Panthers Football Trials 2026–27
Football Selection Criteria
Panthers Football Trials 2026–27 are designed to provide a clear, fair and measurable selection process. Students will be assessed through age-appropriate football tasks that focus on technical ability, decision-making, game understanding and performance under pressure. Each category has clear indicators and scoring criteria to support transparent selection decisions.
Overview
The Panthers Football selection process is built around measurable football actions, not general opinion. Students are assessed through structured activities such as dribbling courses, passing and receiving tasks, shooting practices, rondos, small-sided games and match-based scenarios.
Technical Skills Ball control, dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting and finishing are assessed through measurable football tasks.
Game Understanding Students are assessed on decision-making, movement, shape, transitions and tactical awareness appropriate to their age group.
Measurable Evidence Scores are recorded using clear indicators such as pass accuracy, shots on target, rondo retention and successful 1v1 actions.
Important: Each student’s performance is recorded using evidence-based criteria. The expected level becomes more advanced
as students move from U9 to U17 & U19.
How the Football Trial Will Be Assessed
| Assessment Area | How It May Be Tested | Evidence Recorded |
|---|---|---|
| Dribbling / Ball Control | Cone courses, mixed-foot dribbling, 1v1 pressure drills, ball mastery and possession tasks. | Completion time, close control, both-feet use, successful 1v1 actions and possession retention. |
| Passing & Receiving | Target passing, first-touch tasks, short and long passing, receiving under pressure and possession games. | Pass accuracy, first-touch quality, movement to receive, weak-foot use and correct pass direction. |
| Shooting / Finishing | Shots from different distances, angled finishing, 1v1 finishing, 2v1 scenarios, crossing and headed finishes where age appropriate. | Shots on target, goals scored, correct technique and appropriate shoot/pass decision. |
| Game Sense / Tactical Intelligence | 3v3, 5v5, rondos, transition tasks, positional scenarios and match-based situations. | Correct decisions, shape awareness, transition speed, positional discipline and team understanding. |
| Defensive / Position-Specific Skills | 1v1 defending, interceptions, pressing, defensive shape, aerial duels and position-specific tasks for older categories. | Duels won, interceptions, pressing decisions, defensive shape, compactness and communication. |
Simple Scoring System
Each mandatory skill area is scored on a 5-point scale. The overall threshold requires students to score 3 or above in all mandatory skill areas for their age group, unless a specific threshold is stated.
| Score | Meaning | Selection Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Excellent execution; consistently exceeds the expected standard. | Strong evidence for selection |
| 4 | Very good execution; performs the skill well with minor errors. | Above expected level |
| 3 | Meets the expected standard for the age group. | Minimum expected level |
| 2 | Developing; shows some ability but lacks consistency or control. | Needs further development |
| 0 | No meaningful engagement, unsafe attempt or no successful demonstration of the skill. | Not yet at selection level |
Under 9 Football Trial Criteria
At U9 level, the primary objective is enjoyment and early technical foundations. Selectors should prioritise natural ability with the ball and willingness to engage. Physical attributes are deliberately excluded because motor-skill development varies widely at this age.
Ball Familiarity Both Feet Basic Passing Shooting Intent 3v3 Understanding
| Skill Area | Measurable Trial Task | Observable Evidence | Scoring Guidance | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dribbling / Ball Control | Student moves the ball using both feet, including inside and outside foot touches, and completes a 10-cone mixed-foot course within 20 seconds without losing the ball. | Completes a 10-cone dribble course using both feet. Keeps the ball close for at least 6/8 touches. | 5 = both feet, controlled throughout 4 = mostly controlled, minor errors 3 = completes course, ball occasionally lost 2 = struggles with control 0 = no engagement | Foundational skill; without basic ball familiarity, participation in structured play is limited. |
| Passing & Receiving | Student completes 10 passes at 6m distance and controls the first touch close to their feet. | Completes 6/10 passes at 6m distance. First touch keeps the ball close in 5/8 attempts. Demonstrates inside-foot technique when passing. | 5 = ≥9/10 accurate with correct technique 4 = 7–8/10 accurate 3 = 5–6/10 accurate with inside-foot technique 2 = 4/10 or poor technique 0 = no attempt or unsafe | Passing accuracy directly enables small-sided game participation and team cohesion. |
| Shooting | Student strikes a stationary or slowly rolling ball towards goal from 6m using the instep or inside of the foot. | At least 5/10 shots on target within the goal frame from 6m. Uses instep or inside-foot technique in 6/10 attempts. Shows clear goal-scoring intent in 7/10 attempts. | 5 = 8/10 on target with correct technique 4 = 5–7/10 on target with good technique 3 = 3–4/10 on target with basic technique 2 = 2/10 on target or wild swings 0 = no intent or unsafe | Shooting is introduced at a very low threshold for U9; the focus is on intent and basic technique rather than power or accuracy. |
| Small-Sided Game 3v3 | Student plays in a 3v3 game and shows basic understanding of attacking, defending, scoring and stopping goals. | Moves towards goal when the team has the ball in at least 4/6 observed transitions. Tracks ball movement and repositions without coach prompt in at least 3/5 sequences. | 5 = consistently moves into space and supports play 4 = good movement with minor reminders 3 = meets basic attack/defend expectation 2 = inconsistent movement or repeated reminders needed 0 = no engagement or unsafe play | Minimum game understanding ensures the student can function safely and constructively in a team environment. |
Under 11 Football Trial Criteria
U11 students should demonstrate consolidated technical skills and early tactical awareness. Decision-making under light pressure becomes important. Selectors should look for coachability and competitive spirit alongside skill.
Technical Foundation Light Pressure Aerial Control 5v5 Awareness Coachability
| Skill Area | Measurable Trial Task | Observable Evidence | Scoring Guidance | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dribbling / Ball Control | Student controls and moves the ball at pace using both feet, including inside, outside and sole touches. Student also completes 1v1 possession pressure tasks. | Completes a 15-cone mixed-foot course in ≤20 seconds without losing the ball. Retains possession during 1v1 for at least 5 seconds in at least 3/5 trials. Uses both feet during a 5-minute possession drill. | 5 = both feet, controlled throughout 4 = mostly controlled, minor errors 3 = completes course, ball occasionally lost 2 = struggles with control 0 = no engagement | Composure in 1v1 situations is the key separator from U9; without it students cannot progress in competitive play. |
| Passing & Receiving | Student completes ground and lofted passes at varying distances from 5–15m and controls aerial balls close to their feet. | At least 7/10 ground passing and receiving actions completed accurately. Controls at least 5/8 lofted balls close to feet. Chooses the correct pass direction in at least 4/6 decision drills. | 5 = 8/10 accurate with correct technique 4 = 6–7/10 accurate 3 = 5–6/10 accurate with inside-foot technique 2 = 3–4/10 or poor technique 0 = no attempt or unsafe | Lofted passing and aerial control unlock wider pitch play and team development. |
| Shooting | Student strikes at goal from 8–14m using both feet and demonstrates composure in 1v1 finishing situations. | At least 4/8 shots on target from 10m across different angles. | 5 = 7/8 on target with correct technique 4 = 5–6/8 on target with good technique 3 = 3–4/8 on target with basic technique 2 = 2/8 on target or wild swings 0 = no intent or unsafe | Goal-scoring intent and proper striking technique are introduced at U11; a minimum threshold reflects developing proficiency. |
| Small-Sided Game 5v5 | Student plays in a 5v5 game and demonstrates basic attacking and defending role awareness with appropriate decisions. | Correctly identifies attack/defend role in at least 5/6 scenarios. Initiates transition within 3 seconds of losing the ball. | 5 = consistently makes correct role decisions and transitions quickly 4 = strong role awareness with minor reminders 3 = meets expected tactical understanding 2 = inconsistent awareness or slow transitions 0 = no engagement or unsafe play | Tactical literacy is essential for U11 structured formats; pure technical ability without awareness limits team effectiveness. |
Under 14 Football Trial Criteria
U14 marks the transition to full-sized pitches and 11-a-side football. Technical quality, spatial intelligence and physical engagement all become selection factors. Students must demonstrate both technical execution and decision-making under real match pressure.
11-a-side Transition Technical Consistency Active Pressure Crossing Team Shape
| Skill Area | Measurable Trial Task | Observable Evidence | Scoring Guidance | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dribbling / Ball Control | Student moves at pace using deception, feints and changes of direction, shields effectively, and performs under active pressure in tight spaces. | Completes an obstacle + 1v1 combined drill at pace with ≤2 errors. Retains possession in a 3v1 rondo for at least 8 seconds on average across 5 trials. | 5 = zero errors, ≥12 sec rondo, beats defender 4/5 4 = 1–2 errors, ≥10 sec rondo, beats defender 3/5 3 = 3–4 errors, ≥8 sec rondo, beats defender 2/5 2 = 5–6 errors, ≥6 sec rondo, beats defender 1/5 0 = no engagement | Deception and composure under active pressure are the standard for U14 competitive football. |
| Passing / Receiving / First Touch | Student executes accurate ground and lofted passes under pressure, passes to feet and into space, and uses first touch to move forward. | At least 8/12 accurate ground and lofted passes at 15–25m under light pressure. First touch moves the ball in the intended direction in at least 7/10 receiving scenarios. Proactively runs to receive in at least 5/8 observed sequences. | 5 = ≥11/12 accurate passes, all touches forward, always runs to ball 4 = ≥9/12 accurate passes, ≥8/10 touches forward, ≥6/8 runs to ball 3 = ≥8/12 accurate passes, ≥6/10 touches forward, ≥4/8 runs to ball 2 = ≥6/12 accurate passes, ≥4/10 touches forward, ≥2/8 runs to ball 0 = no engagement | Quality first touch is the gateway to quick combination play and unlocking tight defences at U14 level. |
| Shooting / Crossing | Student strikes accurately at goal from 15–18m, delivers crosses from wide areas, and completes 2v1 finishing scenarios. | At least 5/10 shots on target from 15–18m. At least 4/8 crosses into the 6-yard box target zone from both flanks. Scores at least 2/6 goals in 2v1 finishing scenarios. | 5 = ≥8/10 accurate shots, ≥7/8 crosses, 4+ goals 4 = ≥6/10 accurate shots, ≥5/8 crosses, 3 goals 3 = ≥4/10 accurate shots, ≥4/8 crosses, 2 goals 2 = ≥3/10 accurate shots, ≥3/8 crosses, 1 goal 0 = no attempts | Crossing is introduced at U14 to reflect the wider pitch and increased positional specialisation. |
| Game Sense | Student manages attack-defence transitions quickly, reads developing play, intercepts or exploits space, and understands team shape. | Initiates defensive transition within 2 seconds of loss of possession in at least 5/7 observations. Maintains correct shape within 5m of designated zone in at least 80% of positional observations. | 5 = leads transitions, attacks 5/5, perfect shape 4 = leads transition 4/5, attacks 4/5, maintains shape 4/5 3 = leads transition 3/5, attacks 3/5, maintains shape 3/5 2 = leads transition 2/5, attacks 2/5, maintains shape 2/5 0 = no attempts | Shape discipline separates club-standard from recreational students at this age. |
Under 17 & Under 19 Football Trial Criteria
U17 and U19 students are entering a performance-oriented pathway. Physical literacy, technical excellence and tactical sophistication are evaluated. Mental resilience, coachability and attitude are weighted alongside skill. Position-specific qualities may supplement the core criteria below.
Performance Pathway High-Intensity Pressure Passing Range Finishing Decisions Defensive Engagement
| Skill Area | Measurable Trial Task | Observable Evidence | Scoring Guidance | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Proficiency / Ball Mastery | Student executes a full range of technical skills, including dribbling, turning, shielding and feints, fluently under high-intensity pressure and demonstrates quality across both feet. | Retains possession in a 4v2 rondo for at least 15 consecutive passes per trial. Completes at least 3 successful 1v1 beats in a 5-attempt active-pressure drill. Weak-foot pass accuracy is at least 60% in a 10-pass target drill at 15m. | 5 = ≥20 passes, 5/5 beats defender, weak-foot use ≥70% 4 = ≥17 passes, 4/5 beats defender, weak-foot use ≥60% 3 = ≥15 passes, 3/5 beats defender, weak-foot use ≥50% 2 = ≥13 passes, 2/5 beats defender, weak-foot use ≥40% 0 = no engagement | Technical consistency under high pressure is the baseline for senior pathway development. |
| Passing Range & Execution | Student delivers short, medium and long passes with accuracy and appropriate weight, including switches of play, through-balls and forward passes into the striker’s run. | At least 80% pass completion in a structured 4v4+2 possession game. At least 4/6 accurate long switches of 30m or more into a target zone. Threads at least 3/5 through-balls into defined channels against an organised defence. | 5 = ≥90% completion, 6/6 switches, 5/5 through-balls 4 = ≥85% completion, 5/6 switches, 4/5 through-balls 3 = ≥75% completion, 4/6 switches, 3/5 through-balls 2 = ≥65% completion, 3/6 switches, 2/5 through-balls 0 = no attempt | Range of passing unlocks tactical flexibility and is expected in modern high-press environments. |
| Shooting & Finishing | Student finishes from 18–22m, applies the correct shoot/pass decision in live match scenarios, and attempts first-time and headed finishes. | At least 5/10 shots on target from 18–22m, with at least 2 scored. Correct shoot/pass decision in at least 5/7 live scenario assessments. Headed finish on target in at least 3/6 crossed-ball scenarios. | 5 = ≥8/10, 4 scored, all decisions correct, 5/6 headers 4 = ≥6/10, 3 scored, 6/7 decisions, 4/6 headers 3 = ≥5/10, 2 scored, 5/7 decisions, 3/6 headers 2 = ≥4/10, 1 scored, 4/7 decisions, 2/6 headers 0 = no intent | Finishing ability and decision quality in the final third are critical differentiators at U17 and U19 level. |
| Defensive Engagement | Student wins the ball cleanly using correct technique, maintains defensive shape under sustained pressure and reads opponent body shape to anticipate pass direction. | Wins at least 3/5 1v1 defensive duels using correct technique without fouling. Intercepts at least 2/6 passes in a structured possession game through anticipation. Maintains compact defensive line within 10m of the last defender in at least 80% of defensive-phase observations. | 5 = wins 5/5, ≥4 interceptions, perfect shape 4 = wins 4/5, 3 interceptions, ≥90% maintains shape 3 = wins 3/5, 2 interceptions, ≥80% maintains shape 2 = wins 2/5, 1 interception, ≥70% maintains shape 0 = no defensive engagement | Defensive competence is now assessed for all positions; modern football requires every student to defend. |
Progression Across Age Groups
The criteria become more advanced as students move through the age groups. This ensures that each category is assessed according to an appropriate developmental and competitive level.
| Age Group | Technical Focus | Game Understanding Focus | Performance Expectation |
|---|---|---|---|
| U9 | Basic ball familiarity, both-feet dribbling, passing and shooting intent. | Simple attacking and defending awareness in 3v3. | Enjoyment, engagement and early technical foundation. |
| U11 | Consolidated technique, controlled passing, aerial control and receiving under light pressure. | Early tactical awareness in 5v5 and transition response. | Coachability, competitive spirit and light-pressure decision-making. |
| U14 | Technical consistency, first touch, passing range, crossing and finishing. | Team shape, transitions, spatial intelligence and positional awareness. | Preparedness for full-sized pitch demands and structured 11-a-side football. |
| U17 & U19 | Technical execution under high-intensity pressure, ball mastery, weak-foot quality and passing range. | Tactical sophistication, finishing decisions, defensive responsibility and position-specific qualities. | Performance pathway readiness, resilience, coachability and role execution. |
Final Selection Guidance
| Selection Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Minimum Skill Threshold | Students should score 3 or above in all mandatory skill areas for their age group, unless a specific threshold is stated. |
| Evidence-Based Assessment | Scores should be supported by measurable outcomes such as completed passes, shots on target, duels won, possession retained and correct decisions made. |
| Age-Appropriate Expectations | Younger students are assessed on foundation skills and engagement, while older students are assessed on competitive execution, tactical understanding and performance under pressure. |
| Position-Specific Needs | Coaches may add position-specific testing, such as goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, winger or striker tasks, especially for U14, U17 and U19. |
| Final Team Balance | Final selection may also consider squad balance, positional requirements, attitude, coachability and suitability for the team structure. |
Important — Must Read
- Each student will be ranked based on their combined performance across all key football assessment areas.
- Meeting the minimum expected standard does not assure final selection. It serves only as the minimum eligibility standard to be considered for ranking and evaluation.
- Final selection will be based on the overall ranking across the trial tasks, along with positional requirements, team balance and suitability for the Panthers Football team.
