Trials are held for players in 9th Grade and above for players interested in playing in the top two teams to enter each grade’s Premier Leagues.
It’s ok if players do not want to trial, these players will be put into teams with those that are not selected via the trial process based on where they live, schools they attend, any specific requests, or volunteer coaches etc. These teams will play in the Hutt Valley league which is more social than the Premier League.
Pre-trial training sessions at the turf
These are open to everyone and not compulsory. Pedro Garcias, junior director of coaching will give players a training session, provide guidance and explain the trials process for the kids. Please pay a $2 donation for each practice to cover the one-off turf fee. Venue is Maidstone Park Turf
9th grade – Tuesday 7 + 14 February, 5 – 6pm
10th grade – Wednesday 8 + 15 February, 5 – 6pm
11th + 12th grade – Saturday 11 + 18 February, 5 – 6.15pm
13th + 14th grade – Saturday 11 + 18 February, 6.30 – 7.45pm
Trials dates and venues
All trials will be at Awakairangi Park, Upper Hutt – except U17s at the turf.
9th Grade – Tuesday 21 February, 5.30 – 7pm and/or Sunday 26 February, 9.30 – 11am
10th Grade – Wednesday 22 February, 5.30 – 7pm and/or Sunday 26 February, 10.30am – 12pm
11th Grade – Wednesday 22 February, 6.30 – 8pm and/or Sunday 26 February, 11.30am – 1pm
12th Grade – Tuesday 21 February, 6.30 – 8pm and/or Sunday 26 February, 2 – 3.30pm
13th Grade – Thursday 23 February, 5.30 – 7pm and/or Monday 27 February, 5.30 – 6.30pm
14th Grade – Thursday 23 February, 6.30 – 8pm and/or Monday 27 February, 6.30 – 7.30pm
Goalkeepers – Sunday 26 February, 1 – 2pm
U17 (at Maidstone Park Turf) – Saturday 25 February 5.30 – 6.30pm
How trials work
Our goal is to have consistency across the grades and conduct the grading process in an equitable and fair manner. Trials ensure players are placed in teams suitable to their level of ability and commitment.
- Coaches will meet with grade managers to confirm the grading format.
- Players will be assessed during the trials and independent selectors will meet with the Grade Manager after each trial to discuss player attributes.
- After the second session the Premiere League squad will be selected. Thereafter the Hutt Valley competition will be named.
- Parents / caregivers will be contacted by their grade manager informing them of the team their player is selected for. · Players do not have to attend trials, however if you wish to be considered for the Premier teams/squads then trials attendance is mandatory.
- The grade manager, the top two team coaches and the independent technical advisor will decide the Premier League teams for the start of the season.
- The grade manager is the final arbiter of any selection disputes.
Trial assessment areas
New Zealand Football “Whole of Football” grading criteria include:
- Technical competency – the ability to perform basic skills under pressure – e.g. shooting, dribbling, juggling, passing, turning
- Game intelligence – decision making, anticipation, pro-activeness
- Physical capacity – speed, agility, strength, endurance
- Character and personality
New Zealand Football best practice recommendations have been incorporated into the trial process to assess technical competency and enable selectors to gauge player ability. Specific age-groups will place emphasis on some areas more than others.
The aim of the trials is to ensure players get the opportunity to show their wares.
We’ll conduct at least two trial sessions, which are progressive with selectors mixing players to get a good look at all attending.
- Small-sided and age-group appropriate sided games will be played for a maximum of 15-minutes duration.
- Selectors aim to give all players equal game time and opportunity to rest and take on fluids.
- Selectors should also take into account previous knowledge and past performance of returning players.
- The committee will supply at least one impartial experienced coach to assist coaches in selection.
- It should be noted that the coach must be able to select his or her team.
- The impartial selector is there to assist and ensure the trials process is fair and equitable.
Want to know more?
Contact your grade manager – details on our contact page.