Age Group Policy

Player Development Pathway

 

Nordic’s PDP program aims to identify players in each age group who are performing ‘above grade level’ and need a challenge in an environment where they can be stretched.

 

It’s common at each age group to find 1, 2, sometimes 3 or 4 players who demonstrate the maturity, strength, speed of thought and play, and ambition and attitude to ‘train up’ and ‘play up’ an age group.  These players will spend some time—typically 1 full 6-week session during Winter/Spring—training with the older group, and may also play games ‘up’ when requested by the coaching staff. It is an expectation that these players always complete their on-age obligations to take advantage of opportunities to ‘train and play up’. It is an expectation that training/playing up opportunities are reevaluated at the end of each 6-week session.

 

The program is implemented club-wide at every age group.  We do a lot of work at the club bringing kids ‘up to speed’ within their age group, but don’t always get enough time nurturing the smaller percentage of players who are playing at a level ‘above their age group’. This is where the PDP program comes in. As many of you may perceive, this program simply codifies what has been occurring in our club (and others) year-on-year. We want this to be a process that is fair to all teams and players in the club.

 

For a more lengthy account of our club philosophy, please read the section below.

 

On Age’ and ‘Training Up’ Club Philosophy

 

As a general rule, Nordic soccer players are expected to play and train ‘on age’ as determined by their year of birth. Nordic is a large club and its goal is to field competitive teams at all age groups. Ordinarily, it is in the best interests of the club - and the player - if players play on age.

 

It is rare that a player’s growth will be hindered by playing with their on age age group, but we do know that allowing players to ‘play up’ instead of on age dilutes the talent pool at each age group.

 

The club recognizes, however, that talented players may exist that are physically, psychologically, technically and tactically ready to be considered for the next age-level within the club’s competitive team structure. In those cases, permission may be granted if it is determined that allowing the player to ‘train/play up’ is necessary and/or appropriate to (i) expose the player to levels of competition commensurate with their skills, and (ii) provide the player with a challenging environment necessary to inspire the player to higher levels of play and thus maintain their interest and passion for the game.

 

Coaches may not permit under-age players to register or play with their team without ensuring that the player has followed the procedures mentioned above. Coaches will bring to the attention of the Director of Coaching any player on their team that they feel would be better served with additional ‘training up’ opportunities at an older age-group. Players may ‘train/play up’ only with the approval of the Club’s Director of Coaching.

 

In all cases, the opportunity to train/play up should be driven by the goal to maximize each player’s soccer development. Convenience, parents’ wishes, ego, prestige or the particular best interests of any one team will not be taken into account.

 

The decision will be based upon what is in the best interests of the player and the Club. In addition, the Director of Coaching may deem it necessary to offer the opportunity to “guest” on a higher-age team for certain games or tournaments. It should be clear that this does not mean a player is playing up for the season. Ordinarily, however, no player will be required by the Club to play at a higher age group. 

 

Process:

  1. The Director of Coaching, along with club coaching staff, will evaluate each age group to select players eligible for the PDP program.
  2. When all evaluations are complete and after consultation with the coach's from each age group involved, the Director of Coaching will make final determinations regarding all training/playing-up requests based upon the 4 pillars of the game: technical, tactical, physical, psychological.
  3. The Director of Coaching will communicate the final decision in writing to the player and their family.