STAGE 1 -U7-U10’s
Our teams at these age groups are comprised of players with mixed abilities. This approach supports our philosophy, curriculum and maximises individual development in multiple ways. When selecting teams, we consider the following factors:
1. Player Personalities: Understanding the personalities of our players helps us create balanced teams where individuals can thrive socially and emotionally.
2. Date of Birth: We take into account where players fall within their year group, as this can impact their development and interaction with peers.
3. Physical Development: Physical growth and maturity levels are important factors in ensuring that players are neither overwhelmed nor under-challenged.
4. Challenge Point: We aim to place players in an environment that maximise their individual challenge point, promoting growth through optimal levels of difficulty.
This holistic selection process ensures that every player has the opportunity to develop their skills and enjoy the game.
STAGE 2 – U11 – U12’s
This is our first stage of filtering teams into ability groups. We will start by creating two stronger squads and consider various factors such as:
1. Developmental Stage: Evaluating where each player is at, in their personal development at this age in relation to our curriculum.
2. Future Plans: Identifying players who have an ambition in pursuing a career pathway in football and those who will be leaving us to attend boarding schools or have other commitments.
3. Availability: Determining if players can participate on Sundays; as by U13, our strongest team will be playing on Sundays.
Additionally, we will form a development team aimed at nurturing players who can potentially move into one of our stronger team based on their progress. This structure ensures a continuous developmental pathway for all players, aligning with our curriculum, their individual growth, and circumstances.
STAGE 3- +U13’s
At this age, depending on the number of players, we will form one or two teams. These will be categorised as an A team and a B team, based solely on footballing ability, physical and psychological development. This approach ensures that players are grouped with peers of similar skill levels, allowing us to implement our curriculum which is linked to our philosophy.
Important dates:
Mid August - Handbook 2
Season Starts - Week commencing 02/09/2024