Grassroots Program (U4, U6, U7, U8, U10)

Halifax Dunbrack Soccer Club's Grassroots Program represents the most important part of the player pathway. In this program, we introduce players to the game, with a focus on fun, physical literacy and safety. We employ a Canada Soccer endorsed training model. All curriculum is developed to focus on a love for the ball that will eventually grow into a love of the game. Players are scheduled to train 1-2 times per week, depending on the age group. There are no player assessments for this program.

Please note: Players in the U8 (born 2018) and U10 (born 2016-2017) age groups will receive a training shirt. These age groups are no longer sponsored by Tim Hortons and will not receive a Timbits uniform, ball or medal. Tim Hortons sponsors our Grassroots Program with their generous donation of uniforms, balls and medals for players in the U4-U7 (born 2019-2023) age groups only.

Deadline to Register

The deadline to register for the 2026 Summer Grassroots Program is Monday, May 25, 2026.

Grassroots Program Fees

U4 (born 2022-2023) - $175
U6 (born 2020-2021) - $235
U7 (born 2019) - $290
U8 (born 2018) - $290
U10 (born 2016-2017) - $290

*if you require financial assistance, please CLICK HERE for more details

Included in the fee: facility costs, technical leads, coaches and technical staff, player registration/insurance with governing body (Soccer Nova Scotia), training equipment, uniform and ball, administrative fees (operational, registration system, processing)

Grassroots Program Schedule

Schedule Note: The schedule is tentative based on confirmation of our field bookings.

U4 Co-Ed

Start Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
End Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: Parents will select their preferred day and time (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, 5-5:45pm or 6-6:45pm) when registering.
Location: Clayton Park Junior High Field (45 Plateau Crescent)
Program Note: The U4 Co-Ed Program is a parent and tot program. A parent is required to be on the field with their child for the duration of the session.

U6 Boys

Start Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
End Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Time: All sessions are on Tuesdays, but parents will select their preferred time (5-6pm or 6-7pm) when registering.
Location: Clayton Park Junior High (45 Plateau Crescent)

U6 Girls

Start Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
End Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: All sessions are on Wednesdays, but parents will select their preferred time (5-6pm or 6-7pm) when registering.
Location: Clayton Park Junior High (45 Plateau Crescent)

U7 Boys

Start Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
End Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: Mondays, 6-7pm and Thursdays, 5-6pm (program is 2 sessions per week)
Location: Clayton Park Junior High (45 Plateau Crescent)

U7 Girls

Start Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
End Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: Mondays, 5-6pm and Thursdays, 6-7pm (program is 2 sessions per week)
Location: Clayton Park Junior High (45 Plateau Crescent)

U8 Boys

Start Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
End Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: Tuesdays, 7-8pm and Thursdays, 7-8pm (program is 2 sessions per week)
Location: Clayton Park Junior High (45 Plateau Crescent)

U8 Girls

Start Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
End Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: Tuesdays, 7-8pm and Thursdays, 7-8pm (program is 2 sessions per week)
Location: Clayton Park Junior High (45 Plateau Crescent)

U10 Boys

Start Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
End Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: Mondays, 7-8pm and Wednesdays, 7-8pm (program is 2 sessions per week)
Location: Clayton Park Junior High (45 Plateau Crescent)

U10 Girls

Start Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
End Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: Mondays, 7-8pm and Wednesdays, 7-8pm (program is 2 sessions per week)
Location: Clayton Park Junior High (45 Plateau Crescent)

Grassroots Program Uniforms

All players in the U4-U7 (born 2019-2023) age groups will receive a Dunbrack Timbits uniform (while supplies last) consisting of shorts, socks and a jersey (see size chart), as well as a soccer ball.

All players in the U8-U10 (born 2016-2018) age groups will receive a Dunbrack t-shirt (parents provide shorts and soccer socks). Balls will be provided for use at each practice but must be returned at the end of each practice.

Uniforms will be given out to players at the field at the first session. (If your player misses the first session their uniform must be picked up from our club office. We are located at the BMO Soccer Centre, 210 Thomas Raddall Drive, just off the lobby of the Field 4 side of the facility. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 10am-4pm.)

Players must come to training in their own cleats and shin guards and must bring a water bottle.

Grassroots Program - Need to Know

Training schedules are subject to change based on field availability.

There will be no make-up sessions or pro-rated fees based on lost training sessions or late registration.

Players who are assigned to a team with a higher fee based on their skill level will be responsible to pay the higher fee.

Missed payments may result in your player being removed from the program. Please be sure to make your payments on time to avoid any disruption in training or games.

Field closures and extreme weather conditions are beyond our control and can cause training to be cancelled. Members are asked to monitor HRM Field Conditions, their emails and our social media feeds for updates. HRM updates their Field Conditions page every day by 3pm. If grass fields are closed, practice is cancelled.

Most of the HRM fields we use have no washroom facilities so please "go" before you come to the field.

Please refer to our Refund Policy in the event that you need to withdraw from a program.

If you have any questions regarding the Grassroots Program, please contact us at info@dunbrack.ca

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