U11 Next Step Zonal League

About the U11 Zonal League
The aim is to divide the Gold Coast into 4 equally strong zones (refer to below for break-up) in the U11 age group, resulting in the best 56 to 60 players competing with each other every 3rd Sunday for a total of 6 Sundays throughout the season proper.

The 4 teams will play at the same venue on the day, however this venue will change for each date allowing each zone to host at least one week. See below for game dates and venues.

Team Selection
Trials are to be held and squads identified in each zone in early April. Selection committees will comprise of one representative from each club. This representative will hold a minimum of a Youth Coaching licence. Teams will consist of a maximum of 14 players (or 15 if two GKs are selected) playing a minimum of half a game per match, with the preference being that players receive equal playing time.

Coach Selection
Coaches are to be selected by majority vote of club representatives of their zone, with the Gold Coast Director of Coaching having the casting vote if required. Again, a minimum of Youth Licence is mandatory.

Training
The training of selected players is to be done once per week on Sunday mornings or at a time agreed by the Coach and participants, so as not to disrupt club matches or club training. Training will go for a maximum of 2 hours.


The positive results of this structure are seen as follows:

Will create an even competition for identified players
Will enable identified players from the smaller clubs to participate in games and teams of a higher skill level
Will enable players to receive another style of coaching to that of their regular club coach
Talent identification becomes easier as the best 60 U11 players playing at the same venue on the same day
Will give young referees some quality games to strive for and adjudicate


It is important to remember as Clubs our role is to develop skills and to help children reach their full potential. We need to put all club differences aside to achieve this.

Garry Armstrong
Director - Juniors, Board of Gold Coast Soccer Inc.

Southern Zone

Murwillumbah
Kingscliff
Tweed Heads
Banora Point
Border United
Tugun
Palm Beach


North East

Runaway Bay
Musgrave
Southport
Magic United
Surfers Paradise


North West

Coomera
Pacific Pines
Nerang
Gold Coast Knights
Mt Tamborine
Canungra
Beechmont


Central Zone

Mudgeeraba
Robina
Burleigh Heads
Broadbeach
Merrimac
Bond Soccer