Grading and Team Nomination

Note – The following is a simple planning model given player numbers from the previous season and including some CCF changes. Actual planning is still reliant on grading registrations closer to the schedule start.  

Below is a guide only and may not be the actual group sizes on the day:

• Under 8s – 100 players (boys and girls) will be expected:
  • We will still maintain the 20 per group maximum with two graders per group (observing 10 players each) over two sessions. This will ensure all players are graded over two sessions effectively.
  • When we have received all u8 player lists for those coming to grading, we will assign a timeslot per player. Initially u8s parents will be advised on when the grading will be conducted, and the two time slots with a note that they will be advised within 2 days of the session what timeslot their child is in (trying our best to keep this as close to the teams they had in the previous year).
• Under 9s to 12s – 60-70 players (boys and girls) will be expected for each age group. Plan for 5x groups of 14 (2 graders per group).
• Under 13s – 40 players (boys and girls) will be expected. 4x groups of 10.
  • This is a special group given that we are expecting majority of the u12s jnr women from 2025 to be trying out for this age group with the new competition being announced.
• Under 14s to 16s – Approximately 140 players will be expected:
  • We had a significant number of u14s jnr women’s teams in 2025, some will be remaining in that age group, and some will be going to u16s (there is no u15 women’s comp).
  • We should treat this group like the u8s given its size; however, we will need to wait for expressions of interest and/or team nominations to determine.
  • We will plan within the schedule for a few varying timeslots to accommodate fluctuating numbers.
• We can adequately cover all expected players with 8 graders, grading roughly 10-20 players each per group. Two session facilitators should suffice as well.
• On the day, the grader sheets will be filled with player names (randomised as players upon sign in) with spaces for new players and any other anomalies. 

Grading will be conducted over one session for Under 8s and two sessions for Under 9-16s and will consist of a series of simple and fun drills complemented with mini game (split depending on numbers) at the end. The drills will be applied to all age groups and will be as follows:

Session Plan:

• Drill 1 (5mins – also works as a warmup): in-the-box dribbling. Each player has a ball and is to dribble around in the box avoid the other players. During this drill, the lead grader will give instructions:
  • Left foot only.
  • Right foot only.
  • Toe taps.
  • Tik-Taks.
  • Turns on command.
  • What does this test achieve?
    This tests ball control with both strong and weak feet, as well as the players ability to scan the area for obstacles. This simulates an actual game environment rather than a straight line of cones to move in and out of.

• Drill 2 (35mins): 1v1/2v2/3v3 with overloads. Players run around the small goals twice then challenge for the ball, increasing team sizes (max 3v3). Rotate through once 1v1, then bring in 2v2 for one rotation, then 3v3.
  • Depending on performance/comfort of players, facilitators should bring in overloads occasionally i.e. 1v2, 2v4, etc to shake things up where needed.
  • Safety note – facilitator places the ball in the middle before each challenge. A set a rule that, the first player to the ball cannot attack until the second player is set to defend their goal.
  • What does this test achieve?
    This tests the awareness, speed and coordination of players, including adding a little element of competition. The benefits of small challenge games is that players get equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills as well as keeping it relevant to game situations.  

End Game (20mins):
Enough rules! Jump to a game with no restrictions and normal goals.