Please be advised of our plan for Junior and Youth grading over the coming weeks.
Avalon Soccer Club is committed to providing a quality football experience whereby our players, parents, coaches and volunteers can flourish and develop a passion for football.
Our vision is to develop every player’s skill technically, tactically and physically. Our club also aims to equip our players with the vital life skills such as commitment, discipline, respect and perseverance. These qualities will assist our young footballers in all aspects of life.
We continually strive for excellence in all aspects of our club – playing, coaching, administration and social areas – to make our club amongst the very best. Our aim is to provide an opportunity for people to participate in a community club in a safe, friendly and family-oriented environment. Grading forms an important step in achieving this philosophy.
2024 Grading Schedule
- All players in these ages are required to grade
- All players must be registered to be allowed to grade
- Please arrive on time and in appropriate kit with shin pads and boots – the shop will be open on the day
- Please bring water and wear sunscreen
The purpose of grading
Grading is a mandatory requirement for our mixed and women’s teams in the MWFA from U10 onwards. It is used to assess individual player levels to allow teams of appropriate strength to be formed to compete in the competition. Even if players have no interest in competing in a “top division team” players are still required to grade to ensure they are placed in the correct division.
Whilst U10/U11 teams are in non-competition, it is still important to grade to ensure there are no lopsided divisions, and to prepare those age groups for U12. It is also an opportunity for players who strive to play in the most competitive environment possible, and a strong division, to do just that.
How teams are formed
Teams are formed each year in February/March once all the latest skill level data has been provided to the Age Coordinators. The data is derived from Coach Reports and Grading Results, as outlined in the assessment process below. As a guide, the timeline is as follows:
Assessment process
Players are assessed and placed into teams based on their current skill levels using the
following information, in order of importance:
1. Coach Report from the previous season or seasons. The Coach Report is the single most important information the club has because it assesses each player over a full season, not just one day. It includes ratings and comments on players’ current skill levels over various aspects (e.g. passing, defending etc) and attitude at training and match days.
2. Grading Results. The grading days are run by highly experienced players/coaches appointed by the club, who assess players over the grading session. The grading results contain scores and placings.
The Coach Reports and Grading Results are analysed by the Age Coordinators during the pre-season period and players are then placed into teams accordingly for the new season.
Social teams in the Youth Age groups (U12-U16)
Social teams (e.g. playing with friends etc) are not generally taken into consideration when forming teams in the Youth Age groups (u12+) because players are placed into teams based on their current skill level and it can become a logistical minefield for Age Coordinators when Parent A requests Player A to be with Player B, but Parent B requests Player B to be with Player C etc.
The Age Coordinator may take a social aspect in to account only if it is possible to do so regarding a single player, but he/she cannot accept requests for entire teams to be formed on social aspects. The club will not yield to parents who demand that certain players must be together and/or threaten to leave the club if they do not get their wishes granted.
It’s important to note that coaches do not select the teams. Their input is considered as part of the grading process, but the final decision rests with the club.
Respecting the grading
Grading is not an exact science. There may be times when players are in the wrong team, or teams in the wrong division. However, every decision taken by the club about where a player is placed is made with the best of intentions for both the individual and the collective. The Age Coordinators have a very difficult job to do, especially in the lower age groups, and they do an incredible job to manage so many different expectations. They are also volunteers so please respect them.
If a player elects NOT to attend mandatory grading, the club will make the final decision on
which team they are placed in.
If you have an issue with the grading, contact your Age Coordinator. They will escalate the
issue if necessary. Under no circumstances ignore the grading decisions and place your child
in any team other than the one allocated to them.