What is Grading and why grade.
Grading is a process used to group children of similar skill levels in football to play for the same team and they compete against teams of similar skill sets. It allows for teams to play competitively and more importantly for players to grow and excel at the sport.
Grading of the teams starts at the U8 to U14 age groups based on BDSFA
requirements and the club only grades players for the top two teams at the club allowing the other teams to remain together but for any child that has improved their ability and skills during the season to still have an avenue next season to get entry into the top two teams.
The Process
The grading process will consist of a few drills to test a player’s basic skills in soccer. This will include simple passing, simple dribbling, passing and movement of the ball and playing in a 5 a-side game at the end of the day.
From the grading of day 1 the four assessors will select the relevant number of players who will make up the two teams who will then be asked to come back for Day 2. The decision will be made by the end of the first week and each player will be notified via text message.
Day 2 will consist of a few more complicated drills and a longer game. We will also be asking players in what positions if any they like playing especially in the older age groups where it becomes more relevant. This session will be used to identify who goes into Team 1 and Team 2.
You do not need to be a registered player to be graded on Day 1.
If you make it to Day 2 however this means we have allocated a spot for you in one of our top two teams at the club. Before Day 2 commences you will need to register your child to play for the club.
Goal Keepers
Goalkeepers are a rare commodity at any club and across all age groups. If your child is interested in playing as a goalkeeper either permanently or partially, please let us know on the day of grading.
The Dates & Times
Day 1
| Age Group | Date | Time |
| U14 | Monday 13th Feb | 5:30pm to 7:00pm |
| U12 | Tuesday 14th Feb | 5:30pm to 7:00pm |
| U13 | Tuesday 14th Feb | 6:30pm to 8:00pm |
| U10 | Wednesday 15th Feb | 5:30pm to 7:00pm |
| U11 | Wednesday 15th Feb | 6:30pm to 8:00pm |
| U8 | Thursday 16th Feb | 5:30pm to 7:00pm |
| U9 | Thursday 16th Feb | 6:30pm to 8:00pm |
Day 2
| Age Group | Date | Time |
| U14 | Monday 20th Feb | 5:30pm to 7:00pm |
| U12 | Tuesday 21st Feb | 5:30pm to 7:00pm |
| U13 | Tuesday 21st Feb | 6:30pm to 8:00pm |
| U10 | Wednesday 22nd Feb | 5:30pm to 7:00pm |
| U11 | Wednesday 22nd Feb | 6:30pm to 8:00pm |
| U8 | Thursday 23rd Feb | 5:30pm to 7:00pm |
| U9 | Thursday 23rd Feb | 6:30pm to 8:00pm |
Playing up an age group
Players who want to play up an age group can choose to try and be graded for both the age group they would like to play in and also the age group they should be playing in. Please inform us if this is the case. This does not guarantee getting into either team however we will notify them if they have missed out on the older age group and made it to the top two teams in their correct age group. They can then decide if they want to play in an older age group but a lower division team or in their own age group in either team 1 or 2.
What happens if I do not get into Team 1 or 2?
All other teams formed will be based on where the members played last year unless requested otherwise. If you have just joined the club this year you will be allocated to a team based on how the grading went and what spots are available. If registering late none of the above can be guaranteed.
Russell Ferrao – Club President.