Outdoor 2026 Player Evaluations

All Outdoor Season player evaluations will take place on the indoor turf at the Saskatoon Sports Centre, 150 Nelson Road

• Players must attend their assigned time
• Players need to be registered to attend evaluations

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 in TeamLinkt 1 week prior to the first round of evaluations (March 3rd). Dates and times are subject to change based on final registration numbers.

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

Evaluation Requirements:

• Shin guards and cleats or runners
• Water bottle
• Appropriate attire (shorts and jersey/t-shirt)

The evaluation sessions will be scheduled over several weeks beginning shortly after the registration. All players will be invited to a minimum of 2 evaluations with other players in the same age group and gender.

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 Technical Director for the next evaluation session or for final team selection.

Evaluation Process

U11 and Older

• All U11 and older players will be evaluated twice.
• Players will be grouped with teammates they played with during the indoor season.
• Group assignments may be adjusted to balance numbers and maximize:
• Time on the field
• Ball touches
• Observation opportunities for evaluators

Players who are new to Lakewood for the outdoor season will begin in Group 1 and may be reassigned after their first session.

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?
2. Speed of Decision
   How quickly does the player process information and choose the correct action?
3. Speed of Movement
   How quickly does the player move into the right position?
4. 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 

For assigned Groups, letters signify the first initial of the players last name (ex John Smith would be with the 'S' players)

Tuesday March 10, 2026

Wednesday March 11, 2026

Thursday March 12, 2026

Saturday March 14, 2026

Sunday March 15, 2026 *indicates 2nd round

Monday March 16, 2026 *indicates 2nd round

Wednesday March 18, 2026 *indicates 2nd round

Thursday March 19, 2026 *indicates 2nd round

Sunday March 22, 2026 *indicates 2nd round

Monday March 23, 2026 *indicates 2nd round

LEAGUE BEGINS LATE APRIL OR EARLY MAY. DETAILS TO FOLLOW

Lakewood Soccer Player Eligibility

You must reside within Lakewood’s boundaries (U11, U13 and U15) in order to attend the evaluation sessions and to be able to play for Lakewood Soccer.