Team Selection Policy

• Team Selection Policy
  We do our best to accommodate every player that trials for one of our teams at Coastal Spirit. However, there are occasions where this is not possible, and we work together with local clubs to find a place for players that want to play football.

  Our trials are based on what we believe is the best way for children to develop both as players and people by placing them in the appropriate environment. We as a club are passionate about player development and giving people every opportunity to succeed. The club has a Player Pathway that will allow players to join the club from the age of 3 years old and progress through the club’s development programmes and teams. At some stage in their progression, trials have to be introduced as part of the selection process for our club teams.

  Due to the rules set out by Mainland football, players will largely be playing in their chronological age grade with some exceptions for biological age and maturation. All these factors plus ability and attitude
  are taken into consideration when selecting players for our teams.
  The selection process is made as fair as possible by having multiple coaches assess players throughout the trials. In attendance at trials are the club’s Director of Football, team coaches of the trialing players and a number of neutral coaches.

  Junior football

  8th and 9th grade; we do not hold formal trials. Instead, we run open training sessions, and we encourage all players to attend the advertised date and time. These sessions help us understand player numbers and ability levels so we can place everyone in the most suitable environment.

  While we aim to group players at an appropriate level for their development, we also do our best to keep friends together wherever possible. Both boys and girls will continue to play together in these grades, and we work hard to create teams that are balanced, enjoyable, and supportive for all players.

  10th grade – This is where we set up genuine A and B teams. Trials will be for evaluating the players and placing them in appropriate teams. Girls moving from 9th grade mixed teams have the option of staying in 10th grade mixed or joining one of our girl’s teams at 9th/11th grade. This keeps the girl’s game in the region healthy with a variety of competition and is a good age for girls to start their pathway in the female game. The emphasis is on player development whist having fun at training and in games.

  11th grade – Genuine A and B teams. Players are placed into appropriate teams after trials. The emphasis is still on player development whilst having fun at training and in games

  12th grade – Genuine A and B teams are picked. Players are placed in appropriate teams after trials. The emphasis is still on player development and enjoyment for all but with extra attention and training
  available for those players that are serious about playing in our Youth Talent Centre the following year.

  13th grade – Genuine A and B teams are picked. Players are placed in appropriate teams after trials. The emphasis is still on player development and enjoyment for all but with extra attention and training

  Youth Football
  Youth football still has a focus on player development and enjoyment of the game, but this is the first grade where results are recorded and positions in division are published. We try to offer the appropriate level of competition for our Youth teams and with the introduction of our NZF Licenced Talent Centres at 14th, 15th and 17th grade we push for our top youth teams to play at the highest level they can. Our Youth teams are selected as genuine A and B teams. Movement between these teams is possible
  throughout the season. ‘A’ team players are encouraged to work hard and keep their place and ‘B’ team players encouraged to work hard and push for a place on the ‘A’ team.

  Chronological age
  Chronological age is simply how long an individual has lived in years, months, days, or a combination of all of these (e.g. 15 years, 3 months, and 12 days).

  Biological Age
  Biological age refers to the biological status or maturity of the player depending on whether they are a pre-adolescent, adolescent, or an adult.

  Maturation
  Maturation is the process of learning to cope and react in an emotionally appropriate way. It does not necessarily happen along with aging or physical growth but is a part of growth and development.