Team Formation

Westwood Youth Soccer – Team Formation Goals & Guidelines

At Westwood Youth Soccer (WYS), our goal is to help every player develop their skills, gain confidence, and—most importantly—enjoy the game. We want all players to have a positive experience that encourages them to stay active in soccer for years to come.

Our Goals

1. Playing at the Right Level
   We aim to place each child on a team where they can succeed, feel challenged, and have fun. When players are matched appropriately with teammates of similar skill levels, they are more likely to grow as athletes and enjoy their soccer experience.
   
   

2. Player Movement and Growth
   Movement between teams is a natural part of the development process. Players can move up or down from season to season based on skill level, team numbers, and registration totals. We understand that placement changes can be emotional, but kids take their cues from adults—our encouragement and support make a big difference.
   
   

3. Focus on Development, Not Just Wins
   These are still young athletes. Our emphasis is on fun, learning, teamwork, and effort, not on standings or scores. Every player develops at their own pace, and improvement happens at all levels of play.
   
   

4. All Levels Offer Opportunities to Learn
   Playing on any team provides valuable opportunities. Some players thrive when given more space, time on the ball, or a leadership role—advantages that can come from playing on a team below the “top” level. Growth can occur in many different settings, and our goal is to nurture it wherever a player is placed.
   
   

How the Team Formation Process Works

Our placement process is designed to be fair, consistent, and developmentally-focused.

1. Evaluations by Independent Assessors

• Each season, WYS uses independent evaluators, supervised by our Director of Coaching, to observe players during their home games.
  
  

• Evaluators use a standardized scoring system to assess individual skills, field awareness, effort, and teamwork.

2. Coach Feedback

• Coaches provide feedback on each player’s skill level, game attendance, coachability, and attitude.
  
  

• We look for players who:

  • Attend practices and games regularly (a minimum of 70% game attendance is required to be considered for an “A” team).

  • Show a positive attitude and willingness to play all positions, not just their favorite ones.

  • Support their teammates and maintain a respectful attitude toward coaches and peers.

  • Stay focused and engaged during practices and games.

3. Combining the Information
The independent evaluator scores and coach feedback are reviewed together by the Director of Coaching, the age group coordinator, and an independent WYS Board member to make placement decisions. Each player is looked at as a whole—not just by skill level, but by commitment, attitude, and readiness for the next level of play.

Reminders for Parents and Coaches:

• Respect the process. Team placements are made thoughtfully with development in mind.
  
  

• Avoid comparing. Children grow and develop at different rates. Being placed on one team or another is not a final judgment of ability—it’s a snapshot in time.
  
  

• Encourage your child. Help them focus on enjoying the game, learning, and being a good teammate.
  
  

• Be flexible. Trying new positions and facing new challenges are key parts of growing as a player.
  
  

By working together—players, parents, and coaches—we can ensure that every child in Westwood Youth Soccer has the chance to grow, improve, and love the game.