U12–U13 Player Development Pathway
Date & Location
Season Long Process
Port Coquitlam FC
Program Overview
U12 and U13 represent the next stage within the club’s Player Development Pathway. At this phase, players continue to build on their technical foundation while increasing tactical understanding, decision making and confidence in more competitive environments.
As expectations gradually increase, our focus remains on long term development, enjoyment of the game and ensuring that each child continues to feel supported as they grow within the pathway.
Team Placement at U12–U13
At U12 and U13, players may be placed on a Division 1, Division 2, or Division 3 team within their age group. All three divisions remain part of the club’s development framework and play an important role in supporting growth and readiness for challenge.
Placement reflects a player’s current stage of development within the broader age group and is not permanent. Children continue to develop at different rates physically, emotionally and technically. Movement between teams may occur throughout the season as readiness is demonstrated. Movement decisions are reviewed periodically to ensure players are appropriately challenged and supported.
All players remain part of the age group pathway and continue to be considered for progression as development and commitment are demonstrated.
Development Support Across All Divisions
All U12–U13 players continue to receive structured training, coaching support and technical oversight.
Division 1 players
Train in structured team environments appropriate to the highest competitive level within the age group
Have the Monday Night Player Development Program included within their fall and winter registration
Receive structured oversight to support progression at this stage
Division 2 players
Train in structured team environments appropriate to their current stage of development
Have the option to register separately for the Monday Night Player Development Program
Division 3 players
Participate in team based training within their division
Have the option to register separately for the Monday Night Player Development Program
Across all divisions:
The Age Group Technical Lead provides ongoing oversight and periodic support within the age group
Players continue to be observed through the club’s year long evaluation process
Movement between teams remains possible as development warrants
The goal across all divisions is steady progression, confidence building and preparing players for future opportunities within the game while maintaining a positive and supportive environment.
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 and registered separately from team fees, allowing families flexibility when deciding whether to participate in additional development programming.
Ongoing Evaluation and Opportunity
Evaluation remains a season long process based on training sessions, matches and club programming.
Decisions are based on a comprehensive view of each player within the full age group. Evaluations are not determined by a single session or moment.
Opportunities for movement remain fluid and are guided by what best supports each child’s development, well being and readiness for increased challenge.
Player Feedback and Communication
To support transparency and continued growth, PoCo FC maintains internal written documentation from coaches and the Age Group Technical Lead 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 staff remains 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
At U12–U13, the pathway continues to balance appropriate challenge with care for the whole child. As expectations increase, so does our commitment to ensuring players feel valued, supported and prepared for the next stage of their development.
For questions about U12-U13 Player Development Pathway, please contact:
Gaz Hughes