Policies
Introduction
We view the guidance in this section as best practice, based on input from several coaches past and present, and would like all squads in the club to follow the key principles.
We recognise that there might be situations where some elements of this don’t work for you and, if this is the case, there is flexibility to adapt it to your needs. However, if you find yourself wanting to take an approach which is very different to the one outlined here, please discuss this with the club committee.
Summary
- All age groups:
- Continue to train together even when they are split into separate teams for matches.
- Offer development football alongside league football.
- On match days, all players selected for the match day squad must play at least half of the available playing time.
- U6-10:
- Communicate with your opposition in advance and agree what type of teams you will both put out so that ideally these can be evenly matched.
- On match days and in training ALL players are encouraged to have a turn in ALL positions (including Goalkeeper).
- Squads will not be streamed.
- U11-16:
- We recommend that teams are streamed at this point but that the teams are reviewed each season.
- Review the teams at the end of the season and rebalance them as necessary.
Key differences between age groups
| Key differences between age groups | ||||
| U7-8 | U9-10 | U11-12 | U13-16 | |
| Main motivation | To have fun! | |||
| Ideal size of group | 30-40 | 40-50 | 45-50 | |
| Number of squads | 2 with 15-20 players each(e.g. Lions and Tigers) | 2 with 20-25 players each(e.g. Lions and Tigers) | 3 with 13-17 players each(e.g. Lions, Tigers and Panthers) | 3 with 15-17 players each(e.g. Lions, Tigers and Panthers) |
| Streaming of squads | No – review teams at the end of each season | Yes – review teams at the end of each season | ||
| Ideal coaching ratio | 1 coach to 10 players (max)1 coach to 5 players (ideal) | 1 coach to 15 players (max)1 coach to 7 players (ideal) | ||
| Match format | 5v5(2 matches played simultaneously and then swap) | 7v7(2 matches played simultaneously and then swap) | 9v9(1 match only) | 11v11(1 match only) |
| Players needed for a match | 12 (inc at least 1 sub) | 16 (inc at least 1 sub) | 11 (inc at least 2 subs) | 13 (inc at least 2 subs) |
| Competitive league | No – scores not recorded and no league tables | Yes – scores are recorded and league tables kept | ||
Is It Mandatory?We have put this together based on input from a range of coaches across the club. It draws on their experience and is also aligned to the club’s philosophy. We’d therefore like to think that the structure proposed will be suitable for the majority of age groups and will help you to run your squad most effectively. However, we recognise there may be some situations where a different approach is needed and this can be considered. If you are considering a different approach, we require that you discuss this with the club committee to help make sure what you are doing works well for all players and the club.
