U8, U9, U10 Two Streams of Development
Information about our U8-U10 Two Streams of Development
Many clubs place players on teams based on various school catchment areas or group kids with their friends. While this might be beneficial in terms of organization, we must ask if this is the best way to develop our players as they enter the key development years of 8-12.
Most can relate to watching mini soccer and seeing that 3 or 4 players dominate in game situations, leaving other players to rarely touch the ball. Placing these players in another division, would allow for the remaining players to get more involved, take on more leadership roles and acquire more interest. Further, it allows for more touches on the ball, which supports skill development.
With a wide range of abilities in mixed groups, coaches can find it challenging to find activities that engage all players on the team. This can lead to the content being too difficult for some and too simple for others. By grouping players with similar ability, coaches will be able to deliver activities at a pace that will meet their players’ needs. In this way, instruction is differentiated, meeting players at their level with the goal of moving them along the continuum of Long Term Player Development.
The issue of unbalanced teams is one that many clubs have to deal with. There are teams of players that go through a season with very little success, leaving players, parents and coaches discouraged. This can lead to problems of player and coach retention. Having teams of players with similar abilities would help to alleviate these issues.
The goal of ability based teams is to allow all players to play at their skill and confidence level. We want all players to be challenged, to build their skills and to enjoy their playing experiences. We wish to provide coaches with technical support to ensure they are meeting the needs of their players. We believe that providing children with the opportunity to play with and against those of similar ability will enhance both player and coach development.
Some Guiding Principles
- Year-long evaluation of players with an opportunity for upward movement.
- Technical support for all coaches in the age group to evenly distribute coaching talent.
- A transparent evaluation process.
- A clear communication plan to parents and coaches not only in the beginning stages, but year-long.
Any technical questions, can be directly to:
Alfredo Valente – CMFSC, Technical Director
Esteban Mora - CMFSC, Head Coach, Boys Minis
Andrea Maloney – CMFSC, Head Coach, Girls
U8 Two Streams FAQ
- How are coaches being assigned to the Under 8 teams?
As players are registered, parents are asked to indicate if they are willing to volunteer as Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Managers. We will consider all parents that have put their names forward as well as recommendations from the Staff coaches from the Initiation Academy as well.
- How many players play on the field at Under 8?
We will be playing 6-aside at Under 8. This means 5 outfield players plus a goalie.
- What is the purpose of having two streams of development in the Under 8 Division
The goal of ability based teams it to allow all players to play at their skill and confidence level. We want all players to be challenged, to build their skills and to enjoy their playing experiences. We wish to provide coaches with technical support to ensure they are meeting the needs of their players. We believe that providing children with the opportunity to play with and against those of similar ability will enhance both player and coach development.
- When will the Under 8 teams be formed?
We will start the team formation process after the June 1stdeadline. Teams will be formed by mid to late June.
- Will my child have the same parent coach as they did in Under 7 Initiation Academy?
Some may and some may not. When you leave the Initiation Development and enter the Under 8 Division, the teams become smaller and teams do not stay together. In the Under 8 Division, the teams are coached entirely by the parent coach and do not have staff support on a weekly basis.
- Will teams be balanced in the Development Division and House Division of Under 8?
Teams will be formed with all efforts to balance all teams in the House and the Development Divisions. This will be done in collaboration with the Under 8 Coordinators and CMFSC Technical Head Coaches of Minis Boys & Girls.
U9 Two Streams FAQ
- How are coaches being assigned to the Under 9 Teams?
As players are registered, parents are asked to indicate if they are willing to volunteer as Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Managers. We will consider all parents that have put their names forward and decisions on coaches will be finalized and approved by CMFSC's technical staff.
- How do I register for the U9 House stream or the U9 Development stream?
You cannot register for either stream. You will register for the Under 9 age group and then you will be placed on a team through our team formation process.
- How many players play on the field at Under 9?
We will be playing 7-aside at Under 9. This means 6 outfield players plus a goalie.
- What is the purpose of having two streams of development in the Under 9 Division
The goal of ability based teams it to allow all players to play at their skill and confidence level. We want all players to be challenged, to build their skills and to enjoy their playing experiences. We wish to provide coaches with technical support to ensure they are meeting the needs of their players. We believe that providing children with the opportunity to play with and against those of similar ability will enhance both player and coach development.
- When will the Under 9 Teams be formed?
We will start the team formation process after the June 1st deadline. Teams will be formed by mid to late June.
- Will my child have the same parent coach as Under 8?
Some may and some may not. Parent coach’s change from year to year as some parents may not return to coaching and there may be new coaches that put their names forward for coaching. We will also have to adjust the teams within the House league and the Development league to ensure that teams are balanced. If an additional team is added in the Development Division there will be adjustments on all teams to accommodate this.
- Will teams be balanced in the Development stream and House stream of Under 9?
Teams will be formed with all efforts to balance all teams in the House and the Development Divisions. This will be done in collaboration with the Under 9 Coordinators and CMFSC Technical Head Coaches of Minis Boys & Girls.
U10 Two Streams FAQ
- Does my child get to play with their friends?
On the registration form there is places for requests. Especially on the House League side all efforts will be made to honour friends requests, keeping in mind that our first priority will be to make sure that all teams are balanced, in terms of ability, within the Under 10 House and Development Divisions. In the Development side there will be less consider for friendships and changes could be made each season. Any players registering after the deadline of June 1stwill most likely not have any requests looked at.
- How are coaches being assigned to the Under 10 Teams?
At point of registration parents have an option to indicate if they would be willing to volunteer as a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, or Manager. We will consider all parents that indicate interest in a volunteer position and decisions on coaches will be finalized and approved by CMFSC's technical staff.
- How are decisions made if players are placed on a team playing in the Development stream or House stream?
Teams are formed through evaluations of players during their Under 7 Initiation Academy season. This will be taken from observation from the staff coaches in the Initiation Academy, the U7 Age Group Head Coach, the parent coaches of the respective U7 teams in the Initiation Academy, and also through assessment of players through various CMFSC Camps and Academies.
- How do I register my child for the House stream or the Development stream?
You cannot register for either stream. You register for the Under 8 age group and then you will be placed on a team through our team formation process.
- How do I register my child for the U10 House stream or the U10 Development stream?
You cannot register for either League. You will register for the Under 10 age group and then you will be placed on a team through our team formation process.
- How many players play on the field at Under 10?
We will be playing 7-aside at Under 10. This means 6 outfield players plus a goalie.
- How many teams will there be in the House and Development divisions?
In each club based on registration numbers we are looking on average to have 30% of the players placed in the Development Division and 70% in the House Division. We will assess each season if additional Development teams will be added.
- How many times a week do teams train & play?
Teams will train minimum once per week and play a game once per week. Training days will be determined in August. Games are on Saturdays for boys and Sundays for girls. Teams are not formed based on day of the week training requests.
- If my child is a new player or new to the club, what team would I be placed on?
If you are a new player playing in our club, you will initially be placed on a House Team, unless otherwise assessed in a CMFSC club Academy or camp.
- If my child is placed in the Development stream, will they be moved into the House stream?
Returning Development players are evaluated throughout the season during practices, games, and academy. At the end of the Fall Season, technical staff will determine if continued placement in the Development Stream is still what is best for the player. If it is in the best interest for the player's development and enjoyment of the game, they may be moved to a House team. In very rare situations, a player may be moved mid-season, in consultation with the parents and technical staff, to the House Stream from the Development Stream if it is determined to be what is best for the player.
- Is there a different cost between the leagues?
No, it is the same cost for registration for both the House and Development stream.
- What are the game times?
Games will be played on Saturdays for boys and Sundays for Girls. You can expect game times to be scheduled between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. The game schedule will be set prior to the beginning of the season.
- What is the purpose for having two streams of development in the Under 10 Division?
The goal of ability based teams it to allow all players to play at their skill and confidence level. We want all players to be challenged, to build their skills and to enjoy their playing experiences. We wish to provide coaches with technical support to ensure they are meeting the needs of their players. We believe that providing children with the opportunity to play with and against those of similar ability will enhance both player and coach development.
- What will happen for the 2018-2019 Season and beyond for the 2008 age group?
2018-19 - This is the first year of an organized Under 11 Select Soccer and players will go through an evaluations process and be placed on a Select team or a House team in this age group.
- When does registration begin?
Registration is available in February 15th each season. Please refer to the following link regarding registration.
As per our registration policy only those players who register by May 15th will be placed on a team in the pre-determined order of registration. After June 1st, a non-refundable late fee of $50.00 applies, and team placement is not assured.
- When does the season start?
League play generally begins the second weekend of September for all levels. Team training will start 1 - 3 weeks prior to that (dependent on team and level).
- When will the Under 10 Teams be formed?
We will start the team formation process after the June 1stdeadline. Teams will be formed by mid to late June.
- Who do I contact with questions about the U8 - U10 Leagues?
Administrative & Registration questions can be directed to the Age group Coordinators.
Click here for a list of Age Group Coordinators - Will my child have the same parent coach as Under 9?
Some may and some may not. Parent coach's change from year to year as some parents may not return to coaching and there may be new coaches that put their names forward for coaching. We will also have to adjust the teams within the House league and the Development league to ensure that teams are balanced. If an additional team is added in the Development Division there will be adjustments on all teams to accommodate this.
- Will teams be balanced in the Development Division and House Division of Under 10?
Teams will be formed with all efforts to balance all teams in the House and the Development Divisions. This will be done in collaboration with the Under 10 Coordinators and CMFSC Technical Head Coaches of Minis Boys & Girls.
- Will the House and Development Teams have different uniforms?
Both the House and the Development Stream teams will receive a home and away jersey in the CMFSC colours.
- Will we be interlocking with other clubs in our District?
We will be interlocking with PoCo Eurorite FC for the Development League. For the House League we will not be interlocking with other clubs and will only be scheduled with CMFSC teams.