Coaching any sport can certainly be challenging especially when working with kids under the age of 10.

The Yukon Soccer Association (YSA) and Whitehorse Minor Soccer (WMS) are hoping to make it a little bit easier.

They've decided to adopt the Canadian Soccer Association's (CSA) Head Coach program. This is the second year the CSA has been running the program, coordinated by national coach Sean Fleming, who is no stranger to the Yukon. The idea of the program is to start developing the skills of younger kids earlier, and to help volunteer coaches feel more comfortable teaching those skills.

'If you develop basic skills, kids will obviously get better as they get older,' said YSA president Dave Stockdale. 'The goal is that teams will be able to represent Canada better internationally.'

'We see the program not only enhancing kids' skills, but enhancing coaches' skills as well,' said Gerald Haase, the president of WMS.

The Head Coach program will initially involve minor soccer coaches from the under-six, under-seven and under-eight groups. The hope is the program will eventually spread to the older groups as well.

The program is described as a simpler approach, with smaller teams and three components introductory fitness, skill development and smaller games.

'Six year olds will have three players per side, seven year olds four per side and eight year olds five per side,' said Stockdale.

The training for the program is actually done by computer, after it's purchased by the YSA and WMS. Both associations are still looking for the funding to support it.

Fleming will be in Whitehorse tonight for the first presentation. The hope then is to recruit three head coaches one for each age group and pay them to take the training for a six-week period. Those coaches will then train and support all of the volunteer coaches.

'This makes the parents feel more comfortable with being put in this coaching position, when there is a program in place,' said Haase. 'The level of soccer will improve the all-around success and enjoyment of the game.

'It won't be as hard to retain the coaches. And with the huge numbers (of soccer players), it's hard to find bodies (to coach) for all the age groups. This may help us in finding coaches as well.'

Stockdale pointed out there is usually an incredible time and financial investment in order for coaches to take courses and upgrade their skills. This makes it a lot easier.

He encouraged parents to come out to the session tonight. Neither Stockdale or Haase is anticipating any opposition to implementing the program.

'I think parents would appreciate a more guided approach to practices,' said Stockdale.

'You'll never satisfy everybody,' added Haase. 'But it certainly seems by implementing this we will satisfy a whole lot more people than we will tick off.

'I can't see how anybody can object to a learning experience that will improve the kids' skills. It's fun, and it gets them more time with the ball.'

The bottom line is that both Stockdale and Haase would like to see soccer improve in the territory. And the CSA would like to see it improve across the country.

'This is a perfect fit,' said Haase. 'It's through the CSA and it meets the goals of the Whitehorse Minor Soccer Association, which are to improve soccer skills and coaching skills in a fun and safe environment.'

Fleming will be at Vanier Catholic Secondary School at 8 p.m. tonight, to speak about the coaching program.

Fleming has also confirmed he will be returning to Whitehorse at the end of this month to work with the Arctic Winter Games soccer teams before they head out to competition.