Week 2 update

June 8 2025- Week 2 Guardian Guide

Dear Mini Parents and Guardians,

We hope you have enjoyed Week 1 of our mini soccer program. Thank you to everyone for their patience while we work out the hiccups in programming. We have over 1200 minis registered with UDFC! 

Please take a few minutes to read through this important update.

Mini Uniforms:

We know some people couldn’t make our gear pick up or are registering late. We are keeping all jerseys at the office where we will have access to the sizes we need. We are asking everyone who has no jersey (or an incorrect jersey) to please fill out this form. We will pack the bags at 10 am each morning so please fill out the form before 10 am. Coordinators will bring them to the field for the players to pick up at practice. Players can wear any clothing until we get the proper kit for you. Thank you for your patience. MINI TEAM LISTS 2025

Soccermania

Save the date! Soccer Mania is coming up on July 12th. Our U5-9 players will be invited to a fun soccer festival (about 1 hour) on Saturday, July 12th in Dartmouth. More details to follow.

Individual and Team Photos - June
Last year the free photos were a big hit so we are offering them again. We have a club photographer visiting each mini field and she will take FREE individual and team digital photos for each player and coach. The goal is to visit each program once before the end of June. The photos will be uploaded into a drive for families to access for FREE. Please allow a week to upload the photos. 

Our mini program website has the link to the photo schedule
Weather pending, the plan is to visit: 

• Monday, June 9 - Seaside- Tiny Tots

• Tuesday, June 10 - Seaside  T/Th Mini Soccer

• Wednesday, June 11 - Cole Hbr M/W Mini Soccer

• Thursday, June 12 - Dartmouth High T/Th Mini Soccer

• Friday, June 13 - Cole Hbr Tiny Tots

• Saturday, June 14 - Portland Estates Tiny Tots

• Sunday, June 15 - Dartmouth High Tiny Tots

• Monday, June 16 - Portland Estates M/W Mini Soccer

• Tuesday, June 17 - Portland Estates T/Th Mini Soccer

• Wednesday, June 18 - Dartmouth High M/W Mini Soccer

• Thursday, June 19- Cole Harbour T/Th Mini Soccer

• June 20-27 raindates

Weather

If the city closes the fields due to weather/ wet conditions, the session will be canceled, and we'll email you. The city will make its decision by 3:00 every weekday. Check Halifax Field Conditions for updates. 

If thunder and lightning occur (even once) during practice, the session will be canceled and everyone will be sent home or indoors immediately.

On days when it is misting, wet, cold or even lightly raining, soccer will be on if the fields are open. However, enjoyment is key for our young players. If you think the weather won't make for a positive experience, we completely understand if you stay home. If you and your child are up for an adventure in the rain, come on out! If it is raining, our staff may be in their cars staying dry, so please let them know you are there. They are ready and prepared to run a session for whoever shows up. If we cancel due to a downpour, we will send an email.

Rotating Stations
Families wonder why we rotate/ swap stations. Player and coach development are key components of the mini program. We want our players to have a consistent, quality experience and we want to make things as easy as possible for our coaches (who are busy people). This year, we are rotating back and forth with the team beside you. This is so that every team gets an equal opportunity with the nets. We are working on getting more nets.

Note: Some very experienced coaches have asked if they can have their own grid and not rotate because they have planned their own session. We are happy to accommodate these coaches who have requested it. These teams know they may have limited access to equipment. 

Late Registration Closing THIS Friday
The mini program registration is closing for the season this Friday, June 13. If you know someone who is thinking about registering late - the last opportunity to sign up for the late registration waiting list is this week. Many teams/ programs are full so space is limited.

Field Conditions

The city is aware of the long grass issues and is working hard to keep up with field maintenance. They have scheduled extra cuts in June. If you feel the grass is too long or see a dangerous hole or obstacle, reach out to 311 with concerns. Please know UDFC is in contact with the city on a regular basis. Let your coordinator know about anything dangerous ASAP.

Finally, I have to give a big shout out to our mini coordinators - Taylor (CH), Emma (PE), Sophie (DHS) and Abby (Seaside) and Sydney who is in charge of it all! Also, thanks to our staff who bring the energy each night! Last but not least - thank you to the volunteer coaches. There are amazing coaches in our club. We are so happy with everyone who has stepped up and we are happy to welcome new coaches too! It is fun to be on the field with the kids. The more support and attention each player gets, the better experience they have.

Send us your amazing photos and stories. Thank you to all of you who have reached out with positive comments. It is really appreciated. Please feel free to reach out to me at susans@udfc.ca with concerns too. We are always trying to improve.

Thank you,

Susan Steele