Assessment Center

U16+ Elite Tryout

U16+

8

Criteria

60

Minutes

85

Max Points

Instructions

  1. 1

    Session structure: 10-min warmup, 20-min technical stations, 20-min tactical game, 10-min 1v1s.

  2. 2

    Two coaches score independently — average scores after debrief.

  3. 3

    Flag any player scoring 5 across 4+ criteria for high-performance pathway discussion.

Scoring Rubric

Technical Mastery weight 3×

"Can this player execute technical actions without thinking about them?"

1
Weak — Technical errors under light pressure; limited skill range.
2
Below Average — Competent in open space; breaks down under pressure.
3
Average — Reliable technique; executes correctly under moderate pressure.
4
Above Average — High-level technique; fluid execution at pace and under pressure.
5
Elite — Automatic technique; never looks uncomfortable; dominant on the ball.
Passing Range & Accuracy weight 2×

"Can the player switch play accurately and play incisive through-balls?"

1
Weak — Consistent inaccuracies; limited to short passes only.
2
Below Average — Reliable at short range; medium/long passes often off-target.
3
Average — Accurate to 25 yards; occasional switch of play.
4
Above Average — Sharp accuracy at 35+ yards; plays through-balls into space.
5
Elite — Precise at all distances; vision to find runners others don't see.
Finishing weight 2×

"Does the player make the goalkeeper work every time they shoot?"

1
Weak — Shots frequently off-target or weak; poor composure in front of goal.
2
Below Average — On-target occasionally; one-dimensional shooting.
3
Average — Reliable from inside box; shows composure in most situations.
4
Above Average — Clinical from multiple angles; both feet; composed under pressure.
5
Elite — Finishes from anywhere; variety of techniques; nerve of steel.
Defending weight 2×

"Does the player look dangerous defensively — forcing errors and winning duels?"

1
Weak — Poor positioning; reckless challenges; easily bypassed.
2
Below Average — Inconsistent positioning; reacts to ball rather than anticipating.
3
Average — Solid positional defender; wins most 1v1s; reads obvious plays.
4
Above Average — Excellent positioning; intercepts regularly; dominant in aerial duels.
5
Elite — Reads the game before it happens; organises the defence; wins everything.
Tactical Intelligence weight 3×

"Does the player make the team better tactically without being told?"

1
Weak — No evidence of tactical awareness; plays in isolation.
2
Below Average — Understands own role only; does not adapt to game state.
3
Average — Solid positional discipline; adjusts shape with reminders.
4
Above Average — Reads game well; adjusts tactically without instruction.
5
Elite — Tactical leader; organises teammates; exploits opposition weaknesses.
Physical Capacity weight 2×

"Is this player physically imposing or elite-level quick?"

1
Weak — Below average physically; fatigues early; loses physical duels.
2
Below Average — Adequate fitness; loses most physical contests.
3
Average — Physically capable; holds own in duels; good for 80 minutes.
4
Above Average — Physically imposing or exceptionally quick; wins most duels.
5
Elite — Exceptional athlete; fastest or strongest in session; never tires.
Leadership & Communication weight 1×

"Do other players respond to this player?"

1
None — No communication; plays in silence; no leadership observed.
2
Minimal — Calls for ball occasionally; no real organisational communication.
3
Present — Communicates regularly; some direction given to teammates.
4
Leader — Vocal and organised; teammates respond to their direction.
5
Captain — Natural leader; drives team culture and performance every session.
Mental Strength weight 2×

"Does this player get better or worse when the game is on the line?"

1
Fragile — Visibly rattled by mistakes; disengages after setbacks.
2
Inconsistent — Responds poorly to pressure occasionally; recovers slowly.
3
Resilient — Bounces back from mistakes; maintains composure most of the time.
4
Strong — Raises performance under pressure; mistakes fuel them.
5
Elite — Thrives in pressure moments; the player you want with the ball late in the game.

Score a Player

Running Score —