To support, connect, develop, inform,

Active Start

Ages 0-6

The objective of this stage is to “Learn fundamental movements and link them together into play” (CS4L)

This stage is important to incorporate active activities. By helping children have an active childhood, it enhances the development of brain functions, and many other skills like social and gross motor skills. Unstructured play that incorporates a variety of body movements is the target.

Fundamentals 

Ages 6-9 Males and 6-8 Females

The Objective of this stage is to “Learn all fundamental movement skills and build overall motor skills” (CS4L).

A variety of structured activities focused on developing basic skills focused on enjoyment of sport should be the goal of most programs with an introduction to formal competition.

Learn to Train

Ages 9-12 Males and 8-11 Females

The objective at this stage is to “Learn overall sport skills” (CS4L)

Emphasis should remain on general sport skills while beginning to train in a more formal fashion. Athletes are encouraged to participate in more than one sport while in this stage to avoid overtraining and burnout.

Train to Train

Ages 12-16 Males and 11-15 Females

This stage is defined by the onset and completion of the growth spurt. The focus should remain primarily on skill training and physical development but these athletes should be able to start playing to win and to do their best.

Train to Compete

Ages 16-23+/- Males and 15-21 +/- Females

By this point in an athlete’s life they have narrowed down the sports that they are participating in to one and have decided to try the competitive stream. High volume and intensity become a focus in training and training begins to occur year-round.

Train to Win

Ages 19+ Males and 18+ Females

Athletes at this stage are now pursuing the most intense training with the goal of performing at International Competitions. 

Active for Life

Ages – Any age

Athletes can enter this stage at any point as this stage is about remaining active in sport and having a more recreational focus than the other stages. This includes athletes moving from competing to officiating or coaching, anything that keeps them involved and active.

These stages are based on 10 key factors:

• The 10-year rule
• The Fundamentals
• Specialization
• Developmental Age
• Trainability
• Physical, Emotional and Cognitive Development
• Periodization
• Calendar Planning for Competition
• System Alignment and Integration
• Continuous Improvement

For more information about the Long Term Athlete Development plan and Canadian Sport for Life, visit www.canadiansportforlife.ca.