U11–U13 Youth Pathway

PoCo FC forms and enters teams with the goal of placing players in an environment that best supports their development, confidence and enjoyment of the game. Placement is guided by league structure, team readiness and player needs.

Division 2A, 2B, & 3

Division 2 and 3 provide a balanced, development-focused environment where players can build confidence and continue learning the game. Training emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and understanding how to play together, while keeping sessions positive and enjoyable.

Division 1A & 1B

Division 1A and 1B offer a higher weekly challenge for players who are ready for a more demanding team environment. Training remains development-focused, but with increased expectations around decision-making, speed of play and consistency, while continuing to prioritize enjoyment and wellbeing.

Teams are entered into leagues as follows:

• U11–U12 Division 1A & 1B: BCCSL

• U11–U12 Division 2A & 2B: BCCSL

• U11–U12 Division 3: NFYSA

• U13 Division 1A, 1B, 2 & 3: BCCSL

Player movement between teams may occur when appropriate, with long-term development, confidence and enjoyment always remaining the priority.

• U11–U13 players (birth years based on the season’s age grid)

• New, returning, and transferring players are welcome

• Players seeking an environment that matches their current stage of development, whether that includes a higher weekly challenge or a more balanced, supportive pathway

PoCo FC is committed to inclusion and access. Families are encouraged to reach out if their child requires accommodations or additional support to participate. All conversations are handled respectfully and confidentially.

• A safe, welcoming, and inclusive, player-first environment

• Age-appropriate, development-focused training that stays positive and game-relevant

• Coaches who encourage creativity, effort and learning through the game

• Parents help set the tone by cheering positively, keeping feedback respectful and allowing players to learn

• Coaches are screened and supported, and sessions follow PoCo FC’s Technical Plan and Game Model to keep learning consistent across the club

PoCo FC prioritizes long-term player development over short-term results. Players are supported through:

• Development and enjoyment as the primary focus

• Meaningful playing time across the season

• Training aligned with PoCo FC’s Technical Plan and Game Model

• Year-long evaluations that support appropriate placement and development movement

While competition is an important part of the experience, success is measured by growth, effort and development rather than results alone.

• Teams typically train twice per week, with final schedules based on team and field allocation.

• In addition to team training, PoCo FC offers optional development opportunities throughout the year to support individual player growth. Details on current offerings, schedules, and registration can be found on the PoCo FC Programming page.

Game format

• U11–U12 typically play 8v8 (including a goalkeeper)

• U13 typically plays 9v9 (including a goalkeeper)

Season timing

• Fall and Winter season generally runs from September 1 to mid-March

Schedules are set by the league

• League placement varies by age group and division as outlined above

• PoCo FC is committed to reducing barriers to participation. Financial assistance and flexible support options may be available for families who need them.

• If you have questions about registration or require support, please contact registrar@pocosoccer.com. All inquiries are handled with care and discretion.

PoCo FC is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for every participant. The club has a zero tolerance approach to bullying, discrimination, harassment and unsafe behaviour of any kind.

All participants, families, and volunteers are expected to uphold PoCo FC’s standards of respect, inclusion and care. Player wellbeing and safety are always the priority.

If you have a concern, please contact childprotection@pocosoccer.com and a member of the club will respond promptly and respectfully. Concerns may also be submitted through the club’s Confidential Child Protection Reporting Form.

This form is not monitored 24/7. If a child is in immediate danger, please call 911.

• Questions about the program, placement, or supports? Email registrar@pocosoccer.com and the club will respond as soon as possible.

• If you are requesting an accommodation or additional support, please include any helpful context so PoCo FC can support your child respectfully and confidentially.