The Premier program provides training and competition to our u13 to U17 male and female athletes. Premier teams participate in the Premier League of the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association (WYSA), in tournaments and in the Manitoba Provincial Championships which leads to nationals. The Winnipeg Phoenix FC program encompasses the Under-13 to the Under-18 divisions. The Winnipeg Phoenix FC Premier 2 program participates in the WYSA Premier 2 League. The P2 League is the springboard to the Premier 1 program by providing a foundation for players that aspire to reach the highest levels of the game. The P2 program is for boys and girls participating in the Under-13 to Under-18 divisions.
What is the difference between Premier 1 and Premier 2 (P2) soccer?
Winnipeg Phoenix FC offers, when possible, both Premier 1 and Premier 2 teams for players between the age of 13 and 18. Prior to the season kickoff, each district/club in holds evaluations and will choose the top available 16 to 20 players who will form a Premier 1 team in each gender/age category. Depending on the remaining number of qualified players available, the Club will form a Premier 2 team (a reserve team pool). Once formed, these teams will compete against other Premier 1 and Premier 2 teams within Manitoba.
How do I get on a Premier 1 and Premier 2?
In order to be placed on a Premier 1 or Premier 2 team potential players must register with the Winnipeg Phoenix FC, for evaluations in early January, and new players will attend an evaluation in order for Winnipeg Phoenix FC to select and register teams for the upcoming season.
Team coach feedback and Winnipeg Phoenix FC Technical Staff observation will also provide the other indicators for placement on a team. These indicators will be the athletes’ willingness to learn, drive, determination, and commitment to always provide their best efforts for their team and for their personal development. At its discretion Winnipeg Phoenix FC may elect to not hold evaluation for specific teams where registration numbers or team turnover does not warrant. In this case we will use Coach and Technical Staff feedback to determine a player’s ability to continue with a Premier 1 or Premier 2 team. Any new player who chooses to register for an age group where evaluations are not held will be asked to attend team practices for that squad, where the player’s technical and tactical effectiveness will be assessed against their peers in front of members of the Winnipeg Phoenix FC Technical Staff.
Trial dates and times will be posted on the Winnipeg Phoenix FC website as information becomes available.
I have been placed on a team; can I be moved from this team during the season? Yes!
While every attempt is made to identify capable athletes during the tryout process, a player most certainly can be moved between Premier 1 or Premier 2 if their commitment, attitude, effort, willingness to learn or skill-set changes. The Winnipeg Phoenix FC recommends and supports player progression. Players will be provided the opportunity to “move up and move-down” relative to their abilities. Progression and improvement are our focus. Winnipeg Phoenix FC’s premier player philosophy is that a player is constantly expected to earn their spot on the team.
When does the season start and end?
Teams will start pre-season training and preparations early February. The WYSA One season begins the start of April of each year. Teams will break the start of July, resume play in August and continue with playoffs and finals throughout early November
What is the commitment with a Premier 1 or Premier 2 team?
A greater time and financial commitment is expected from Premier 1 players. Premier 1 players can expect to meet about four times per week, while Premier 2 teams can expect to meet three times per week. This does not include preparation and participation in the various local and out-of town tournaments. Tournament participation will be approved by our Technical Staff relative to each team’s abilities. However, a minimum of one out-of-town travel tournament (and fund raising) should be expected for each team. Fair Play In relation to playing time, Winnipeg Phoenix FC supports the WYSA fair play guidelines, conditional on a player’s participation in all team scheduled events. i.e.: you practice-you show respect-you play
