The Aurora Report
A More Transparent and Player-Centered Evaluation Process
As we continue to grow Aurora Soccer Club, it’s important that our systems grow with us. One area we have spent significant time reviewing is how we evaluate players and make team placement decisions. Our goal is simple: to make the process fairer, more accurate, and more transparent for players and families.
Looking Back: Why Change Is Needed
In previous years, the club ran formal “evaluation” sessions twice per year. Players were asked to perform in a short window, often:
- In unfamiliar environments
- With teammates they didn’t know
- In front of coaches, they had never worked with
We then expected to gather enough information in a limited amount of time to determine appropriate placement for the next six months, and then repeat the process.
From a development perspective, this approach has clear limitations:
- Players may underperform in unnatural or high-pressure situations
- Performance anxiety can mask true ability
- Limited touches in a short game don’t tell the full story
- Chemistry, decision-making, and consistency are hard to assess in snapshots
Quite simply, a short evaluation window does not always reflect a player’s true development level.
Our New Approach: In-Season Evaluations
Moving forward, Aurora will transition to a season-long evaluation model.
Instead of relying on brief evaluation sessions, we will use two structured in-season evaluations that occur while players are training and playing in their normal team environments. These evaluations allow coaches to observe:
- Technical ability over time
- Tactical understanding
- Consistency and growth
- Work rate, attitude, and coachability
- Performance in real game situations
We believe that observations over an entire season provide a much clearer and more accurate picture of a player’s development than a single evaluation event.
Checks, Balances, and Decision-Making
To ensure fairness and transparency:
- All in-season evaluations are reviewed by the technical staff
- We will specifically look for anomalies or discrepancies
- The process includes safeguards to avoid bias or the perception of bias
Final team placements are determined by the Technical Director, in consultation with the technical staff, using all available evaluation data.
This layered approach ensures decisions are not based on one opinion or one moment in time.
How New or Incoming Players Are Evaluated
Players who are new to Aurora or register mid-season will:
- Be evaluated on the field by technical staff
- Be placed temporarily with a team deemed appropriate
- Be given time to train and play in that environment
This allows us to see the player in a realistic setting before making a final placement decision, rather than relying on a brief trial or one-off session.
Continuity, Peers, and Player Experience
Another key priority moving forward is team continuity.
We recognize that:
- Strong friendships form within team environments
- These bonds positively impact enjoyment and motivation
- Social connection plays a major role in retention, especially among older age groups
Where possible, we aim to keep players with their peers and teammates from year to year.
That said, development remains the priority. Continuity does not mean stagnation.
Opportunities to Move Based on Development
Players will still have opportunities to move:
- If a player has been in Division 2 and shows clear readiness for a greater challenge
- If they have demonstrated growth, consistency, and commitment
They will be given the opportunity to move up.
Likewise, placements may be adjusted if a different environment better supports a player’s development.
Movement is based on development, not labels.
Our Commitment
This new evaluation system reflects our commitment to:
- Transparency
- Fairness
- Long-term player development
- A positive player and family experience
This approach gives every player the best opportunity to be seen, supported, and placed in an environment where they can continue to grow.
As always, we appreciate the trust you place in Aurora Soccer Club and look forward to continuing to build a strong, development-focused program together.
