Evaluators will use the following general criteria to assess players.  These criteria have been modified from Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association's (EPYSA) Olympic Development Program (ODP).  While most SSC players are not ODP caliber players yet, this general list is relevant for players of all age and talent levels.

1. Speed – Pure speed is a huge benefit in any sport but often times in soccer, mental speed (decision making with and without the ball under pressure) can allow players to compensate for lack of pure speed.
2. Touch – First touch may be the most critical technique for a soccer player. Receiving balls on the ground or air swiftly and in preparation for their next decision, with a sense of comfort, makes the game easier to play. 
3. The use of both feet in passing and finishing makes for more opportunities for every player. Watching a player take extra touches to get the ball to his or her strong foot may result in losing possession or a poor decision. Using the proper foot surface inside or instep for passing or shooting also comes into play.
4. Transition – Moving from attack to defense and defense to attack quickly, from any position, is a strong indicator of a high level player.
5. Determined play on fifty - fifty balls (tackles) add to a player’s worth in the eyes of evaluators. In tackles we are looking for the player to go in hard and regain possession.
6. Overall comfort with the ball, with not a sense of panic when in possession. Confidence and enthusiasm are recognized quickly. 
7. Decision making, when to possess the ball or take a player on with not a sense of panic, especially in the attacking third.
8. Talk from an individual, especially on the defensive side of the ball, makes the game easier for the entire team.
9. Passionate play within the penalty box, whether on attack or defense, is important.
10. Pace and endurance during the evaluation and recognizing when there is a time to recover in play are also areas that we look for during evaluations.