Indoor 2026-27 Player Evaluations

All Indoor Season player evaluations will take place at Sidney L. Buckwold Park

• Players must attend their assigned time
• Players need to be registered to attend assessments 
• If you have not received your group assignment please come to Group 1 for your age division

Lakewood uses TeamLinkt as our communication platform. Please watch for information to come out via TeamLinkt for player assignments for the second round of evaluations. 

Grouping Assignments will be posted 1 week prior to the first round of evaluations (August 17). Dates and times are subject to change based on final registration numbers and possible inclement weather.

Please arrive 15-30 minutes prior to your evaluation time to check in

U7 and U9 players are not included in evaluations, but are invited for a pre-season kick around to meet coaches the weekend of September 6/7

Evaluations Requirements:

• Shin guards and cleats or runners
• Water bottle
• Please note that weather can vary, please wear appropriate attire for the weather (shorts and jersey, or long-sleeved shirt)

The evaluation sessions will be scheduled over several weeks beginning shortly after the registration. All players will be invited to a minimum of two evaluations with other players in the same age group and gender.

Monday August 24

Tuesday August 25

Wednesday August 26

Thursday August 27

Friday August 28

Saturday August 29

Sunday August 30

Monday August 31

Tuesday September 1

Wednesday September 2

Thursday September 3

Lakewood Soccer Player Evaluation Process 

Lakewood Soccer does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, national origin or religious affiliation. We seek to place athletes, with similar desires and objectively assessed abilities, together to maximize their enjoyment and development. When players show up for the evaluation session they must check in at the registration table. The players are randomly placed on teams for the evaluations. Each evaluation session will be led by the Lakewood Technical Team. There will be a minimum number of evaluators for each session. Although evaluators may be allowed to evaluate players in the same age group as their child, they are not allowed to evaluate their child or participate in discussions about the performance of their child. Each evaluator will independently fill out an evaluation of each player. After the session has been completed, the results will be compiled by the Director, Soccer Operations for the next evaluation session or for final team selection. 

Evaluation Process 

U11 and Older 

• All U11 and older players will be evaluated three times. 

• Round 1 - players will sorted alphabetically by age group and gender. They will be evaluated in 1v1, 2v2 scenarios, and small sided games.  

• Round 2 and 3 - preliminary sorting will be done so that these sessions will have players with similar abilities.  These sessions will be evaluated using small-sided games only. 

• Group assignments may be adjusted to balance numbers and maximize: 

• Time on the field 

• Ball touches 

• Observation opportunities for evaluators 

Players should be prepared to: 

• Be called back immediately following their session, or 

• Return later the same day 

Important: A callback does not guarantee placement on a specific team or group. It simply means evaluators would like to see the player again. 

U9 and City League 

• U9 and City League players will participate in one evaluation session. 

• Evaluations are used to balance teams to ensure a positive and developmentally appropriate season. 

Evaluation Criteria 

Lakewood uses a small-sided, game-based format for evaluations. This approach: 

• Reduces pressure 

• Encourages fun 

• Highlights decision-making 

• Reflects real game situations 

Players are evaluated on: 

1. Anticipation 
   How quickly does the player read the game? 

1. Speed of Decision 
   How quickly does the player process information and choose the correct action? 

1. Speed of Movement 
   How quickly does the player move into the right position? 

1. Speed of Execution 
   How efficiently does the player complete technical actions (e.g., quality and number of touches, passing accuracy, timing)? 

Evaluators assess overall game impact — not just goals scored or standout moments. 

Our Philosophy 

The goal of Lakewood Soccer is to place players in the best possible developmental fit. 

Best fit means: 

• Appropriate challenge at their stage of development 

• Opportunity for success 

• Confidence-building environment 

• Maximum enjoyment of the game 

Player development and love of the game guide all placement decisions. 

Evaluation Absences 

Each athlete is offered and encouraged to attend both Evaluation Sessions. Dates and times for an athlete’s 1st evaluation will be posted by Lakewood Soccer and will be emailed once registered. Athletes will be informed of their 2nd evaluation session after all of the 1st round of evaluations for their age category have been completed. While we encourage parents to ensure athletes can attend both evaluations, Lakewood understands that circumstances occur where athletes are unable attend one or both evaluations. 

• Absent from 1st evaluation session: 

If for any reason an athlete is unable to attend the 1st round of assessments, if possible they will be scheduled into another initial evaluation or they will be scheduled into a 2nd round of evaluations. When applicable, the Technical Team will choose an appropriate placement for evaluation based on player’s history playing with Lakewood. However, if a player has missed the 1st evaluation, it would not be unusual for that player to be evaluated with players who they typically have not played with in past seasons. An athlete may be asked to join additional evaluations or practices by the Technical Team and should be prepared to join additional evaluations either that day or at another scheduled time. 

• Absent from 2nd round of evaluations: 

If a player attended their 1st evaluation but is absent from the 2nd evaluation, that player will be evaluated and placed on a team based on the results of the 1st evaluation. A player may be asked to join additional evaluations or practices by the Technical Team at another scheduled time. 

• Absent from both evaluations: 

A player who misses both evaluation sessions will be asked to join one or more practices where the Technical Team will be present. A recommendation will be made by the Technical Team on an appropriate placement for that player. If a player has missed both evaluations, it would not be unusual for that player to be evaluated with other players who they typically do not play with in past seasons. In all circumstance related to evaluations, decisions made by the Director of Soccer Operations and the Technical Committee will be considered final. If you have questions about the assessment process, please contact dso@lakewoodsoccer.com