2026/2027 INDOOR SEASON INFO
Cold Lake Minor Soccer Association
Indoor 2026-2027 Program Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Registering
Welcome to Cold Lake Soccer!
Registration is opening for the Indoor 2026-2027 season!
Whether this is your first season with Cold Lake Minor Soccer Association or your family has been part of our soccer community for years, we are excited to welcome you.
We offer soccer opportunities for players from age four through adulthood, with programs designed for every experience and skill level—from first-time players to lifelong soccer enthusiasts.
Program Overview
What’s New This Season?
We have restructured our indoor program to improve player development, increase participation, and provide a more consistent experience for players, families, coaches, and volunteers.
Based on the success of the 2026 outdoor season, the updated indoor program includes:
- Improved scheduling and program formats
- Clearly defined practice structures
- Better-defined volunteer and coaching roles
- Two distinct youth league options
- Expanded opportunities for adult players
Youth League Options
1. House League — U5 to U19
The House League is a recreational, non-competitive program open to all players who are not registered in Tier 4.
- No evaluations or tiering required
- Two scheduled events per week:
- One practice
- One game or organized fun day
- Players will be grouped by age, registration numbers, and available facility space
- Teams will be led by a head coach and assistant coach
- The focus is participation, skill development, teamwork, and enjoyment
2. Tier 4 Competitive League — U9 to U19
The Tier 4 League is intended for players seeking additional development and a more competitive soccer experience.
- Player evaluations are required
- Travel and weekend commitments are required
- Teams participate in the Lakeland League against communities such as Bonnyville, St. Paul, Lac La Biche, and others
- Three scheduled events per week:
- Two practices
- One league game, House League game, or organized team event
- The number of Tier 4 teams offered will depend on registration numbers, facility availability, and qualified coaches
Important Updates
No Volunteer Bonds or Bingo Requirements
Volunteer bonds and mandatory bingo requirements will not be used this season. Volunteering is optional, and financial incentives may be available for approved coaching and volunteer positions.
No Traditional Waitlists
Our goal is to provide a playing opportunity for every registered player. However, programs and teams remain dependent on registration numbers, available facility space, and qualified coaches.
Tier 4 Travel Bond
A travel bond is required for all Tier 4 players to help ensure families meet their league, tournament, and travel commitments.
The travel bond may be cashed when required commitments are not met in accordance with association policy.
Season Dates
- Tier 4 Competitive League: September 2026 to March 2027
- House League: October 2026 to March 2027
- Tier 4 Player Evaluations: September 2026
Exact dates, times, and schedules will be provided once facility availability and registration numbers are confirmed.
Registration and Evaluation Process
- Families must select either House League or Tier 4 during registration.
- Players registering for Tier 4 from U9 to U19 must attend the scheduled player evaluations in September 2026.
- Following evaluations:
- Players selected for Tier 4 may accept their placement
- Players may choose to move to House League
- Players not selected for Tier 4 will be moved to House League, with the applicable fee difference refunded
- Families may choose to withdraw and receive a full refund in accordance with the registration policy
Why Are Evaluations Required?
Evaluations are not used only for team selection.
They also allow the Technical Director and coaching staff to:
- Assess each player’s current skill level
- Identify individual strengths
- Identify areas requiring additional development
- Balance teams where more than one team is formed
- Determine what coaches should focus on throughout the season
- Place players in the program where they are most likely to develop and succeed
Players will be evaluated based on:
- Technical skill
- Game awareness and decision-making
- Physical readiness
- Effort and attitude
- Coachability
Previous placement on a Tier 4 team does not guarantee placement for the 2026-2027 indoor season.
Final placement decisions will be made by the Technical Director and designated evaluation staff.
Evaluation Attendance Requirements
Attendance is mandatory for all players wishing to be considered for the Indoor 2026-2027 Tier 4 Competitive Program.
Players must attend all scheduled evaluation sessions to remain eligible for Tier 4 placement.
All evaluation fees and outstanding account balances must be paid in full before a player will be permitted to participate in evaluations.
Tier 4 Player Commitments
Players who accept a Tier 4 position are expected to:
- Attend all scheduled league games
- Travel to communities such as Bonnyville, St. Paul, Lac La Biche, and other Lakeland locations
- Attend all mandatory tournaments
- Participate in the Lakeland Cup
- Meet the attendance and travel requirements outlined by the association
- Provide the required travel bond
- Participate in additional games, tournaments, or travel opportunities scheduled at the coach’s discretion
Families should carefully consider these commitments before accepting a Tier 4 position.
Minimum Playing-Time Guidelines
Tier 4 players will receive a minimum of:
- 50% playing time during House League games
- 25% playing time during Lakeland League, Lakeland Cup, and tournament games
Playing time may be affected by attendance, injury, illness, discipline, player safety, or other circumstances covered by association policy.
Team and Game Structure
| League and Age Group | Target Players per Team | Game Format |
|---|
| U5 House | 12 | 4v4 without goalkeepers |
| U7 House | 12 | 4v4 without goalkeepers |
| U9 House/Tier 4 | 16 | 7v7 with goalkeepers |
| U11 House/Tier 4 | 16 | 7v7 with goalkeepers |
| U13-U19 House/Tier 4 | 16 | 6v6 with goalkeepers |
Team sizes and game formats may be adjusted based on registration numbers, league requirements, and available facility space.
Program Locations
Indoor programming may take place at:
- Cold Lake Energy Centre Field House
- J.J. Parr Sports Centre
- Holy Cross Elementary School
- Other approved facilities, when available
Locations are subject to change based on facility availability.
Weekly Games and Practices
House League
- One practice per week
- One House League game or organized fun day per week
Tier 4 League
- Two practices per week
- Lakeland League games as scheduled
- Additional games may be played against teams in the next-highest House League age group, when appropriate
- Additional exhibition games may be scheduled
The number and format of House League games will be determined by registration numbers and available facility space.
All schedules are subject to change.
Tournaments
House League
Tournament participation is optional and will be funded by participating families unless otherwise approved by the association.
Tier 4 League
Tier 4 registration fees include:
- Lakeland Cup participation
- Two out-of-district tournaments
Additional tournaments may be scheduled at the coach’s discretion and may require additional parent funding.
Season-End Event
The association intends to hold a year-end players-versus-parents game or similar season-ending event.
The date, time, location, and format will be announced during the 2026-2027 season.
Player Equipment
House League
Players will receive:
Tier 4 League
Players will receive:
- Two jerseys:
- Light-blue away jersey
- Pink home jersey
- Shorts
- Socks
Soccer balls and other required team equipment will be provided for practices and games.
All approved coaches will receive a Cold Lake Soccer COACH/STAFF shirt.
Coaching and Volunteer Incentives
There are no volunteer bonds. Approved volunteers may instead receive financial incentives.
House League
- Assistant Coach — Amount to be determined
- Head Coach — Amount to be determined
Tier 4 League
- Team Manager — Amount to be determined
- Assistant Coach — Amount to be determined
- Head Coach — Amount to be determined
Additional Volunteer Duties
Approved duties such as field setup, raffles, equipment support, or event assistance may be compensated at approximately $15 to $25 per hour, depending on the position and assigned responsibilities.
Important Notes
- Incentives may be combined when an individual performs more than one approved role
- All incentive payments are subject to the association’s policies and attendance requirements
- Teams that do not have the required qualified coaches may be unable to operate
Registration Fees
House League Fees Include
- Association administration and operating costs
- Player jersey
- Facility rental
- Alberta Soccer Association fees
- Lakeland District fees
- Coaching incentives
- Season-end activities
Tier 4 League Fees Include
- Association administration and operating costs
- Two player jerseys
- Facility rental
- Alberta Soccer Association fees
- Lakeland District fees
- Lakeland Cup registration
- Two additional tournaments
- Coaching and team-staff incentives
Additional team activities, travel expenses, accommodations, meals, and optional tournaments may not be included.
Questions?
For additional information, please contact:
Cold Lake Minor Soccer Association Operations
Email: Operations@clmsa.ca
