U9-U12 (Foundation Phase) · England FA framework · Four development tiers
What does “competent” at each technical skill actually look like at each tier of the game? Community grassroots is not the same as a professional academy — and the gap is where most generic AI gives you the wrong answer. These benchmarks are coach-sourced, level-aligned, and designed to be honest about the difference.
See all 10 skills across four development tiers
Moving with the ball, receiving, turning, finishing, pressing, marking, challenging, covering — plus all four tier benchmarks per skill.
Skill spine based on the England FA technical framework (attacking and defending pillars). Benchmark content authored by Kevin Middleton (360TFT, UEFA licensed, 15+ years Scottish football). This grid covers U9-U12 only. U13-U16 and U17+ deferred to future releases.