INFORMATION re TRIALS 2012

(This year trials are being held for 9th to 17th grades
- those born 2003 or earlier) 
 
All trials will be held at ONE TREE HILL COLLEGE (formerly Penrose High School) on the back fields adjacent to Greenpark Road. Entry via Rockfield Road entrance. 

Cancellation information - call 579 7851 on the day and check the message

NOTE: Trials are not held for teams playing in the Tamaki League. All players registered for a Tamaki League grade will be placed in teams.

 
 
 
Trial Dates and Times
 
Date Competition YOB Grade Start Time
Sun 12 Feb Boys/(Mixed) 2000 12th (Trial 1) 3:00 pm
Sun 12 Feb Boys/(Mixed) 2001 11th (Trial 1) 6:00 pm
Mon 13 Feb Boys/(Mixed) 2002 10th (Trial 1) 6:00 pm
Tue 14 Feb Boys/(Mixed) 2005/06 17th * TBC
Wed 15 Feb Boys/(Mixed) 2000 12th (Trial 2) 6:00 pm
Fri 17 Feb Boys/(Mixed) 2001 11th (Trial 2) 6:00 pm
Sun 19 Feb Boys/(Mixed) 2002 10th (Trial 2) 3:00 pm
Sun 19 Feb Boys/(Mixed) 1999 13th (Trial 1) 6:00 pm
Mon 20 Feb Boys/(Mixed) 1998 14th 6:00 pm
Mon 20 Feb Boys/(Mixed) 1997 15th 6:00 pm
Wed 22 Feb Boys/(Mixed) 2003 9th (Trial 1) 6:00 pm
Fri 24 Feb Boys/(Mixed) 1999 13th (Trial 2) 6:00 pm
Sun 26 Feb Boys/(Mixed) 2003 9th (Trial 2) 3:00 pm
Sun 26 Feb Girls Only 1995 - 2003 9th to 17th (Muster) 6:00 pm
Fri 2nd Mar Girls Only 1995 - 2003 9th to 17th (Trials) 6:00 pm
 
 * Pre-season selection training session 1 
 
All trials run for approximately 2 hours
 
ALL PLAYERS TO BRING BOOTS AND RUNNING SHOES/TRAINERS TO TRIALS
 
 
Objectives of Trials
 
Ellerslie AFC Junior and Youth Division run trials for 9th grade and older to identify players to represent the club in the top two or three divisions of each age group (usually Premier, Div 1 and/or Div 2). Squads for 9th/10th and 11th grades normally have 9 players. All other squads normally have 14 players.
 
Naturally, we aim to identify players of even playing abilities but the process is complex because the judgement is subjective and there are a number of conditioning factors (such as the different coaching backgrounds and experiences, limited resources to collect and analyse data and the like). In addition to the conditioning factors, children grow and develop at different times, so, for example, a child who was considered to be a Div 2 player at one point could develop to Premier standard within a short period of time (and vice versa).
                                               
In order to most fairly identify players, we will utilise:
 
1.      At least two assessors observing the pre-season trial games on each field.
2.      Feedback forms and verbal feedback (given to the Club Coaching Department) from last year’s coaches.
 
While some selection decisions will always be debatable, we believe our processes are robust and put us in a strong position to provide fair and credible trials and selections.
 
 
Female Members
 
It is highly recommended that all female players, whether playing mixed or girls only, attend the girls muster day on Sunday 26th February! (see above)
 
Girls play in mixed teams up to 8th Grade (ie born after 2003). Thereafter they may elect to continue to play in mixed teams. If they wish to play for, and trial for, a mixed team they should attend the relevant trial above marked “Boys/(Mixed)” based on their age.
 
A muster for girls will be held on Sunday 26th February, with trials for those wishing to play in all-girls competitions  taking place on Friday 2nd March as above..

Attendance at Trials
  • Players Who Do Not Trial
    In order for players to be considered for the top Club teams, players MUST trial on the indicated dates and times. Special circumstances will be considered if prior notice is given. (email us or call 579-7851 and leave a message if necessary). Players not taking part in the trials (without prior notice or special circumstances) should not expect to be placed in top teams at the club. In all cases, Ellerslie AFC will make every possible effort to group the players into teams at a similar ability level.
     
  • Please Attend First Trial
    In 9th to 13th grades two trial days have been scheduled. All players should attend the first day if at all possible. At the end of the first trial all players will be advised regarding plans for the second trial.
 
Players to Play in Correct Grade
 
In the past the Club has had some players playing a grade above their age. As a matter of Club policy, we now request each child play in his/her correct age grade. The more time the children have to develop, the better it will be for them. Playing up does not necessarily develop children more quickly. Unless there is a very special circumstance (to be assessed by the Coaching CoOrdinator on a case by case basis), we will not permit players to play up. If need be, please feel free to contact the Coaching Department to discuss this matter in detail.
 
 
Under 15 Boys Grades
 
Boys born in 1997 play in the 15th Grade. The 15th Grade Metropolitan Premier (highest level) competition is played on Sundays with the remainder of the 15th Grade divisions played on Saturdays.
 
Please advise pre-season training organisers if you are not able to play on one or other of those days so you can be considered for an appropriate team.
 
 
Under 17 Boys Grades

Boys born in 1995 and 1996 play in the 17th Grade. The 17th Grade Metropolitan Premier (highest level) competition is played on Sundays with the remainder of the 17th Grade divisions played on Saturdays. Please advise pre-season training organisers if you are not able to play on one or other of those days so you can be considered for an appropriate team.
 
This year the selection process will involve a series of pre-season training sessions. The first session will be on Tuesday 14th February, date and venue to be advised.
 
 
Policies 
 
Please click the following links to check policies relevant to trials and team selections etc.
 
 
 
Further Information
 
If you need any further information please email our Coaching Department or call the club administration line on (09) 579 7851.