Every summer, the District works with clubs to host three U8 Festivals. These festivals are open to all of our member clubs and give players a memorable event for their soccer season! Whether club's have designated U8 programs or want to give their house league players a chance to play matches against kids from around the District, all are welcome. 

The District is hoping to increase girl participation in these festivals. If clubs can provide/promote the opportunity for some girl only games, then these would be included in the schedules. 

Hosting 

As with other festivals, we require a club to host. Hosts are usually identified in the off-season between February to April. Hosting clubs will be reimbursed by the District. For a full overview of responsibilities for hosting, please see the U8 Festival Guidelines. 

Club Participation 

All clubs in Huronia District are invited to attend all U8 Festivals. These festivals are for players born in 2017. U7 players are permitted to play on a U8 Game Day Roster provided the player has been evaluated using the appropriate Ontario Soccer Fast Tracking & Player Development Document.

Player & Team Registration

To improve the distribution of schedules and assist host clubs with planning, registration for 2025 U8 Festivals will take place in the pre-season. Clubs are required to submit their expected teams for each of the three festivals by the third Friday in May, however coach and player information can be sent at a later date. This allows fields, game leader requirements, and timelines to be confirmed much earlier and improve the overall festival experience. 

Players and coaches must be pre-registered by clubs with the HDSA office 14 days prior to each festival. Registration includes:
•    Name
•    Date of Birth (Players Only)
•    Sports Engine Membership ID Number

Clubs must confirm the number of participants no later than 14 days from Festival dates. Please note that boys, girls, and mixed teams can participate. There may be mixed-gender matches.

The schedule will be set by the District Administrator and sent to participating clubs. The goal is to have all draft festival schedules sent out in early June. Schedules will be confirmed 14 days prior to each festival once official rosters are received.

Game Formats

Each team plays 2 x 40-minute games.

Each half will be 20 minutes with a 5-minute half time. 

Game format will be 5 v 5 (4 players with a GK).

There will be no score keeping or standings. The purpose of the festival is to have fun. 

Please send any questions, expression of interest, and registrations to hdsa@hdsasoccer.ca.