Pathway from Junior to Senior Football at Grants Braes AFC

1. 4 & 5-Year-Olds (Introduction to Football)

Focus: Early-stage development focusing on coordination, ball control, and other fun activities.

Sessions: Short, Split gender sessions designed to build enjoyment for the game. Providing opportunities for Girls to develop at their own pace without the pressure of boys.

Key Skills: Basic dribbling, running with the ball, and understanding space.

Objective: Create an enjoyable and supportive environment , fostering an early love for football.

2. 6 to 8-Year-Olds (Foundation Phase)

Focus: Introducing core football techniques—passing, shooting, dribbling—within both mixed-gender and single-gender sessions, as required.

Team Play: 5-a-side games, mixed or separate teams, depending on numbers and preferences.

Key Skills: Enhanced dribbling, ball control, and beginning to pass with an emphasis on inclusivity.

Objective: Continue  encourage confidence for players to participate and improve.

3. 9 to 11-Year-Olds (Development Phase)

Focus: Developing technical abilities while introducing positional play and tactical understanding, with options for mixed or gender-separated sessions.

Team Play: 7-a-side matches, allowing both boys and girls to experience competitive play within a nurturing environment.

Key Skills: Ball mastery, passing, positional awareness, and team cohesion.

Objective: Encourage gender-specific teams when appropriate, ensuring that both male and female players are given equal developmental opportunities.

4. 12 to 14-Year-Olds (Youth Development)

Focus: More advanced technical and tactical training for teams forming as skill levels progress.

Team Play: 9-a-side games, offering a mix of friendly and competitive matches.

Key Skills: Strengthened tactical understanding, advanced ball control, and teamwork.

Objective: Provide clear pathways for players to continue playing at competitive levels.

5. 15 to 18-Year-Olds ( Youth Competitive Football)

Focus: Advanced training in the 11-a-side format for both male and female teams, focusing on full-field tactics and physical conditioning.

Team Play: Full-sized 11-a-side games, with competitive leagues and matches for both boys .

Key Skills: Refined technical skills, understanding of game strategy, and improved fitness.

Objective: Prepare players for the transition to senior football, with an emphasis on skill refinement, tactical understanding, and teamwork.

6. 18+ (Senior Football)

Focus: Senior-level competition for both male and female teams, promoting high-level technical, tactical, and leadership skills.

Team Play: Senior men’s and women’s teams competing in local and regional competitions.

Key Skills: Fully developed football abilities, strong tactical knowledge, leadership, and resilience.

Objective: Ensure a seamless transition from junior to senior football for players, while fostering club unity and community spirit.