions we have based on a few common factors: 

Question: Is this your player's first soccer experience?
Consider: EHSC Community Program

Question: Would you prefer for all of the activity to take place in East Hants?
Consider: EHSC Community Program

Question: Is your player interested in activity no more than once each week?
Consider: EHSC Community Program

Question: Do you want to play games against other clubs?
Consider: Skill Centre or Competitive Stream

Questions: Would you prefer for your player to be part of a team with similarity skilled players?
Consider: Skill Centre or Competitive Stream

Questions: Are you looking for league play with stats and standings?
Consider: Competitive Stream

At a high-level, the programs can be described as follows (Full details found at East Hants Soccer):

EHSC Community Program

U5 (birth years 2020, 2021):

• Develop basic movement skills like running, jumping, kicking, throwing, and catching in a fun setting built around informal play and positive reinforcement
• One player and one parent/guardian on the field with them
• Sessions led by Soccer Activity Leaders
• All sessions in the East Hants Sportsplex Soccer Dome

U7 (birth years 2018, 2019):

• Activities are simple and fun and follow a game-activity-game-activity format.
• Games are 3v3 or 4v4, without goal keepers.
• Groups are small to ensure lots of time with the ball.
• Sessions led by Soccer Activity Leaders
• All sessions in the East Hants Sportsplex Soccer Dome

U9 (birth years 2016, 2017):

• No travel, games in East Hants, against other East Hants players only
• Alternating skill night and game night (5v5)
• 1 session per week for 8 weeks
• Sessions led by Soccer Activity Leaders
• All sessions in the East Hants Sportsplex Soccer Dome

 U11 (birth years 2014, 2015):

• No travel, games against other East Hants players only
• Alternating skill night and game night (5v5)
• 1 session per week for 8 weeks
• Sessions led by Soccer Activity Leaders
• All sessions in the East Hants Sportsplex Soccer Dome

EHSC Skill Centre

U9 (birth years 2016, 2017):

• Introduction to competitive soccer
• Travel within Metro / Halifax to play teams from other clubs
• Practices 2x/week, from late May to the middle of August
• Practices move from the Soccer Dome to grass in late June
• 10 game weekends, Games are 5v5 on grass
• Parent coaches with club staff supporting

 U11 (birth years 2014, 2015):

• Introduction to competitive soccer
• Travel within Metro / Halifax to play teams from other clubs Practices 2x/week, from late May to the middle of August
• In late June, practices begin alternating between the Soccer Dome and grass
• 10 game weekends, Games are 7v7 on turf
• Parent coaches with club staff supporting

Competitive Soccer (AA - A - B)

U13 A or B Competitive (birth years 2012, 2013)

• League play with stats, standings, playoffs, and provincials
• Travel to play teams from other soccer clubs in Nova Scotia
• Practices 2x/week, from mid-May to the middle of August
• Games are 9v9, on turf
• Selection sessions will be held in April

U13 AA Competitive (birth years 2012, 2013)

• League play with stats, standings, and provincials
• Travel to play teams from other soccer clubs in Nova Scotia
• Practices 2-3x/week, from late April to the middle of August
• Games are 9v9, on turf
• Selection sessions will be held the week following March Break
• Boys option only for summer 2025

 U15 A or B Competitive (birth years 2010, 2011)

• League play with stats, standings, playoffs, and provincials
• Travel to play teams from other soccer clubs in Nova Scotia
• Practices 2x/week, from mid-May to the middle of August
• Practices alternate between the Soccer Dome and grass
• Games are 11v11, most on grass

 U18 AA Competitive (birth years 2007, 2008, 2009)

• League play with stats, standings, and provincials
• Travel to play teams from other soccer clubs in Nova Scotia
• Practices 2-3x/week, from late April to the middle of August
• Games are 11v11, on grass and turf
• Selection sessions will be held the week following March Break
• Boys option only for summer 2025

All Programs, fees, dates, times and locations are subject to change.

*As a club licensed under Soccer Nova Scotia, we follow their Birth Year Matrix. A player "ages-up" on October 1 of given year.