U11 - Player Development & Transition Overview
Date & Location
Season Long Process
Port Coquitlam FC
Program Overview
U11 represents an important transition year within the club. As players move from U10 into U11, teams are reformed across the entire age group.
Placement decisions are made on an individual basis rather than by moving existing teams forward together. This allows the club to place each player in an environment that best supports their current stage of development while maintaining a strong sense of belonging within the broader club community.
The focus at U11 remains long term growth, confidence, enjoyment of the game and ensuring every player feels supported in their individual journey.
Team Placement at U11
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.
Development Support Across All Divisions
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.
Player Development Program (PDP)
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.
Ongoing Evaluation and Opportunity
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.
Player Feedback and Communication
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.
Alignment with Canada Soccer and BC Soccer
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.
Our Commitment
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