New to Canada Soccer Development Grant
5 grants @ $1000 each 

Purpose: 

• Increase the number of participants and ensure continued participation in soccer 
• Reduce barriers to participation in soccer in Saskatchewan 
• Provide resources for member organizations to introduce new, or ongoing organized soccer programs   
• Local community partners are engaged in all aspects of planning and participating in events 

Who is Eligible to Apply? 

• Member organizations of SSA who are in good standing  
• Member organizations will partner with a community group to host a try it event 
• Projects must address a community-identified need and demonstrate community support and involvement 
• Recipients unable to comply with grant guidelines (Ex. late or incomplete application of follow up reports) will not be considered eligible for future funding for a 1-year grant year period 
• Provide contact name, Member Organization and a proposed plan and budget 

Eligible Costs Include: 

• Direct program related costs  
• Equipment, coach education, facility rental, etc. 
• Initiatives/programs that focus on decreasing barriers to soccer participation 
• Initiatives/programs that strive for sustainability to ensure a long-lasting impact for the community 
• Other expenses approved by selection committee 

Ineligible Costs Include: 

• Salaries for individuals currently involved in organizing or coordinating community sport programs, or any federal, provincial or local government employees  
• Duplicated costs associated with the training of coaches and/or officials for the sport programs 
• Construction, renovation, retrofit and repairs to buildings/facilities  
• Property taxes  
• Alcoholic beverages  
• Food purchases that do not relate directly to a project or food items for resale 
• Donations 
• Cash prizes  
• Out-of-province activities and travel  

Saskatchewan Soccer Association (SSA) offers funding to registered Saskatchewan referees looking to advance their refereeing careers through professional development opportunities. 

Priority will be given to officials wishing to obtain Regional Classification, Provincial Classification or National Nomination criteria; however, applications for other referee development opportunities may be considered on a case-by-case basis should funding remain in any given year. Funding can be used to help offset the cost of the following: 

 Clinic Fees or Registration

Traveling to Clinics and High Level Matches (if not covered)

 Accommodation & Meals (if not covered)

 Educational Opportunities (in province or out)

 How it works:

1. Applicants MUST be registered as a referee with SSA.
2. Applicants  MUST pay for their development opportunity prior to attending and participate fully in the      course/clinic/event to be eligible for funding. 
3. Applicants MUST submit an application to the SSA for the Referee Development Grant by October 31st to be considered for funding.
4. The application MUST include all original receipts pertaining to the development opportunity. 
5. Applicants  are encouraged to include a one page cover letter describing the benefits of attendance at the developmental opportunity to their Member Organization and/or SSA.
6. Applicants are eligible for reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible expenses pertaining to the developmental opportunity to a maximum of $300 per calendar year.
7. Individuals are limited to 1 application per calendar year. 
8. SSA will review all applications in November with grants distributed before the end of the calendar year.
9. A pool of $3,000 will be allocated to the Referee Development Grant to be divided amongst successful candidates based on eligible expenses.
10. If the full allocation of  funding is not utilized in any given year, it may be reallocated to the Professional Development Coaching Grant and/or Female Development Grant.

For all inquiries about the Referee Development Grant please contact Manager of Referee Development at o.iliuta@sasksoccer.com.

Please review the Student Coach Credit Program handbook found here for all program information and requirements. 

Once the application is received, applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the program by September 30th. Specific deadlines and check ins will be scheduled at this time. 

Please direct all questions to Ashlyn Therens at a.therens@sasksoccer.com 

Community Service 

1. MOs doing community service, working with groups with barriers to participation and/or with groups for educational purposes may apply for a full or partial exemption of SSA registration fees. 
2. Groups with barriers to participation may include, but are not limited to, participants with exceptional needs, participants with disabilities or underrepresented populations. 
3. Exemptions shall only be granted for community service work where solid rationale has been provided. 
4. All applications must be well developed and other avenues to have registration fees paid through sponsorship, donations or organizations such as KidSport should be considered. 
5. Applications for exemptions must be made in writing. 
6. Approved groups must provide registration of all participants under this initiative.  

Saskatchewan Soccer Association (SSA) offers funding for registered Saskatchewan coaches looking to improve their coaching proficiency through professional development opportunities. 

Priority will be given to coaches wishing to obtain Canada Soccer Advanced Coach Education Program Diplomas; however, applications for other professional development opportunities may be considered on a case-by-case basis should funding remain in any given year. Funding can be used to help offset the cost of the following:

• Course/Clinic Fees or Registration 
• Travel, Meals, and Accommodation while attending the Course/Clinic

How it Works:

1. Applicants must be registered as a coach with the SSA. 
2. Applicants must pay for the course/clinic/event prior to attending and participate fully to be eligible for funding. 
3. The applicant must submit an application to the SSA for the Professional Development Coaching Grant by October 31st of any given year to be considered for funding. 
4. The application must include all original receipts pertaining to the development opportunity. 
5. Applicants are encouraged to include a one page cover letter describing the benefits of attendance at the developmental opportunity to their Member Organization and/or SSA.
6. Applicants are eligible for reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible expenses pertaining to the Professional Development opportunity to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year.
7. SSA will review all applications in November with grants distributed before the end of the calendar year. 
8. A pool of $2,000 will be allocated to the Professional Development Grant in any given year to be divided amongst successful candidates based on eligible expenses. 
9. If the full allocation of funding is not utilized in any given year, it may be reallocated to the Referee Development Grant and/or Female Development Grant.

Saskatchewan Soccer Association (SSA) offers funding for registered female participants pursuing grassroots, community, and entry level coach and referee certification and development opportunities. 

Priority will be given to female participants wishing to obtain certification; however, grassroots coach and referee development opportunities may be considered on a case-by-case basis should funding remain in any given year. Female participants looking for support for high performance coach and referee development opportunities should apply under the Professional Development Coaching Grant or Referee Development Grant. 

Funding can be used to help offset the cost of course/clinic fees or registrations and/or travel, meals, and accommodation while attending the following courses/clinics: 

• Community Coach Courses 
• Entry Level Referee Clinics 
• Other grassroots coach or referee development opportunities 

How it Works:

1. Applicants must be registered with an SSA-affiliated organization. 
2. Applicants must pay for the course/clinic/event prior to attending and participate fully to be eligible for funding. 
3. The applicant (or her Entity/Member Organization on her behalf) must submit an application to the SSA for the Female Development Grant by October 31st of any given year to be considered for funding. 
4. The application must include all original receipts pertaining to the development opportunity. 
5. Applicants are encouraged to include a one page cover letter describing the benefits of attendance at the developmental opportunity to their Member Organization and/or SSA.
6. Applicants are eligible for reimbursement of up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year. 
7. SSA will review all applications in November with grants distributed before the end of the calendar year. 
8. A pool of $4,000 will be allocated to the Female Development Grant in any given year to be divided amongst successful candidates based on eligible expenses. 
9. If the full allocation of funding is not utilized in any given year, it may be reallocated to the Referee Development Grant and/or Professional Development Coaching Grant.

The Saskatchewan Winter Games will be held from February 18-21, 2026 in Meadow Lake, SK. Teams will consist of 12 athletes, 2 coaches, and 1 manager. The technical package for the games can be found here. 

Minimum Coaching Requirements

All Coaches and Team Managers must meet full safe sport roster requirements; 

CRC = Criminal Record Check 

VSC = Vulnerable Sector Check

RiS = Respect in Sport Activity Leader 

MED = Making Ethical Decisions 

MHW-S = Making Head Way Soccer 

EAP – Emergency Action Plan| 

Rof2 – Rule of Two

Soccer Specific Training / Certification

* Head coaches must have a C-License/Diploma.

* Assistant coaches must have their Soccer 4 Life.