Grading and Placement
MiniRoos
U6-U9 Team Formation Day – TBD
U9 Mixed Development – Tue 10th Feb
U10 Mixed/Girls Placement – Sat 31st Jan & Sat 7th Feb
U11 Mixed/Girls Placement – Sat 31st Jan & Sat 7th Feb
Graded – Mixed
U12 Mixed – Sat 31st Jan & Sat 7th Feb
U13 Mixed – Wed 28th Jan
U14 Mixed – Fri 30th Jan
U15 Mixed – Mon 2nd Feb
U16 Mixed – Tue 3rd Feb
U18 Mixed – Tue 3rd Feb
Graded – Girls
U12 Girls – Sat 31st Jan & Sat 7th Feb
U13 Girls – Wed 4th Feb
U14 Girls – Fri 6th Feb
U15 Girls – Mon 9th Feb
U16 Girls – Mon 9th Feb
U18 Girls – Mon 9th Feb
You must register in the age group your child turns this year (eg, 12 turning 13 in October registers in U13’s).
The only exception is for SCFC players from 2025 who played up an age group. You may continue to play with your existing age group.
Our youngest players are here to fall in love with football. For the first few years (U6–U8 especially), success simply means turning up, playing with friends, and having fun. We listen to parents and do our best to keep friendship groups together. Final team placement, however, rests with the club so we can create safe, balanced teams where every child enjoys the game.
Register in PlayFootball
All players must be registered. Please follow the steps on our Registration page.
If you already have a team
Your team manager can submit your team via our online form. Make sure everyone is registered. We may adjust teams slightly to balance numbers and support a positive experience for all players.
If you’re looking for a team
Encourage your child to ask classmates and friends—most teams begin as friendship groups. If you can’t form a team, come to our Team Formation Day and we’ll place your child in a welcoming team. We’ll consider friendships and family preferences while making final placements that are best for the players.
U9 Development Squads
Interested families can see the Development Squads tab for how this works at U9.
Pre-Season Game Days
All registered players are invited to our pre-season game days every second Saturday. It’s a great way to meet teammates and find a team if you’re still looking. More details coming soon.
If you have any questions or special circumstances, please reach out—we’re here to help.
We care deeply about every player’s experience and development. We listen to parents and welcome your input, and we’ll always do our best to keep friends together where it makes sense. Ultimately, though, team placements are made by the club to give each child the best chance to enjoy football and keep loving the game as they grow.
Why we’re updating our approach
As kids move into early teens, some drift away from sport. Our goal is to keep them playing by creating teams where every child—whatever their current level—can learn, contribute, and have fun. That’s why our placement process for U10 and U11 has evolved.
What you need to do
1) Register in PlayFootball
Please follow the steps on our Registration page. All players must be registered.
2) Attend a Placement Day
All registered players are required to attend. It’s not a “trial”—think of it as a friendly training session.
What happens on Placement Day
We run simple drills and small-sided games so players can interact, move, and have fun. We use this time to chat with the kids and get a feel for their needs—nothing strenuous, just a positive, welcoming session.
We invite all registered SCFC coaches to come and help on the day. We will have a range of internal and external people from coaches, teachers, committee members, older players and more. We aren’t just looking at football skills, we are looking at the entire football experience.
How we decide placements
After Placement Day we consider:
Observations from the session
Overall team balance and player development needs
- Previous season team placements
- Discussions with parents
We absolutely take family preferences into account. However, like class placements at school, final team decisions rest with the club so each child can thrive.
We are not out to separate kids from their friends for the sake of it. If your child is of similar ability to their friends or team from last year then we will do what we can to get them into a team together.
What this achieves
A better fit for every child: Players who are dominating or struggling get a team environment that suits them.
More enjoyable seasons: Balanced teams help friendships on and off the field.
Room to grow: Kids experience new teammates and roles while staying engaged with the sport.
Will we still play similar-ability opponents?
Yes. Football South Coast already “grades” competitions so teams face others of similar standard. Our process doesn’t change who you play—just ensures your child’s team is the right place for them.
Are other clubs doing this?
Each club chooses its own approach. Our focus is providing a caring pathway that supports growth on and off the field—something we believe benefits every player.
Pre-Season Game Days
All registered players are invited to our pre-season game days every second Saturday. It’s a great chance to connect with other players and get match time before the season. More details coming soon.
If you have questions or special circumstances you’d like us to consider, please reach out—we’re here to help.
We care about every child’s football journey. Our Development Squads offer extra challenge and support for players who are ready for it—without losing the joy of playing with friends. We listen to families and consider your preferences carefully; however, final squad selections and team placements are made by the club so each child is placed where they’ll thrive.
What are Development Squads?
A Development Squad is about matching like minded players of high ability together. Selection is based on effort, attitude, coachability, and current readiness, not just who scores the most goals.
What we look for
Positive attitude and willingness to learn
Coachability and focus at training
Game awareness and decision-making for their age
Technical foundations (first touch, striking, 1v1, running with the ball)
How to Nominate
U10 & U11
During registration you will be asked a series of questions and one will be “Do you want to trial for the development squad?”.
Assessors will observe nominated players during the Placement Day activities.
U9
U9s will have a separate Development Squad Trial Day in addition to normal team formation.
Please nominate during registration so we know to expect your child at the U9 trial.
Please note – If you nominate your child for development squad trials and they are successful in making the team, you cannot then change your mind based on who else didn’t make the team. If they are selected, they must play in the development squad team as it is not fair to the other children in the team who are impacted by players leaving due to their friends not making it.
All children that do not make it into the development squad can play with another team or attend team formation.
What to Expect at Trials/Placement
Relaxed, supportive sessions that feel like training:
Age-appropriate drills and small-sided games
Lots of ball contacts and decision-making moments
Encouragement from coaches; no high-pressure “one-shot” assessments
We’re looking for readiness right now. Kids develop at different speeds—if it’s not this time, it could be next time.
Selection & Team Placement
We consider your nomination, coach observations, and information shared at registration.
If not selected this time, your child will be placed in a team where they can enjoy the season and continue growing. There will be future opportunities.
Commitment & Expectations
Regular attendance at training and games
Growth mindset: try hard, be kind, support teammates
Willingness to practice the basics at home
(Any extra training sessions, fees, or kit requirements—if applicable—will be communicated directly to selected families.)
FAQs
Can my child still play with friends?
We try to support friendships where possible, but player wellbeing and a suitable learning environment come first.
Are spots limited?
Numbers depend on overall registrations and squad structure for each age group.
What if my child changes their mind?
That’s okay— all our U10 and U11 players will be there and your child will do the process as every other child in their age group. If they are in U9’s, just let us know you won’t be attending.
If you have questions or specific circumstances to share, please reach out—we’re here to help every player enjoy their football and grow at their own pace.
From U12 upward, our competitions are graded. We care about every player’s development and wellbeing, and we place them where they’ll learn, contribute, and enjoy their football at the right level. We listen to families—but at these ages, team placement is a grading decision made by the club. Requests for friends/coach preference are generally not considered.
Registration
All players must register in PlayFootball (see our Registration page). You’ll be asked a few background questions that help with administrative planning. These do not override grading outcomes.
Grading Overview
Grading places players into teams of similar standard for the best learning environment and competition experience.
You must attend all scheduled grading sessions.
If you miss a session without prior notice, your placement may be delayed or limited.
What we assess
First touch and ball mastery
Striking/passing/finishing
1v1 attacking & defending
Game awareness/decision-making
Physical capacity relative to age
Effort, coachability, communication, and attitude
Format
Warm-ups and age-appropriate drills
Small-sided and full-field game scenarios
Multiple coaches observing across stations
Placements & Communication
The Grading committee compile observations from all sessions; lead selectors finalise squads.
Selections are based on the whole picture, not one drill or one night.
Team lists are communicated by the club once confirmed.
Movement between squads during pre-season (and occasionally in-season) may occur if it benefits the player and team balance.
Special Circumstances (Rare)
We consider non-football factors only in limited, exceptional cases, primarily related to:
Player safety or wellbeing (documented medical, learning, or welfare needs)
Significant logistics approved by the club (e.g., travel hardship across multiple nights)
To request consideration, email the club before grading begins with concise details and supporting information. Submitting a request does not guarantee an outcome.
Friendship or coach preferences are not grounds for special consideration at U12–U18.
Expectations of Graded Players
Consistent attendance at training and games
Positive attitude, respect for coaches/officials, and commitment to the team
Willingness to work on feedback and train at home
Adherence to club and competition codes of conduct
FAQs
Can my child choose their team or play with friends?
At this level, no. Teams are formed by grading to create appropriate standards and pathways.
What if my child has an off night?
We assess across multiple activities and sessions. Attitude and consistency count.
What if they’re not placed where we hoped?
We place players where they’ll develop best now. Progression is possible with growth and performance.
If you have genuine welfare considerations or questions about the process, please contact us before grading. We’re here to support every player—while upholding a fair, transparent grading system for the whole club.