U11 - Player Development & Transition Overview

At U11, players may be placed on a Division 1, Division 2, or Division 3 team. All three divisions are valued and designed to provide appropriate challenge and continued development within the age group.

U11–U13 is viewed as a three-year development phase with growth expected across that cycle rather than measured in a single season.

Placement reflects where a player is at that time and is not permanent. Children develop at different rates and movement between teams can happen as players grow in confidence, consistency and readiness. Every player remains part of the pathway and continues to be supported as they develop.

All U11 players continue to receive structured training, coaching support and developmental oversight.

Division 1 players

• Train twice per week in a structured team environment

• Participate in league competition at the highest level within the age group

• Have the Monday Night Player Development Program included in their fall and winter registration

Division 2 players

• Train twice per week in a structured team environment

• Participate in league competition appropriate to their current stage

• Have the option to register separately for the Monday Night Player Development Program

Division 3 players

• Train once or twice per week in a structured team environment

• Participate in league competition appropriate to their current stage

• Have the option to register separately for the Monday Night Player Development Program

Across all divisions:

• The Age Group Technical Lead delivers sessions within the age group periodically throughout the season

• All players continue to be observed as part of the club’s year long evaluation process

• Division 2 & 3 players continue to be considered for movement or increased challenge as development and readiness are demonstrated

The goal across all divisions is steady development, confidence building and ensuring that every player feels seen, supported and encouraged to grow.

The Monday Night Player Development Program (PDP) is offered as an additional training opportunity. For Division 1 players, the PDP is included in their fall and winter registration. For Division 2 and Division 3 players, the PDP is optional allowing families flexibility when deciding whether to participate in additional development programming.

Player evaluations take place throughout the season across training sessions, matches and club development programming.

We do not rely on a single session or moment. Instead, we take an overall view of each child’s development over time. Coaches and Technical Leads observe things like comfort on the ball, decision making in games, competitiveness, coachability and consistency. These observations are documented on our player tracking sheets so decisions are based on a full season’s view rather than a single moment. Formal team placements are reviewed annually.

Movement between teams may occur as players grow in confidence, consistency and readiness. Our goal is always to place children in environments where they are appropriately challenged and supported.

To support transparency and growth, PoCo FC maintains internal written documentation from Age Group Technical Leads regarding individual development.

Families who wish to receive player feedback may do so by following the Player Feedback Procedure outlined on the club website under the “Players” section.

Clear and respectful communication between families, coaches and Technical Leads is an important part of supporting each child’s confidence and continued development.

The Player Development Pathway aligns with Canada Soccer’s Long Term Player Development principles and BC Soccer’s development framework.

The emphasis remains on holistic development, inclusion, flexibility and preparing players for future opportunities in a supportive and developmentally appropriate environment.

U11 is a year of growth, learning and adjustment. As a club, we are committed to ensuring that every player feels valued, supported and connected within our community, regardless of division placement.

For questions about U11 development or the Player Development Pathway, please contact:

• Gaz Hughes

• Head of Player Development 

• gaz.hughes@pocosoccer.com