Player Development Path
Force Soccer Club models the U.S. Soccer Grassroots Player Development Framework. Which is a simplified overview of the development pathway of grassroots players related to the four game models and player ages, based on goals, needs, key qualities, and player/coach behavior.
U9 & U10 (7v7)
Learning the basic understanding of attacking, defending, and transition by playing as a 7v7 team. Players are not allowed to head the ball and there is a goalkeeper.
- Ages: 9 -10
- Ball Size: #4
- Practices: Typically practices are twice a week for 1 1/2 hours each, days are decided by the coach(s)
- Games: Sixteen games (8 in the fall and 8 in the spring). Each season has 4 home games (played on Field 2 at the Force Soccer Club Complex) and 4 away games (can be up to 1 hour away from Plainwell).
- Roster Maximum: 12
- Game Length: 25 minutes halves with a 10 minute halftime
- Field Size (yards): length 55-65 x width 35-45
- Goal Size (feet): 6 x 12
- Utilizes Build Out Lines: As part of US Soccer’s Player Development Initiatives (PDI), all 7v7 matches will include build out lines, which promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting.
U11 & U12 (9v9)
Learning the fundamentals given his/her role, position, and tasks in the 9v9 team. U11 players are not allowed to head the ball; it is allowed for U12+.
- Ages: 11 - 12
- Ball Size: #4
- Practices: Typically practices are twice a week for 1 1/2 hours each, days are decided by the coach(s)
- Games: Sixteen games (8 in the fall and 8 in the spring). Each season has 4 home games (played on Field 3 at the Force Soccer Club Complex) and 4 away games (can be up to 1 hour away from Plainwell).
- Roster Maximum: 15
- Game Length: 30 minute halves with a 10 minute halftime
- Field Size (yards): length 70-80 x width 45-55
- Goal Size (feet): 6 x 18
U13+ (11v11)
Learning the alignment of the roles, positions, and designated tasks in the 11v11 team. Games are played on Field 1 at the Force Soccer Club Complex.
- Ages: 13 - 19
- Ball Size: #5
- Practices: Typically practices are twice a week for 1 1/2 hours each, days are decided by the coach(s)
- Games: Sixteen games (8 in the fall and 8 in the spring). Each season has 4 home games (played on Field 1 at the Force Soccer Club Complex) and 4 away games (can be up to 1 hour away from Plainwell). Number of games and distance of away games can vary if playing Elite or Premier.
- Roster Maximum: 22*
- Game Length: U13/U14 - 35 minute halves; U15/U16 - 40 minute halves; and U17-U19 - 45 minute halves - all with a 10 minute halftime
- Field Size (yards): length 100-120 x width 65-75
- Goal Size (feet): 8 x 24
*Game Day roster of 18
Competition Levels
- Select: A player/coach/team official registered on any team formed from a selection or try-out criteria, or a player/coach/team official on a team in an MSYSA affiliated league (WYMSA) that designates itself as a Select League or a particular division as a Select Division. Select designation applies regardless of player age, selection/tryout criteria and team travel distances.
- Elite: A player/coach/team official registered on any team playing in an MSYSA affiliated league (WYMSA).
- Premier: A player/coach/team official registered on any team playing in the MSPSP league.