Club Grading/Assessments Policy
From 2024 Drogheda Town Football Club will grade all junior competition players ranging from under 12 through to under 18 prior to the commencement of the football season. The club will also use this first season (2024) to transition and encourage players to play at their own age level where previously they were playing up a year.
The grading of junior players is seen as an important step in their development as footballers and their ability to enjoy the game.
Objectives
The fundamental objectives of the grading process are as follows (not in any order):
Grading Procedure
For registered players U12 and upwards, the focus will be on:
Two structured sessions (one may include an open session to allow new players the opportunity to join/or be assessed depending on numbers). Dates and location will be forwarded to registered players and or highlighted on club social media platforms for external players. Both sessions will range from 60 minutes to 90 minutes.
Session One
Our experienced coaches and assessors will provide supportive and constructive feedback throughout the process.
Session Two
Coaches will look for the following and make recommendations based on the below:
Players unable to attend must inform coaches at the specific age level in advance, as spaces may be limited. Should a player miss both sessions, the coaching team will assess separately and recommend which team the player is best suited to, assuming there are squad spaces still available.
Once coaches have met and discussed all attendees, players and parents will be notified of which team they have be selected for.
Note: There will be no formal grading process before the U12 level, however, constant assessment will help guide club coaches as to the correct level each player can enjoy their football and continue to develop. These assessments will be reviewed each season and recommendations made for the upcoming season.
The grading of junior players is seen as an important step in their development as footballers and their ability to enjoy the game.
Objectives
The fundamental objectives of the grading process are as follows (not in any order):
- To fill teams with players at similar skill levels in positions appropriate for their individual ability.
- To grade players into an appropriate division for competitive football.
- To grade players in a fair and impartial process by means of thorough trialling of player skill, fitness, overall ability and mental application of the game.
- Promote club loyalty and competitive participation throughout the process.
- Give every player fair playing time.
- Promote club growth and player development.
Grading Procedure
For registered players U12 and upwards, the focus will be on:
Two structured sessions (one may include an open session to allow new players the opportunity to join/or be assessed depending on numbers). Dates and location will be forwarded to registered players and or highlighted on club social media platforms for external players. Both sessions will range from 60 minutes to 90 minutes.
Session One
- Warm-Up and Drills: Players will start with a warm-up followed by individual and group technical drills designed to showcase their skills.
- Small-Sided Games: Players will participate in small-sided games to demonstrate their game understanding and teamwork.
- Cool down
Our experienced coaches and assessors will provide supportive and constructive feedback throughout the process.
Session Two
- Warm up and session plan laid out.
- Numbers dependent, 11v11 game with roll on roll off substitutions.
- Cool down
Coaches will look for the following and make recommendations based on the below:
- Skill Levels: Players will be evaluated on their technical abilities, including dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive skills.
- Game Understanding: Coaches will observe players’ understanding of the game, including positioning, movement off the ball, and decision-making.
- Physical Fitness: Players’ stamina, speed, and agility will be considered.
- Teamwork and Attitude: Positive attitude, teamwork, and sportsmanship are crucial and will be noted during the grading.
Players unable to attend must inform coaches at the specific age level in advance, as spaces may be limited. Should a player miss both sessions, the coaching team will assess separately and recommend which team the player is best suited to, assuming there are squad spaces still available.
Once coaches have met and discussed all attendees, players and parents will be notified of which team they have be selected for.
Note: There will be no formal grading process before the U12 level, however, constant assessment will help guide club coaches as to the correct level each player can enjoy their football and continue to develop. These assessments will be reviewed each season and recommendations made for the upcoming season.
