Cavan FC Tryout & Orientation Information

Grassroots Soccer – U7 to U13

Players from U7 through U13 remain within Ontario Soccer's Grassroots pathway, where the emphasis is on player development, enjoyment and providing an appropriate environment for players to learn and grow. At these ages, development is prioritized over results.

U7–U12

Our younger Grassroots teams participate in local programming appropriate to their age and stage of development.

U7-U9 play in the ECOSA District League - A fantastic "intro to rep" with weekly games and 1-2 practices per week from May-August in Cavan, Peterborough, Cobourg, or Lindsay.

U10-U12 play in the Durham Region Soccer League - Weekly games ranging from Cobourg, Peterborough, Lindsay, to Pickering (half of the season's games are played in Cavan or locally), as well as typically two practices per week from May-August.

These U10-U12 teams also participate in multiple tournaments throughout the season - speak to the coach at orientation/tryouts for more information on their plans for next summer!

Players attend Orientation Sessions, giving our coaches an opportunity to meet and evaluate players while creating appropriate team environments for the upcoming season.

U13 – District & CISL

U13 is a unique transition year.

While U13 players remain part of the Grassroots pathway, Cavan FC may offer both District (DRSL) and Central Integrated Soccer League (CISL) opportunities at this age.

CISL provides U13 players with the opportunity to play against teams from a broader geographic area and experience an increased level of play while remaining within Ontario Soccer's Grassroots development model.

U13 CISL remains Grassroots soccer. Scores and standings are not maintained, and the emphasis continues to be on player development rather than results.

Players interested in U13 may pre-register for tryouts/orientation for District, CISL, or both, where those opportunities are offered.

U14–U18 Competitive Soccer

Beginning at U14, players enter the competitive stage of Ontario Soccer's player pathway where scores and standings are kept.

Cavan FC may offer teams playing in either District competition (DRSL) or the Central Integrated Soccer League (CISL - formally IMODEL), depending on the age group and available player pool.

District League - DRSL

District teams provide players with a competitive soccer environment with games primarily against clubs within our local district and surrounding communities from Cobourg, Peterborough, Lindsay, down through to Pickering. Half of the games are played at "home" in the Cavan/Peterborough area, while the other half are played on the road. Season runs from late May-late August-early September. These teams also participate in multiple tournaments throughout the season - speak to the coach at tryouts for more information on their plans for next summer!

Central Integrated Soccer League (CISL)

The Central Integrated Soccer League (CISL), formerly known as IModel, provides an additional pathway for teams seeking an increased level of competition.

CISL teams compete against clubs from across Ontario Soccer's Central Region and generally involve additional travel and a greater commitment from players and families.

Which Should I Register For?

For age groups where both District and CISL teams are being offered, players may register for:

District – to be considered for a District team.

CISL – to be considered for a Central Integrated Soccer League team.

Both – players who would like to be considered for either opportunity should register for both.

Players registering for both must attend the applicable District and CISL sessions shown on the tryout schedule.

You don't need to know which environment is the best fit before registering. Tryouts and orientations allow our coaches to evaluate players and help determine the most appropriate playing opportunity for the upcoming season.

Building the Right Teams

The number of teams and levels offered in each age group depends on registration numbers, the available player pool and the club's assessment of the appropriate environment for each group.

Our objective isn't simply to place teams at the highest level available. We want to create teams where players can be appropriately challenged, develop their game, enjoy their soccer experience and be successful together.