Soccer Leagues

Youth House League (Under 3-Under 13)

Proudly Sponsored By

2026 U3-U13 House League Summer Season

Season after season we have an incredible number of registrants, and we continue to anticipate similar growth as we move into another year. Unfortunately due to the finite number of fields, practice times, and parking, there is a limited number of spots per age group. Please remind friends and family to register early to avoid disappointment - we generally sell out within a month of opening the portal.

A reminder that Hamilton Croatia is designated by Canada Soccer as a Quality Soccer Provider. All coaches will be certified before the season begins and we have developed age-appropriate programming for proper development.

Days of Play & Fees

• 14-week summer program beginning Monday, May 25th, 2026 and ending with Super Sunday on Sunday, August 30th, 2026
• Kid's Kick-off Event & Photo Day is Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
• Last regular Wednesday training (U6-U8) is August 26th, 2026
• All other teams final training is Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
• Cost per child and training schedule for each individual age group can be found on the registration portal
  (Please note that training times are subject to change and will be finalized once the full amount of registrants is known)

Packages Include

• Jersey, shorts, socks, and soccer ball
• 8x11" team & individual photos (parents may order additional photo packages)
• End of the year BBQ party
• Medal & trophy

Calling All Coaches!

As you know this program does not run without volunteers.

If you are thinking, "I don't have time" OR "I don't know anything about the sport" OR "I don't know how to coach kids" ...

• You will have a team of coaches to support you
• We will provide you with training to get you certified for the appropriate age group
• We provide simple, easy to follow practice plans and game-based activities from experts on coaching kids
• It's all about keeping the kids active and engaged
• Above all else, think of the smile on your child's face when you tell them you are going to be their coach!

Understanding the Hamilton Croatia Player Pathway

From House League to Festivals to Rep Soccer

Every player's soccer journey is unique. Hamilton Croatia's pathway is designed to provide clear options, thoughtful development, and positive experiences at every stage - from first kicks to competitive play.

Hamilton Croatia offers a progressive development pathway designed to support players at every stage of their soccer journey. Whether a child is playing for fun, skill development, or aspiring toward competitive soccer, there is a place for them within our program.

This outlines how the pathway works, when different opportunities begin, and how players may progress over time.

House League (U3-U7)

Foundation | Development | Enjoyment

House League is the entry point for all players and forms the foundation of development within the club. The focus is on learning the game, building confidence, and fostering a love of soccer in a supportive, age-appropriate environment.

What to expect in House League:

• Weekly practices
• Skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship
• No travel requirements
• Inclusive programming for players of all experience levels

At U7 (and U6, pending coach and facility availability), players are also introduced to indoor programming, helping continue development during the winter months. Indoor programs:

• Optional but strongly recommended
• Designed to support continued development during the winter months
• Provides additional touches on the ball and familiarity with structured training

House League is a complete program on its own and remains an excellent option for players who prefer a recreational and developmental experience.

Festival & House League Program (Beginning at U8)

Introduction to Competitive Play

At U8, players who are interested in a more competitive experience may be evaluated for the Festival Program, while remaining registered in House League. The Festival Program is also available for our U9 age group.

The Festival Program is designed as a bridge between House League and Rep soccer, offering exposure to city-wide play in a structured and development-focused setting.

Festival Evaluations = Player Placement

Festival evaluations are not tryouts in the traditional sense. Their purpose is not to "cut" players, but to help determine the most appropriate placement for each child within the Festival Program.

The intent of evaluations is to assess skill level so players can be grouped into either Target or Development teams. These groupings allow coaches to place players in an environment that best supports their growth, confidence, and enjoyment of the game.

Festival participation is a component of the House League program, not a replacement for it. All players remain part of House League, regardless of Festival participation.

Participation in Festivals is optional, but if your child chooses to participate, they will not be eliminated from the opportunity based on skill level. Evaluations are used solely to determine appropriate placement, not to exclude players.

IMPORTANT: Festival participation and Festival program availability for players is dependent on coaching capacity. Festival participation, including the number of teams offered, is made possible by the availability of volunteer coaching staff, which is fueled by parent volunteers. While every effort is made to accommodate interested players, the ability to offer both Target and Development teams is contingent on having sufficient coaches in place.

What is a Festival?

• Saturday game days from May through late August
• Players typically play two games per Saturday (games played differentiates Festivals from Tournaments)
• Games are hosted by different clubs across Hamilton and the GTA, requiring travel
• Focus on development, experience, and learning to compete

Training Structure

• Players train at the same time as House League players during the summer 
• Training sessions are structured and appropriately divided by group (Developmental and Target)

Target and Development Groupings 

Within the U8 Program, teams will be organized into Target and Development groupings. These groupings are intended to place players in an environment that best supports their current stage of development. These groupings are also how we register our teams.

Target Teams

• Typically consist of players who demonstrate stronger readiness at the time of evaluation
• Focus on advancing technical skills, game awareness, and confidence

Development Teams

• Designed for players who are still building foundational skills
• Participate in the same festival format at a development-appropriate level
• Emphasize growth, learning, and long-term progression

Placement in either group is not a final determination of a player's potential. Players may move between Target and Development groupings throughout the season:

• Groupings are fluid and reassessed regularly
• Placement is intended to support development, confidence, and enjoyment, not to label or limit players

Rep Soccer Pathway (U9 and Beyond)

Competitive | Commitment | Year-Round Training

U9 Rep

U9 represents the first entry point into Hamilton Croatia's formal Rep program. At this stage, players transition into a more structured and competitive environment with increased training expectations and commitment. Team placement is determined through tryouts, and once selected, players are rostered for the full season to support consistency, development, and team cohesion.

• Tryouts take place in September following the U8 festival season
• Typically 2-3 boys teams and 1-2 girls teams are formed
• Teams train fall, winter, and spring
• Summer participation includes 5v5 festivals on Saturdays
• The season runs from September to September - there is to movement between teams during the season

U10 & U11 Rep 

At the U10 and U11 levels, players continue to develop within a fully competitive Rep environment. The focus expands to include tactical understanding, positional play, and consistency within league-based competition. Training and game structures are designed to prepare players for the demands of larger-sided play and long-term development.

• Tryouts are held annually in September
• Players train year-round
• Teams participate in organized rep leagues against other clubs
• At U10, games are played in a 7v7 format
• Winter league participation begins at U9 (optional) and is standard by U10
• Typically 11-12 players per team
• Participation in organized competitive leagues
• Year-round training continues

U12-U13 Rep Soccer

At the U12 and U13 age groups, players transition to 9v9 soccer, which represents an important developmental step as the game becomes more tactical and spatially complex.

Program Details:

• 9v9 format
• Typically 14-16 players per team
• Continued emphasis on technical development, positioning, and game awareness
• Participation in organized competitive league play
• Year-round training (fall, winter, and spring)

U14+ Rep Soccer

Full-Field Play and League Differentiation

Beginning at U14, players move into 11v11 full-field soccer, aligning with standard competitive formats.

Program Details:

• 11v11 format
• Typically 16-18 players per team
• Increased tactical complexity, physical demands, and team structure
• Continued year-round training

At this stage, Hamilton Croatia differentiates competition pathways based on team placement:

• Target teams compete in the regional iModel League, offering a higher level of competition and broader regional play
• Development teams continue to compete within Hamilton District Leagues, providing a competitive but development-appropriate environment

Rep soccer represents a higher level of commitment, both in time and competition, and is intended for players seeking a more competitive environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there structured games within House League?

• House League is skills-based and development-focused. Sessions prioritize learning fundamentals, movement, teamwork, and confidence with the ball.

Do players scrimmage during House League sessions?

• Yes. While House League is skills-based and development-focused, scrimmages typically occur near the end of most training sessions, at the coach's discretion. Scrimmage play is used as a tool to apply skills learned during training in a fun and supportive environment.

Is Rep the only option after U8?

• No. Players may continue in House League beyond U8 if Rep is not the right fit. The club is committed to providing meaningful soccer experiences at multiple levels.

My child isn't enjoying their experience. Am I eligible for a refund?

• House League registration fees are non-refundable.
• We pride ourselves on providing a positive, inclusive, and development-focused environment, and we strongly encourage families to communicate concerns early. Many challenges can be addressed with time, or additional support as children settle into the program.
• That said, participation and enjoyment can vary from child to child, and decisions to withdraw are ultimately at the family's discretion.

My child is new to soccer. Is House League appropriate?

• Yes. House League is designed to support players of all experience levels, including those who are brand new to the sport. Sessions are age-appropriate and focused on learning through play.

Is playing Rep the goal of House League?

• No. While House League supports long-term development for players who may later pursue Rep soccer, Rep is not the intended outcome for every player.
• House League exists to provide a positive soccer experience, build skills, and foster a love of the game. Competitive pathways are available for families who choose them, but they are optional.

How are players evaluated within House League?

• Coaches focus on development, participation, and engagement rather than performance outcomes.
• Evaluations are only introduced as part of the Festival and Rep pathways, where placement is needed to support appropriate competitive environments.

What if my child develops at a different pace than others?

• Player development is not linear, especially at young ages. Children grow, mature, and gain confidence at different times.
• The program is structured to support development over time, with multiple opportunities for progression as players get older.

Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns?

• Families are encouraged to start by contacting their House League Coordinator, Amanda Zdelar, for program-related questions. Festival and Rep related inquiries can be directed to Jean Zvonar and Steven Kuzmanovic. Open communication helps ensure concerns are addressed constructively and consistently.

Is a House League Festival Team the same as a Hamilton Croatia Rep Team?

• No. Festival teams and Rep teams are part of different stages of the development pathway.
• Festival teams introduce players to competitive play while remaining within the House League structure. Rep teams are formed through formal tryouts, train year-round, and compete in organized rep leagues.

Does playing on a Festival team guarantee a Rep spot the following year?

• No. Participation in the Festival Program does not guarantee selection to a Rep team. Rep teams are selected through separate tryouts each year, and players are evaluated based on readiness at that time.

Can my child play Rep if they were placed on a Development team at U8?

• Yes. Placement on a Target or Development team does not determine a player's future pathway. Player evaluations occur annually, and development rates vary significantly at young ages.

Is House League still an option if I opt-out of having them participate in the Festival Program?

• Yes. House League remains available to all registered players and continues to provide a positive and development-focused experience.

Why does the club offer Target and Development groupings for U8 players?

• These groupings help ensure players are placed in environments that support confidence, learning, and appropriate challenge. The goal is to promote development while maintaining enjoyment of the game.

How do volunteers impact the House League and Festival Programs?

• Hamilton Croatia's House League program is made possible entirely through volunteers. Program elements such as Festival participation, the number of teams offered, and player-to-coach ratios are directly dependent on the availability of volunteer coaches and support staff each season.
• As a result, certain opportunities may expand or be limited based on volunteer capacity. We are always grateful for those who step forward to support the program, as their involvement directly impacts the experience we can offer our players.
• If you are interested in volunteering or would like to learn more about available opportunities, please email youthsoccer@hamiltoncroatia.com.

Are coaches and league organizers paid?

• No. All Hamilton Croatia House League coaches, coordinators, and organizers are volunteers. From the Club President to team coaches and league support roles, individuals give their time to the program without compensation because they believe in supporting youth sport and our community.
• Our volunteers complete required training, certifications, and screening, including Vulnerable Sector checks, to ensure a safe and positive environment for all players.
• We ask that families keep this in mind when communicating with coaches and organizers. While questions and feedback are always welcome, kindness, patience, and respect are essential. A positive experience for our players is made possible by the commitment and goodwill of our volunteer community.

A Note on Behaviour & Sportsmanship Expectations

Hamilton Croatia is committed to fostering a safe, positive, and respectful environment for all players, families, coaches, officials, and volunteers.

We expect all participants and spectators to demonstrate respectful behaviour at all times. This includes positive communication, good sportsmanship, and respect for coaches, referees, opponents, and fellow families - both on and off the field.

As players progress through the program and into older age groups, expectations around conduct increase accordingly. Competitive environments require maturity, accountability, and mutual respect.

Disruptive, aggressive, or inappropriate behaviour from players or spectators may result in removal from the field or further action in accordance with club policies.

We appreciate the cooperation of our families in upholding these standards and helping create an environment where players can learn, grow, and enjoy the game.

Questions?

If you are interested in coaching or assisting, would like to join in and help on the administrative end, need to be added to the waiting list, or have any other questions regarding the youth house league program, please reach out to Amanda at youthsoccer@hamiltoncroatia.com.

A bit of history