These age groups (age 10 and 11) used to play 11 v 11 on adult-sized fields with adult- sized goals. Some of the less skill-developed players could play a whole game with only a few touches of the ball. The “11 v 11” game encouraged inappropriate early specialization. The move to 8 v 8 soccer at these age groups, means more touches on the ball, more skill development and less specialization. U11 and U12 players play on half-sized fields. To reward accurate, creative play in the attacking third of the field and to maximize goalkeeper development, goals are ¾ size. In “8 v 8 soccer”, all players touch the ball much more and basic skills are developed. Coaches are expected to organize their teams in ways that foster player development rather than simply “to win the game”.

Boys U11 – Before the start of the 2007/8 season, BC Soccer suggested that Clubs should form “Development teams” at U11 to participate in the 4 District League. Vancouver, Richmond and the North Shore decided to follow this direction and formed “Development teams”. Burnaby, so far, has opted out. The West Vancouver Soccer Club will be forming Development teams in the upcoming season. These teams will be formed from the scouting process and will be comprised of like-minded, soccer-first players who have the ability to benefit from playing in a more demanding league.

Boys wishing to be considered for one of these teams should

1. Be registered by March 31st
2. When registering, choose the option “highest level possible”
3. Be prepared to travel for games in Vancouver, Richmond and North Vancouver
4. Be prepared to look at registering for a soccer program over and above the game and practice each week (i.e. a development camp – there are many options to choose from)

It should be noted that players not chosen, or not choosing to play on the Development teams will still be eligible and will still be considered for placement at Gold and Silver at the U12 age level. We are fully aware that players develop at different ages and at different rates.

GU11 – Although BC Soccer’s suggestion was for ALL players at U11 to be considered for Development teams, West Van has been unable to persuade any other Girls Club or District to enter into a Development league. We are hoping that in future seasons this may change.

BU12 – Gold, Silver and Bronze teams will be formed from the scouting process. There will be no Provincial or 4 District Cup play at U12. There will be no published league standings.
GU12 – Gold and Silver teams will be formed from the scouting process. The Gold teams will play in the 5 District League. The Silver teams will play in a tiered league based mostly on the North Shore.

U11 & U12 "Super 8" Setup

1. Grass/Gravel field to be lined with woz cones.
   
   
2. First team on sets up the goals and cones, last team on puts the equipment away.
   
   
3. Check the WVSC Field’s Line, 604-926-6863 after 1 p.m. on Friday’s to see if your grass field is open. If closed move to your assigned all weather alternate at the same time – call your opposition. If your field is open on Friday but you arrive at your game on Saturday or Sunday and there is standing water (puddles) or soft spots (when you walk you hear water squishing) or frost on the field - you must move to your all weather alternate.
   
   
4. Set up the field as per attached field diagram.
   
   
   • avoid goalmouths and alternate sidelines each week, i.e. use north sideline one week, south sideline the next.
     
     
   • pace out the field, using one pace per metre, mark it with a wos cone.
     
     
   • mark the field perimeter, the penalty area, the 20-yard “offside” lines and the centre line.
     
     
   • Goal size is 18 feet x 6.5 feet for U 11 & 12
     
     
   • Field size for U 11 & 12, 8 vs 8 is 75 x 55 meter field