Development Football Plans For 2018-19

Parents

With the season officially now at a close our attention turns to next season.

U6 -> U7

The current U6s will move up to U7s and will spend the season training and learning the game. Round Robin events will be organised for them.

U7 -> U8

The club plans on running three playing squads. These will be children that we think are ready for match play. They will start match play with the League after the October half term and can play for any U8s team. Further players can join and train with us, and will be officially registered, allowing eligibility to play League football, subject to selection, as and when the opportunity arises.
In order to run the 3 planned squads we need volunteers to be managers. Ideally two people running a team works, so we’ll be looking for at least 6 volunteers. If more volunteers come forward we will run more than 3 squads. If you think you can run a team please contact Sarah.

U8 -> U9

Teams move up to play 7 v 7 at U9. The club will run three playing squads and players can play for any U9 team.
Further players can join and train with us, and will be officially registered, allowing eligibility to play League football as and when the opportunity arises.

U9  -> U10

Teams continue to play 7 v 7. The club will run four playing squads and players can play for any team.
Further players can join and train with us, and will be officially registered, allowing eligibility to play League football as and when the opportunity arises.

U10 -> U11

Teams move up to play 9 v 9. Existing U10’s teams will merge to give us two or three squads depending on numbers.
Next season will be their last playing non-competitive football, so children will still be able to move across from one team to the other as they develop and progress in readiness for U12’s when the football then becomes competitive.
Further players can join and train with us, and will be officially registered, allowing eligibility to play League football as and when the opportunity arises.

Selecting The Squads

Managers and coaches have continuously observed and assessed players through match play and training and decisions will be made regarding squads for next season over the coming weeks. That’s not to say squads are set in stone. Players will continue to approach the club and we will continue to give every child the opportunity to trial for a place.
Children attending other activities on Sundays should not sign up with Sheen Lions. The club expects players to be readily available to play on Sundays if selected. If a player is repeatedly unavailable, the club will de-register the player.
Managers will use the Summer Soccer Six as an opportunity to assess players. History tells us that new children will sign up for it, in the hope of gaining a place at Sheen Lions, so as always competition is high for a squad place. If possible existing players should sign up for the Summer Soccer Six if they intend to continue with the club.
If your child has friends wanting to join in, pass on the details of how to sign up.
It is important to remember that from U8s – U11s the League programme is non – competitive and allows clubs to move children from one squad to the another freely. So, one week a child may play for Pride, the next Hoops, the next Lions etc. This freedom of movement means children are not anchored into one team where they may struggle or alternatively may be not playing to their full potential. What matters is that they are Sheen Lions players, within their age group, and can develop at their own pace. This is development football and our aim is find the right level for individual players.
If you have questions feel free to approach Mel Atkins (Head of Mini Soccer ) or your current manager or myself, at training.
Here’s to a roaring 2018-19 season.
C’mon you Lions!!!
yours in football
Sarah Street
Club Secretary – Sheen Lions F.C.