"Streaming"

[Andy38]

We are lucky enough to have 3 x U7 teams, which have evolved with mixed ability players in their first season. Two of the managers are looking to stream the 3 teams for the next season, and create a A,B and C team based on ability. The third manager and myself are of the view the boys would be better playing in a mixed ability environment at this early stage.

Our reasons:
- players are developing at such a huge rate at this age
- the more talented players act as role models to bring on the other kids
- good to build some team spirit and consistency for both the boys and parents (parents are often the driving forces at this age)
- the teams have better chances of keeping 'balanced' scores against oppositions
- our teams should find their natural level in the leagues sections (the League run an A, B, and C section loosely based on weekly results, but no tables)
- just because some of our opposition stream, doesn't make it right!
- football at this age is foremost about fun.

Would appreciate any viewpoints on this subject, and also when people think streaming/selection should be introduced.

[Val]

I agree with you. 8 years old is way too young to be doing this. Why, these guys will want to slot players into full-time positions next...