Player Evaluations and Assessments
At Foothills, we have the largest number of teams and player spots of any Club in the province. This means players have more opportunities to play with peers who are like-minded and like-skilled and have similar goals—whether those goals are to stay fit, meet new friends, have fun, or advance their soccer careers to play at college, represent their country, or play professionally anywhere in the world!
In order to find the best fit for each player, we have developed evaluation and assessment programs based on age and development stage.
We take the evaluation and assessment process seriously. The accurate placement of each individual is vital to helping them meet their unique dreams and, ultimately, our Club’s success.
U9-U12 Player Evaluations
Our U9 to U12 player evaluations are all about fun, creativity, and expression! We believe that soccer is best played with a smile. Our goal is to create an enjoyable, pressure-free environment where young players can showcase their skills, confidence, and passion for the game.
Evaluation sessions are centered around small-sided games. These allow players to get lots of touches on the ball, make quick decisions, and express themselves on the field. We are looking for creativity, energy, and enthusiasm—whether it’s a clever pass, a great dribble, or a goal celebration with teammates!
Participants are expected to come ready to play, have fun, and show us what makes them unique as a player. Our evaluators watch for smiles, skills, and a love for the game to shine through!
U13+ Player Assessments
Players U13 and up are assessed in a training camp format that is designed to provide players with an age- and stage-appropriate environment.
Throughout the camp, players are assessed by our Academy staff and team coaches in a dynamic and structured setting. Sessions focus on individual skills, teamwork, and game intelligence, allowing players to demonstrate their technical ability, decision-making, and overall understanding of the game.
Evaluators are watching for effort, creativity, and confidence—whether it’s a great first touch, smart movement off the ball, or leadership on the field. This is an opportunity for players to challenge themselves, embrace the learning process, and enjoy the game in a high-energy, positive environment.
Participants are expected to come ready to train hard, play smart, and show us what makes them stand out!
Evaluation Sessions
Evaluation sessions are designed to allow players to demonstrate their abilities in realistic game situations. Sessions typically include a short technical activity followed by small-sided games so players can be observed across a variety of moments within the game.
Following each evaluation day, staff review the information collected and may make small adjustments to player groupings for the following session.
Final Placement Decisions
At the conclusion of the evaluation period, all evaluation data is compiled and reviewed. Technical staff then meet with Team Coaches to discuss each player before final placements are determined.
For players who are new to the club, previous playing experience may also be considered as part of the review process.
Placements are based solely on evaluation observations, coach feedback, and a player’s development history. Personal relationships or connections within the club do not influence decisions.
Communication of Team Placements
Parents will receive a placement email from the club once rosters are finalized. Rosters will be released at least one week prior to the team’s first game of the season.
If a player is moving to a lower level than their previous team, a member of the technical staff or coaching team will communicate directly with the family in advance of the official placement email.
Training Camp Process
Players are placed in the most appropriate environment for their development to ensure a smooth and structured assessment process.
- Identified Returning Players. Current Foothills members who have shown strong progress over a consistent period may be invited by Club staff to attend training camp with the next team in our player pathway. This is part of the Club’s ongoing evaluation process and provides more opportunities for our Foothills players to progress on their individual journey.
- Returning Players on an Existing Roster. Players who are already part of a Foothills team attend camp with their current team, age group, and level, completing the evaluation process with their established group. We use the historical data that we have collected from previous seasons to finalize player placement.
- New Players to Foothills – Players who are new to the Club will train with the team that best aligns with the age group and level they played with their previous club. This ensures they are placed in the best possible environment to demonstrate their skills. It is important to note that this initial step in the evaluation process does not mean that players will be placed at the same equivalent level within the Foothills program once the evaluation process is complete.
Evaluating Our Players is a Continuous Process
At Foothills, player development is ongoing. If a player is not selected for the team they were initially evaluated for, it does not mean the opportunity ends there. Throughout the season, players who demonstrate consistent performance, dedication, and growth may earn further opportunities to train or play with the next team in their pathway. Our coaching staff continuously monitors and supports players, ensuring that every individual has the chance to progress and reach their full potential.
Our goal is to create a competitive, supportive, and development-focused experience where all players have the chance to train, grow, and showcase their abilities in a high-performance setting.
What Happens Next? Foothills’ Next-Level Training Program
Once the season’s initial evaluations and assessments are complete, players U11 and up are eligible for our Next Level Training Program. We recognize that many players want to play at the highest level available. Next Level provides them with additional training and technical work based on their specific needs.
This program is specifically built for athletes who want to improve their:
- ball mastery,
- first touch,
- striking technique, and
- overall technical proficiency.
Using insights from evaluations, we create a personalized training environment that focuses on each player’s developmental needs, ensuring they get the extra work required to reach their full potential.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen specific aspects of your game or prepare for the next stage in your soccer journey, the Next Level Training Program provides the structure, coaching, and intensity needed to elevate performance.
Click here to learn more or connect with your team coach or manager.
Appeals and Development Opportunities
A Player Placement Appeal process is available through the Policies & Procedures section of our website here. If families believe an error in placement has occurred. In these cases, additional independent staff will review the evaluation data and video.
In some cases, players may be offered train-up opportunities or development plans to support their continued development. These opportunities provide additional learning experiences but do not guarantee future team placement.
Players who register for the Tier 1–3 program, which includes an additional academy training session as well as sports science and video analysis support, may occasionally be recommended for a blended development approach. In these cases, a player may participate in the additional academy sessions with a Tier 1–3 group while being rostered for team training and matches with a lower tier team if this is considered the best environment for their development. Any such arrangement will be clearly communicated with the player and family.
We appreciate the trust families place in our process and thank you for supporting players through evaluations. Our priority is to place players in an environment where they can develop, be challenged, and continue to enjoy the game.
