Team Selection and Captaincy – Minis and Youth.
In the U6-U11 age groups Ealing follows the guidance of Middlesex and picks and plays blended teams of mixed ability in all festivals. In addition Ealing minis participates in ‘Development’ festivals to give new and less experienced players the opportunity to hone their skills.
Overall we look to give each experienced player access to the same number of festivals over the course of the year. In picking a blended team and to ensure mixed ability player selection for each age group, will be made by the coaching staff based on the following criteria:
- Skill and playing experience
- Size and strength
- Fitness
- Attendance during the season
- Effort and commitment
In U12’s (to a degree as they are a transitional year group) and in Youth age groups teams are selected based on ability. For the majority of the season, the club actively encourages movement between A, B, C and D teams. We have found that playing children get closer to achieving their potential when they are competing for places on teams. A child working for a place on the next team will be motivated to work harder. Equally, a more experienced or gifted child will avoid complacency when made aware that their place cannot be taken for granted.
Inclusiveness
Every child should have the opportunity to play in matches against other clubs at the appropriate level for their ability.
In the Minis, a quickly progressing new or development player should have the opportunity to play in a blended main team at some point in a season, and on occasion a main squad team player should not be surprised to play in a development team, be it for additional game time, to improve a skill or work in their on pitch leadership.
A development player / novice cannot expect to immediately play in an experienced team for reasons of safety, fitness, and game knowledge.
Excellence
In U12 and Youth, Coaches have a duty to play their ‘best’ team at some points in the season, usually festivals, and specifically the Middlesex Finals. Coaches have a right to select their ‘best’ team based on their experience. Parents and players have a right to have those decisions explained to them.
Captaincy
In the Minis section it is intended that every child shall have the opportunity to captain a playing side at least once during the course of the season. Please keep this in mind, particularly during festivals and triangulars. It may seem a trivial thing to us as adults, but it is a very big deal to the playing children and an honour that each of them should experience during the season.
In the Youth section it is considered that the boys are old enough to elect their own captains. This may be done with some supervision by coaches who may put forward a list of nominees for consideration by their players.
