CLUB LICENSING
The National Licensing Program offers a comprehensive framework of guidelines and support to ensure that all member soccer providers adopt, develop, and deliver exemplary practices in service, both on and off the field.
Alberta Soccer is dedicated to the implementation and support of all member soccer providers in achieving and maintaining standards of delivery that accurately reflect their organizational and service commitments within Alberta.
To express interest, applicants are advised to complete the online form and submit a Letter of Commitment. It is recommended to consult with your District Organization beforehand to assess your current status. A Letter of Commitment is not required, as Alberta Soccer will obtain this directly from each District for all applying clubs.
CLUB LICENSING PROGRAM
Canada Soccer’s Club Licensing Program consists of four categories designed to foster an inclusive, principles-based system-wide enhancement across the nation. For youth clubs in Canada, the program includes four levels:
- National Youth Club Licence (Application open – MA2 required)
- Member Association Level 2 (Applications open – MA1 required)
- Member Association Level 1 (Applications open)
- Quality Soccer Provider (Applications open)
It is important to note that these requirements do not apply to professional clubs. Such clubs work toward achieving a Canada Soccer National Club Licence, which is granted to organizations that meet the minimum standards established by Canada Soccer in collaboration with FIFA and CONCACAF, determining eligibility for participation in international competitions such as the CONCACAF Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup™.
Club Licensing is a standards-based system developed by Canada Soccer and implemented in partnership with Alberta Soccer to improve the delivery of soccer nationwide. It signifies more than mere certification; it demonstrates a club’s commitment to uphold the highest standards in governance, safety, programming, technical development, and administration. The program aims to foster safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environments for players, coaches, referees, and volunteers.
Fundamentally, club licensing aims to develop stronger, more sustainable clubs capable of supporting their members both now and in the future.
In the past, the quality and structure of soccer clubs could vary greatly, leading to inconsistent experiences for players and families. The Club Licensing Program was established to address this, aiming to professionalize club operations, create consistent standards, and align clubs with the national Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) model. When a club commits to the licensing process, it agrees to meet standards in several key areas:
- Governance & Leadership – Effective, ethical decision-making, transparency, and long-term planning.
- Administration – Financial stability, organized registration systems, and responsible daily management.
- Technical Development – Certified coaches, structured player development plans, and alignment with national coaching frameworks.
- Safe Sport – Policies and training around harassment, equity, inclusion, concussions, and child protection.
- Accessibility & Inclusion – Ensuring programs are open, welcoming, and supportive of participants from diverse backgrounds.
This creates better environments for everyone involved in the sport, especially players. A licensed club demonstrates its forward-thinking, well-managed, and commitment to the growth and well-being of its members.
Canada Soccer’s program offers multiple tiers to reflect the diversity of clubs across the country and allow for scalable progress:
- Quality Soccer Provider (QSP/SQS) – The entry-level designation and a minimum standard for clubs operating in Canada. It ensures safe sport policies, proper governance, and certified coaches.
- MA1 & MA2 – For clubs that go beyond the basics and show strong alignment with technical and operational best practices. These clubs often have enhanced player development models and more advanced structures.
- National Youth Club Licence – The highest level of recognition. Clubs at this level are expected to meet professional standards and play a leadership role in the development of players, coaches, and the broader soccer system in Canada.
Clubs can progress through the levels over time, and Alberta Soccer supports this growth through resources, education, and review processes.
For parents and players, a club’s licensing status is an important indicator of quality and commitment. It means the club:
- Provides safe and inclusive environments
- Employs certified and trained coaches
- Follows clear development philosophies aligned with national standards
- Has policies in place for concussion management, Safe Sport, and equity
- Offers transparent communication and responsible governance
Most importantly, club licensing ensures that your child is part of a club connected to a provincial and national development system, creating better opportunities for growth, performance, and long-term involvement in the sport. Club Licensing is about more than just ticking checkboxes. It’s about elevating the standards of soccer in Alberta—from grassroots to high performance.
As more clubs adopt the licensing process, we move toward a more unified, consistent, and sustainable soccer landscape, where every participant can thrive. By supporting and celebrating licensed clubs, Alberta Soccer invests in a future where every player, regardless of level, has access to a quality experience and where clubs have the foundation to grow and lead.
License Level | Focus | Key Upgrades |
| SQS | Entry-level minimum standards | Safe Sport, trained coaches, basic governance |
| MA 1 | Development-focused | Technical leadership, structured player plans, certified coaches |
| MA 2 | Performance-oriented | Specialized coaching, high-performance integration |
| NYCL | National excellence | Elite pathway, comprehensive infrastructure and development systems |
Each step up in licensing represents an increase in expectations, professionalism, and player opportunity. The better structured and more committed a club is to player development and operational excellence, the higher they may be licensed—ensuring families can make informed decisions about the environment that best suits their child’s soccer journey.
LICENSE LEVELS
APPLICATION PROCESS
If your organization is interested in applying for endorsement as a Canada Soccer Member Association Level 1, Member Association Level 2, or National Youth Club Licence, please fill out this Declaration of Interest.
The goal of Alberta Soccer is to support and assist each member organization in meeting these standards, through the provision of service support and resources. There are four levels of licensing and member organizations may adopt the most appropriate level of licensing that reflects their organizational goals and objectives.
ASSESSMENT PROCESS
In order to maintain the integrity of Canada Soccer’s Club Licensing Program, all licensed clubs in Alberta are subject to ongoing evaluation and periodic re-certification, appropriate to the level of their license. While the Standards for Quality Soccer (SQS) license establishes the essential minimum requirements for safe, inclusive, and organized soccer environments, each subsequent level—MA1, MA2, and especially the National Youth Club License (NYCL)—carries with it increased expectations, more comprehensive evaluation, and higher accountability.
For SQS, Alberta Soccer conducts a foundational review focusing on Safe Sport compliance, governance documents, insurance, and coaching certifications. Clubs at this level are expected to maintain these standards consistently, with periodic check-ins to ensure compliance. As clubs progress to MA1 and MA2, assessments become more detailed and strategic. These include the review of technical leadership structures, seasonal planning, alignment with player development models, and staff qualifications. Re-certification at these levels may also include interviews with club leaders and analysis of how well development plans are being applied in real environments.
The most intensive assessment process is reserved for clubs holding or applying for the National Youth Club License (NYCL), which reflects the highest standards in youth soccer. These clubs undergo a structured evaluation process focused on eight key pillars of development. To be approved or re-certified, clubs must achieve a minimum 80% sufficiency score. The process begins with a documentation audit overseen by Canada Soccer, reviewing strategic plans, training models, and evaluation frameworks that are already in use—not newly created materials. Once the documents are verified, the second stage involves a club visit and stakeholder interviews, engaging board members, technical directors, coaches, staff, parents, and more. The final stage includes on-field and off-field observations to verify that club strategies are being effectively implemented in real-time.
The goal across all levels is not to check boxes, but to ensure quality, consistency, and impact. As clubs ascend the licensing pathway, the focus shifts from foundational compliance to strategic leadership, player-centered development, and elite performance environments. Clubs that fail to meet re-certification benchmarks—particularly at the NYCL level—may be placed on probation and subject to re-evaluation, with the risk of license revocation if issues persist. This comprehensive approach ensures that Alberta Soccer’s club ecosystem remains strong, transparent, and fully aligned with national standards, ultimately benefiting players, coaches, and communities alike.
FAQ
Why should an organization want to be a part of the Licensing Program?
Beyond intrinsic motivation, aligning operations with best practices and principles benefits member organizations through a four-pillar approach: Reward, Recognition, Differentiation, and Access to Competition. Member Associations that meet the criteria for each classification within the Club Licensing Program will be recognised accordingly by Canada Soccer. Additionally, using classification within the Club Licensing Program to distinguish from other programs and organisations can offer significant advantages in player recruitment and provide assurance to participating players (and their parents) of the quality of the organisation they are involved with.
Where does a relatively small organization run by mainly volunteers fit into the Club Licensing Program?
The Canada Soccer Club Licensing Program aims to be inclusive of everyone. It has established a series of foundational requirements that form the Canada Soccer Standards for Quality Soccer. These, along with the conditions and expectations of membership, set baseline standards for all organisations. The program emphasises providing a developmentally appropriate, safe, enjoyable, accessible, inclusive, and welcoming playing environment, which sets it apart from non-member soccer.
Is it expected that the organization meet all the criteria at the time of application?
No. It is understood that some requirements will take time to implement. While certain criteria must be met at the time of application, others are considered “actionable.” All requirements will be reviewed during the application process, and an Action Plan will be created to meet the criteria within the specified timeframe if they are not initially in place. The requirements that are required at the time of application and those that are actionable are identified in the Support Manual https://albertasoccer.com/quality-soccer-provider/.
How long does the Club Licence last?
Typically, the Club Licence will be reviewed on a two-year cycle; however, the templates provided are living documents, and it is encouraged that organizations maintain them regularly.
Is there a fee for the application?
There is no fee for Soccer Providers applying for the Standards of Quality Soccer. This process should also be viewed as a positive self-assessment tool to identify potential resource and development opportunities within all organizations.
Will ASA be auditing an organization’s facilities?
Organizations are required to submit the evidence to their Districts for review initially. Once a local review is completed, this will be passed on to Alberta Soccer and, consequently, Canada Soccer. The review may be conducted physically or virtually.
Can an organization’s Licensing status be revoked?
The goal of the program is to promote safe sport and an inclusive environment. If an organization demonstrates non-compliance with the standards, an attempt will be made to address areas of concern by developing a suitable action plan. If this is not followed, then a licence may be revoked.
Should the grassroots program be held in a festival-style format?
Canada Soccer advocates that programs adopt the festival format of play for children under 12 years of age. This is where most development and fun are nurtured in sport, and where the focus should remain on participation, rather than formative game play.
Can an organization advertise on the website once it has received its Club Licensing?
Yes, all organizations achieving endorsement will be provided with an opportunity to differentiate themselves and display a nationally recognized logo, promoting their achievement in future promotions.
With Club Licensing, can a team be taken to Nationals?
Endorsement will become a recognized criterion for participation in future Provincial and National competitions. Eventually, Provincial competitions will be aligned with those member organisations that have met the criteria of the National Club Standards at each respective level.
Can an organization move to the next level of National Standards after attaining the Standards for Quality Soccer?
Alberta Soccer will aim to implement the significant levels of club licensing once the Standards for Quality Soccer are established. The next step will follow a similar process and enable those organisations that choose to do so to pursue recognition at Provincial Club Licensing, Members Association (MA) Level one and two. Further information will be provided when applicable.
Will an organization get notification of any updates to policies and procedures?
Alberta Soccer will endeavour to provide updates on all emerging best practice guides and policies through regular communications. Should our organization create a Safe Sport page on our website? All organisations are encouraged to adopt and implement a recognised Safe Sport page within their website. The objective would be to present a uniform page across all organisational websites in the province, ensuring easy and prominent access to all Safe Sport information.