Player Placement Process (U10–U19)

Season-Long Assessment

At Calgary Blizzard SC, our goal is simple: place every player in the environment where they can grow, feel confident, and enjoy the game.

To align with Canada Soccer’s National Youth Club Licensing standards, we use an ongoing assessment model rather than traditional one-day evaluations. We believe a season-long process provides a more accurate, fair, and development-focused approach to team placement.

How Our Assessment Model Works

Team placement is based on consistent observation over time – not a single session.

Our assessment period begins at registration intake (September/October) and continues through February/March, depending on the age group. During this time, players are evaluated in:

  • Training sessions

  • Technical programming

  • League games

  • Team environments

This allows our technical staff to see players in real game situations, reducing pressure and giving each athlete the opportunity to showcase their abilities naturally.

Returning Players

For players continuing with Blizzard, our technical team reviews:

  • Individual Player Competency (IPC) reports

  • Head coach feedback

  • Ongoing staff evaluations

Roster decisions are made collaboratively to ensure each player is placed in a developmentally appropriate environment.

New-to-Club Players

For players new to Blizzard, our staff assess players during player placement sessions at the start of each season.

  • For U10-U13 players these sessions these take place during dedicated placement sessions in small-sided games

  • For U14-U19 players placement sessions take place in a team training environment which allows players to to demonstrate their strengths in real soccer settings, rather than in a one-day trials format.

Where necessary, roster adjustments may be made to ensure the best developmental fit. Technical Staff and Team coaches use the first two weeks of each season to continue to evaluate players to ensure we got it just right!

Key Dates (Indoor 26-27)

  • Placement Sessions: September 7-18 at Inland (Heidelberg) Park

  • Full schedule (date/time/Field) will be sent to all registered participants by email, and posted on our website here.

  • NOTE: All players must be fully registered for the Indoor Season to participate in Placement Sessions.

Team Placement

Once assessments are complete:

  • Families will receive an email outlining team placement, coach, and tier (if applicable).

  • Player development and evaluation continues throughout the season.

  • If our technical staff believe a player would benefit from a different environment, adjustments may be made in the best interest of development.

We are committed to maintaining fairness, transparency, and integrity in every placement decision. CBSA also reserves the right to combine age groups when appropriate.

Appeals Process

Should you feel your child’s placement warrants review, we offer a formal appeal process. To initiate an appeal:

  1. Complete the Player Placement Appeal Form

  2. Submit the $100 appeal fee via e-transfer to info@calgaryblizzard.com (include “Appeal Payment” in the notes)

Appeals are reviewed by the technical committee. A written response will be provided within 10 business days.

If an appeal is granted, the fee will be refunded.

To ensure consistency and fairness, appeals are handled in writing and not discussed by phone or in person.

More information on the appeals process can be found in the Appeal Form and/or in our Placement Appeal Policy.