Minis U8-10
(Age 7 – 9)
| Age | Year of Birth |
| U04 | 2020 |
| U05 | 2019 |
| U06 | 2018 |
| U07 | 2017 |
| U08 | 2016 |
| U09 | 2015 |
| U10 | 2014 |
| U11 | 2013 |
| U12 | 2012 |
| U13 | 2011 |
| U14 | 2010 |
| U15 | 2009 |
| U16 | 2008 |
| U17 | 2007 |
| U18 | 2006 |
Mini’s U8-10- Two Streams of Development
Many clubs place players on teams based on various school catchment areas or group kids with their friends. While this might be beneficial in terms of organization, we must ask if this is the best way to develop our players as they enter the key development years of 7-9.
Most can relate to watching mini soccer and seeing that 3 or 4 players dominate in game situations, leaving other players to rarely touch the ball. Placing these players in another division, would allow for the remaining players to get more involved, take on more leadership roles and acquire more interest. Further, it allows for more touches on the ball, which supports skill development.
With a wide range of abilities in mixed groups, coaches can find it challenging to find activities that engage all players on the team. This can lead to the content being too difficult for some and too simple for others. By grouping players with similar ability, coaches will be able to deliver activities at a pace that will meet their players’ needs. In this way, instruction is differentiated, meeting players at their level with the goal of moving them along the continuum of Long Term Player Development.
The issue of unbalanced teams is one that many clubs have to deal with. There are teams of players that go through a season with very little success, leaving players, parents and coaches discouraged. This can lead to problems of player and coach retention. Having teams of players with similar abilities would help to alleviate these issues.
The goal of ability based teams is to allow all players to play at their skill and confidence level. We want all players to be challenged, to build their skills and to enjoy their playing experiences. We wish to provide coaches with technical support to ensure they are meeting the needs of their players. We believe that providing children with the opportunity to play with and against those of similar ability will enhance both player and coach development.
Some Guiding Principles
Year-long evaluation of players with an opportunity for upward movement (no downward movement within a playing year).
Technical support for all coaches in the age group to evenly distribute coaching talent.
A transparent evaluation process.
A clear communication plan to parents and coaches not only in the beginning stages, but year-long.
At this stage coaches and technical staff will focus on the principles set out in “Learn to Train”, the third stage of the Long Term Player Development Model (set out by the CSA). Basic principles of play, training ethic, decision making, environmental awareness and discipline will be focused on.
Players also have the opportunity to join extra training through Poco Euro-Rite FC Player Academy (Click HERE)
F.A.Q.
All U8-10 Teams play in the North Fraser Youth Soccer Association (NFYSA) in either the Community or or Development divisions.
Teams are formed through evaluations of players during their season starting at U7. This will be taken from observation by the technical staff coaches, the parent coaches and also through assessment of players through various Port Coquitlam Euro-Rite FC Camps and Academies.
Teams will be formed with all efforts to balance all teams in the Community and the Development divisions.
Please check out the main registration page to see actual dates. Registration for the fall season generally starts at our Mini Jamboree in March.
We will start the team formation process at the beginning of March.
Development players can expect to hear from their coach shortly after and are expected to register right away.
Community teams will be formed throughout the spring and summer as players are registered.
There may be a cost difference based on the number of practice sessions each week. Additional fees may apply to join optional academy programs.
If you are a new player playing in our club, you will initially be placed on the Community Team, unless otherwise assessed in a Port Coquitlam Euro-Rite FC club Academy or Camp.
As players are registered, parents are asked to indicate if they are willing to volunteer as Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Managers. We will look at all parents that have put their names forward as well as recommendations from the Technical Staff Team.
Based on registration numbers in each club, we are looking on average to have 30% of the players placed in the Development Division and 70% in the Community Division. We will assess each season if additional Development teams will be added.
In the Community Division efforts are made to honour friend requests, keeping in mind that our first priority will be to make sure that all teams are balanced in terms of ability. Early registration is key to fulfilling requests. On the Development side there will be less emphasis on friend requests, with the priority being balanced teams.
Some may and some may not. Due to the nature of the two tiers, teams will change and so might coaches. Every effort will be made to maintain status quo with a commitment to balancing teams to ensure the best success for all.
Yes, there will be continued evaluation throughout the season. Initially, we will keep the Development League teams smaller to allow movement, if possible.
No, there will be no movement from Development to Community during the season, unless requested by the family. However, all players will be assessed through the year and may or may not be placed on a Development team for the following season.
We will be playing 5 aside at Under 8. This means 4 outfield players and a goalie.
We will be playing 7 aside at Under 9 & 10. This means 6 outfield players and a goalie.
Yes, we will be interlocking with clubs in the North Fraser Youth Soccer Association. Our district covers Port Moody to Maple Ridge.
Teams are assigned different colours so that when they play each other there aren’t conflicts. Each team will also have pinnies, if conflicts between uniforms arise.
Community teams will train once per week, Development teams will train twice per week. Registration costs reflect this difference. Training days will be determined in September. Games are on Saturdays for boys and Sundays for girls. Teams are not formed based on day of the week training requests.
Additional training opportunities are available through our camps and academy.
Games generally start the weekend after labour day – Boys games on Saturdays, Girls on Sundays.
Winter break starts 2nd weekend in December with games starting 2nd weekend in January. Exact dates will be communicated to the teams each year.
The regular season wraps up at the Mini Jamboree generally held the weekend before SD43 Spring Break. More information will be available on the website as we approach the weekend. This is also the weekend that Registration starts for the next season.
All home games are at Gates Park.
Away Games will be at various fields between Port Moody and Maple Ridge
Games times will vary. Home times will be scheduled to kick off between 9:00am to 4:00pm. You will receive more information about this in late August/early September. Schedule Information.
Teams are supported by our Mini Program Director and our Technical Director. Additional support will be offered by our Mini’s Technical Staff. They will be supporting the coaches where needed and providing coach development sessions throughout the season. At this age group, the teams are fully run by the volunteer parent coaches.
Coaches have access to a online resource of session plans.
Your child will need to have soccer shoes, shin pads and a water bottle. These are mandatory at every game and practice.
Your registration fee covers the cost of games, practices, fields, jersey, shorts and socks, and referee’s when required.
The U is short for “under”. Age groups for teams are determined by the year of birth of the child. Players must be “under” the age level as of December 31st in order to play for that age level.
For example, for a player to participate in the U8 level, he or she must be 7 years old and not have attained the age of 8 years prior to December 31st of the year that you are registering in.
Players in both streams (Development and Community) will have access to receive extra training through our Player Academy and Camps. More information on our Academy Program can be found HERE
All questions can be directed to:
PoCo Euro-Rite FC, Technical Director