The squad assessment may identify players that will benefit from playing at a higher level, (it may not, we will not change for the sake of it) so a development loan may be considered, it could work like this.

Players are ‘loaned’ to a team above for a set period.

The team above rotates its own players into the team below for one week each player until the period is over. (This will depend on the transfer policy of your parent league).

After the agreed period players return to teams.

Coaches meet regularly to continue assessment.

There is no need to change the teams players are in with this system, retaining team structure whilst fostering a squad ethos across the teams, this will help in moving between 5, 7, 9 and 11 a side football.

To help us along the footballing journey we have age group coordinators associated with each year. It is the Age group coordinator’s role to ensure that the coaches carry out the squad development fairly and openly. His or her role is critical in the early years at the club, as individual managers and even parents may have other priorities. The interests of the children are paramount and should be the basis of all our decisions. Ensure clear and concise messages are sent to players and parents on the aims of the age group.