PLAYER ASSESSMENTS
At PoCo FC, our goal is simple: place every child in an environment that best supports their development, confidence, and enjoyment of the game.
Our assessments are ongoing and year-long. Children are observed throughout the season in training and games, with input from our Technical Director, technical staff, and team coaches. This helps us avoid judging anyone in a short period of time and better understand each child’s readiness, learning needs, and progress.
We know that children develop at different rates physically, emotionally, and socially. A child’s placement heading into a new season reflects where they are right now, not who they are or what they may become. Our responsibility as a club is to place children in environments they are ready for, where they can learn, feel confident, and keep enjoying soccer. When a child is ready for a greater challenge, they show us and we’ll support that next step at the right time.
Years from now, your child won’t remember what division they started in, they’ll remember how soccer made them feel. Let’s make sure they feel welcomed, safe, and supported on their journey.
TEAM PLACEMENT INFO
Teams will be offered at the following divisions for the 2026 - 2027 Fall/Winter Season:
Age Group | Year of Birth | Gender | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
Under 14 - Under 18 | 2009 - 2013 | Boys & Girls | Division 1, Division 2, Division 3 |
Under 11 - Under 13 | 2014 - 2016 | Boys & Girls | Division 1, Division 2, Division 3 |
Under 8 - Under 10 | 2017 - 2019 | Boys & Girls | Development, Community |
Under 4 - Under 7 | 2020 - 2023 | Boys & Girls | One level of play |
Process for existing
poco fc players
1. Year-long Assessments (our primary approach)
For returning PoCo FC children, team placement is primarily based on what we see throughout the season in training and games, with input from team coaches, our Technical Director, and technical staff. This year-long view helps us make thoughtful decisions that reflect each child’s readiness and development over time.
2. Year-end Evaluation sessions (Important for Division 1 & 2 consideration)
We also host year-end evaluation sessions on set dates. While they help us assess children who are new to PoCo FC, they are also an important opportunity for current PoCo FC children who would like to be considered for Division 1 or Division 2 next season. Even with year-long assessment in place, we strongly encourage interested children to register and attend.
3. Who Should Register and Attend?
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U11–U18 (born 2009–2016): Any child who is interested in being considered for Division 1 or Division 2 should register and attend the evaluation session for their age group.
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U4–U10: There are no tryouts or evaluations for these ages.
4. Check Your Age Group Dates
Please refer to the schedule for dates and times for your child’s age group.
​When will we hear about placements?
Team placements are communicated in stages, not all at once. We do this intentionally to place children thoughtfully and with care.
Here Is How the Process Works:
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Division 1 offers are sent first
Children who are offered a division 1 position will receive an email and are asked to confirm their spot by registering within 24 hours. -
Division 2 offers follow once division 1 is confirmed
After all division 1 spots are accepted or declined, division 2 offers are then sent. Families are again given 24 hours to confirm by registering. -
Remaining team placements are finalized after that
Once division 1 and division 2 rosters are settled, remaining placements are confirmed.
We use this staged approach because families may decline a spot for their own reasons and it allows us to place children carefully without confusion. We take this approach because children’s confidence matters and we want the placement process to feel thoughtful, stable, and supportive from start to finish.
We appreciate families’ patience during this process. Our priority is always to communicate placements with care and respect, keeping each child’s well being at the center of every decision.
New to PoCo FC Players
We are happy you are considering PoCo FC. Whether your child is brand new to soccer or joining us from another club, we will help them feel welcomed, supported, and placed in the right environment to enjoy the game and keep developing.
Who should register and attend?
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U11–U18 (born 2009–2016): Children who are new to PoCo FC and would like to be considered for Division 1 or Division 2 should register and attend a year-end evaluation session for their age group. Families who already know their child would like to be placed in Division 3 do not need to attend an evaluation, unless they would like to.
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U4–U10: There are no evaluations or tryouts for these ages.
What to expect at an evaluation session
Evaluation sessions are run by our Technical Director and technical staff in a positive and supportive setting. Children take part in age-appropriate activities and small-sided play designed to help us understand their experience level and readiness.
What happens after the session?
Following evaluations, families will be contacted with next steps once placements are finalized. Placements are communicated in stages so decisions are made carefully and with each child’s well being in mind.
Our assessments are also ongoing throughout the season. If a child is ready for more challenges over time, we work to support that progression in a thoughtful way.
Reassurance for families
Evaluations help guide placement, not define a child. Development is ongoing, and pathways remain open.