U11 FAQ's and Information
FAQ's for families moving from U10 to U11
Up until U11, kids play on balanced teams and play other internal Vancouver United teams. At and after U11, players move to a tiered approach, where teams are based on ability, so players at a similar level of development, skill, and commitment play together.
On both of the boys’ and girls’ sides we have Division 1 (A and B), Division 2, and Division 3.
How are players evaluated?
Our evaluations process can be found on our website – here.
Does my child need to be evaluated?
If your child would like to be in a Division 1 or Division 2 team, they will need to be assessed by the Technical Director and Technical Staff to ensure they are placed in the correct team and division for their skill set and development. If your child would like to be on a Division 3 team there is no requirement to attend an evaluation, you will just need to register for the upcoming season when registration is open.
What if my child can’t attend the allocated evaluation?
Please contact our Technical Director (gus@vancouverunitedfc.com) and copy info@vancouverunitedfc.com who will discuss options for your child for the upcoming season.
What day of the week are divisional games played?
Similar to U8-U10 Second Kicks, boys’ teams play on Saturdays and girls’ teams play on Sundays. The level of play – Division 1(A/B), Division 2 or Division 3 – will determine which league your child’s team will play in, and how much travel is involved.
When do Divisional teams practice?
Teams practice on turf and coaches will have some input on practice day and time. Practices can be on a Tuesday-Friday (occasionally teams can practice on Mondays if requested by the coach). Practice allocations are generally confirmed in late-summer after the teams are finalized, field permits have been confirmed, and volunteer coaches confirm their availability.
What if my child doesn’t want to play in the position offered?
If your child is unhappy with the position offered please let us know, sometimes we may offer a child a position higher than they want to play, if you let us know we will place them in to a lower level. If a child believes they should be offered a higher position, they should accept their offer and complete the Challenge evaluation form, so that either feedback or a follow up evaluation can be completed (This may occur during September).
Do we have to commit before knowing our practice day?
If you are offered a position on a Division 1 or 2 team you will need to accept and register for your position offered. Our teams need to be submitted in June to the league.
How many practices will my child have?
At Division 1, U11 players will have a Spring component that usually takes place once a week from April to June for 8 – 10 weeks (boys usually practice on the Tuesday and Girls on the Thursday during the spring). In the Fall and Winter (Sep – end of Feb) you will have three practices a week :
Monday – Academy Sessions run by VanU staff
Tuesday (Boys) or Thursday (Girls) – Whitecaps Academy Sessions run by the Whitecaps Staff
One additional practice a week to be confirmed in the summer (usually Thursday for the boys and Wednesday or Friday for the Girls).
At Division 2 and Division 3 you will have one practice a week, but you are welcome to sign up to our secondary programming (Academy and/or Skill Centre).
Can my child choose to be with a friend?
If your child is offered a Division 1 or Division 2 team, we are unable to accept friend requests. If your child would like to be in a Division 3 team they are able to request to be with a friend as part of the registration process.
Where are Divisional games played?
U11 and U12 teams play 8-a-side games on half of a full-sized field. Our club’s home field for this age group is at Jericho, Locarno, and UHill. Players at this age have away games so your child may play games at Trillium, South Memorial, or Empire Field depending on the club they are playing against. Teams will typically alternate home and away games, although not always. There is an element of travel for Divisional teams and although the league does try and manage this you can expect at Division 1 and 2 to travel for away games further than Division 3 teams. Division 3 teams are part of the Vancouver Youth District League, rather than the BC Coastal Soccer League that Division 1 and Division 2 teams play in.
Do we attend both evaluation sessions that are published?
Yes, all players are asked to attend both sessions if possible. If you are unable to attend one of the sessions you would need to let us know via info@vancouverunitedfc.com.
What is the game format for U11?
At U10 (Second Kicks) your child will play a 6 v 6 format at VanU. At U11 players will move to a half field and play 8 v 8.
