Belsouth is conducting grading sessions for all players interested in playing Division 1 or 2 in u10s to u18s in the 2020 winter season. The grading sessions, plus information from coaches provided at the end of the 2019 season (through Player Assessment Sheets), will inform the formation of teams for the 2020 season.

Players planning on playing int the following age group 7, 8 and 9 in 2020 do not grade and will be coordinated into teams according to school and friendship groups, coach availability and requests after registration.

Why does Belsouth grade teams?

Grading is the only fair way of ensuring teams play with and against players of similar skills and ability. Grading ensures that your child’s involvement in the game, their contribution to the team, as well as their soccer skills are optimised. While children may not always be able to play with their best friends, experience has shown they quickly form friendships and bonds with their new teammates.

The Details

Motivate Football Academy (https://www.motivatefootballacademy.com.au/) will manage the grading process for 2020 under the direction of the Belsouth Grading Committee.

The assessment process will occur over three days. Each cohort will have two session which will involve dribbling, 1 v 1 battles and small side games. Motivate Football Academy will be running the drills and assessing players. In addition to the assessments completed on grading days, the Belsouth Grading Committee will take into consideration the Player Assessment Sheets completed by coaches at the end of the 2019 season..

Players must be registered with Belsouth Football Club http://belsouthfootball.club/registration/ to attend grading. You can register to play for Belsouth from 20 January 2020.

Schedule and Location

For the Girls U16 and U18 age groups there will be no grading in 2020. However, players are encouraged to register with Play Football as soon as possible to assist with forming teams for 2020.

Note: session registration commences 30 minutes prior to each grading session.

UPDATE: All grading for 2020 will be at the Walhallow Street fields, Hawker

Weather: The above schedule is subject to change. Coaching staff will monitor the weather forecast and adjust times and days as necessary in the best interests of players. Registered players will be notified accordingly.

Important Points

⦁ Players must be registered with the Club before attending grading
⦁ Players are expected to attend every grading session for their age group. If you cannot attend a session, you must advise the club at least one day prior via belsouthgrading@gmail.com.
⦁ Players to arrive 30 mins before session starts and check off attendance with the grading committee.
⦁ Shin guards are mandatory for all players
⦁ Players should bring plenty of water, sunscreen and wear a hat.
⦁ Players must listen to coach’s instructions
⦁ Parents: Please remain a respectful distance from the playing pitches to enable the coaching staff assess and allow your child to enjoy the sessions.

Frequently asked questions on Grading

Why is the club grading?

To allow players to join teams at a level appropriate to their ability and aspirations, to ensure they gain maximum enjoyment and development.

Is the selection process compulsory?

No. While Belsouth encourages all players to take part in the team grading process, it is not compulsory. However, if players cannot attend grading, and do not let the club know is advance, they will not be placed in a Division 1 or 2 team.

Do I need to register for the grading?

Yes. Registration enables the club to set-up the software used to complete the evaluation and selection process. Players who do not pre-register may experience delays in commencing their session and will miss the opportunity to be evaluated in all areas.

Who performs the grading of players within an age group?

Motivate Football Academy will coordinate and provide qualified coaches to conduct grading for each age group.

Do you grade for Team Positions?

Players are not usually graded into team positions. Rather they are graded into teams based on their overall performance at grading sessions. Information from the previous year’s coach assessment on each player’s ability and commitment (Player Assessment Sheet) are also taken into consideration by the grading committee.

What happens if my child misses a grading session?

Time, weather and resources permitting, grading sessions are generally run over a two-week period and they are compulsory. If your child has a problem attending a grading session, please contact the Grading Committee.

What is a Player Assessment Sheet?

At the end of each season (2019) coaches were asked to fill out Player Assessment Sheets. These sheets contain an assessment of skill and attitude of individual player throughout the season both at training and during matches.

When will I know what team my child is in?

All players will be invited to join a team via email by the end of February 2020.

What should I do if I have concerns with my child’s placement or the Club’s Grading Policy?

General issues, comments or enquiries regarding grading or the grading process should be directed to committee via belsouthgrading@gmail.com.

PARENTS

Please remember that the purpose of the grading is not to get your child as high a grade as possible. But to have them graded into a level of competition that best suits their ability. This will enable your child to have a chance in contributing to the team, achieve some football skill development and receive enjoyment from participation.

For further information about Motivate Football Academy Australia and their football programs, visit the link below.
https://www.motivatefootballacademy.com.au/training-programs