Player Placement Process Explained

Not a Tryout, a Process: How We Place Players

At New Frontier, player placement isn’t a one-time event, it’s an ongoing process rooted in development, not selection. While many think of “evaluations” as a single weekend or short-term window, we believe in a broader, more thoughtful approach. Player evaluations are happening right now in training sessions, in games, and across the season, as we work to place each athlete in the environment where they’ll be challenged, supported, and given the best opportunity to grow. It’s not about chasing a higher team or a different label, it’s about building long-term development through the right fit.

What We Look For in a Player

Player evaluations at New Frontier are based on four key areas that guide our development philosophy:

1. Champion Mentality

• Consistently puts in effort, regardless of circumstances

• Demonstrates resilience after mistakes or setbacks

• Listens to feedback and applies it

• Competes with intent but stays composed and respectful

• Shows a hunger to improve, not just to win

2. Movement Mechanics

• Moves well with and without the ball

• Displays balance, agility, and body control

• Can change direction and speed quickly

• Shows signs of physical literacy appropriate for their age

• Has coordination that supports technical actions

3. Effective Team Player

• Understands positioning and spacing

• Communicates clearly and positively with teammate

• Shows tactical discipline. E.g., tracks back

• Demonstrates willingness to work for others, not just self

• Makes decisions based on what’s best for the team

4. Technical Proficiency

• Clean and consistent first touch

• Accurate and varied passing

• Can manipulate the ball with purpose (e.g., to protect or beat a player)

• Understands when and how to use specific technical skills in game situations

We evaluate these traits across training sessions and match play. Assessments are cross-checked using:

• Team coach feedback

• Age phase lead input

• Observations from neutral technical staff across our Academy

Changing the Environment, Not “Moving Up or Down”

We want to be clear in how we frame player movement: it’s not about moving up or down - it’s about finding the right environment for each player to be appropriately challenged and supported. That may mean staying with their current team, or it may mean a change.

A player might be performing well or not quite standing out, but that alone doesn’t mean a team change is immediately needed. We recognize moments of success or struggle, but also understand that development isn’t always linear. Players progress at different rates, and short-term performance doesn’t always reflect long-term potential. We consider a player’s future trajectory, knowing that development takes time and requires trust in the process. Our goal is always to place players in the environment that will best support their long-term growth

Equally important: if a player changes teams, it doesn’t mean they’ll stay there forever. Development isn’t linear. Players grow at different rates, and patience is a key part of the journey.

We’re Here to Develop, Not Replace

We know it can sometimes feel like new players are "replacing" existing ones, but that’s not the case. We are fiercely committed to developing our own players and are incredibly proud of our

retention rates. Many athletes have progressed from Tier 3 to Tier 1 over time through hard work and consistency.

That said, if a new player registers and is currently performing at a stronger level than someone in the same age group, we have to be fair and place them accordingly. It’s not about who’s been here longer, it’s about being in the right environment for development.

Feedback & Transparency

We understand the desire to know in advance whether your child will move teams, but we cannot provide early answers. To keep things fair, we need to complete a proper, unbiased process.

If your child receives feedback like needing to improve their ball striking, 1v1 defending, or another area, that feedback is meaningful and aimed at supporting their growth. However, even if progress is made, it does not guarantee a team change. Placement depends on how they are performing over time within the broader player pool of that age group.

The Mindset We Value

At New Frontier, we value players who are driven to improve, not just to “be on a better team.” A strong New Frontier player is curious, coachable, focused, and growth-oriented. Not label-driven.

If a player moves teams, it’s not a step backward. It’s a shift in environment to help them thrive, and their journey continues from there.

Growth, Movement & the Nature of Competitive Sport

All players and families need to understand that movement is a natural part of competitive sport. Our job is to prepare players for that reality. New environments, new challenges, and different coaches are part of what helps players evolve.

We are trying to build a club culture where players are supported by quality coaches at every level. No matter which team your child is on, we are doing our best to ensure they’re in a place where they can grow, enjoy the game, and reach their potential.

A Note on Tier Placement & League Structure

We also want to address a common question: Can you guarantee my child’s tier placement ahead of registration or during tryouts? The answer is no, and for good reason.

We do not guarantee tier placement prior to registration or during evaluations, as this goes against CMSA recruitment guidelines. In fact, tiering decisions are finalized after registration closes, when clubs are invited to attend the CMSA League Alignment Meeting. At this meeting, CMSA and its member clubs work together to determine what tiers exist, how many teams are needed in each, and where clubs’ teams fit based on roster strength and projected level.

Just as New Frontier aims to place players in the right environment for their development, CMSA aims to place teams at the correct level for competition. It’s not about labels, it’s about level.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please contact Cat Fox, Technical Director. We’re happy to provide clarity, and we truly appreciate your ongoing trust in the journey.