Estevan Minor Soccer spent the weekend focused on development, hosting a series of coaching clinics aimed at preparing volunteers for the upcoming outdoor season.<\/p>\n
According to Jason Bresciani, president of Estevan Minor Soccer, the sessions gave both new and returning coaches practical tools to help players learn while keeping the emphasis on fun. \u201cIt actually went pretty good,\u201d Bresciani said. \u201cIn two of the three sessions we had around 10 coaches out, and they learned a lot of different mini\u2011games that help kids learn while they\u2019re enjoying being out there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Building Confidence From the Ground Up<\/p>\n
The weekend began with the Active Start module on Saturday morning, focusing on the youngest age groups, including under\u20113 and under\u20115 players.<\/p>\n
This session covered basic fundamentals such as coach positioning, drill setup, and creating a welcoming environment for new coaches taking their first steps behind the whistle. \u201cIt\u2019s about setting coaches up for success and making them comfortable out there,\u201d Bresciani explained.<\/p>\n
Advancing Skills While Keeping Soccer Fun<\/p>\n
Later Saturday, coaches moved into more advanced material with the Learn to Train and Soccer for Life modules, aimed at players ranging from roughly under\u201111 up to under\u201117.<\/p>\n
The sessions introduced more technical drills while still emphasizing creativity and enjoyment. Coaches practised outlining drills, explaining objectives, and demonstrating techniques in ways players can easily understand. \u201cThe focus is still having fun,\u201d Bresciani said. \u201cBut it\u2019s a bit more technical and structured.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fundamentals Bridge the Gap<\/p>\n
Sunday morning wrapped up with the Fundamentals session, targeting players in the under\u20117 and under\u20119 age groups.<\/p>\n
This module sits between introductory and advanced soccer, reinforcing basic skills such as ball control, movement, and decision\u2011making through small\u2011sided, game\u2011based drills. \u201cIt\u2019s more teaching the basics of the game in fun little drills,\u201d Bresciani said, \u201cand helping coaches understand why we set drills up the way we do.\u201d<\/p>\n
While one session had lighter attendance, Bresciani said players stepped in to help demonstrate drills, keeping energy levels high throughout the weekend.<\/p>\n
Learning Never Stops for Coaches<\/p>\n
Bresciani noted that coaching clinics like these are valuable regardless of experience level. \u201cI\u2019ve been coaching for a very long time, and I\u2019m still learning,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m always taking courses and trying to get better and stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that increased participation in coaching education ultimately benefits local athletes and the overall experience on the field.<\/p>\n
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Season Ready to Launch<\/p>\n
With clinics complete, attention now shifts to the start of the outdoor season.<\/p>\n
Estevan Minor Soccer\u2019s house league is set to kick off Monday, May 4, starting with under\u20113, under\u20115, and under\u201111 divisions. The following night will feature under\u20117, under\u20119, under\u201113, under\u201115, and under\u201117 teams. \u201cThe park will be buzzing next week,\u201d Bresciani said.<\/p>\n
Competitive play is also expected to begin later in May as schedules continue to be finalized.<\/p>\n
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