Developmental Player (DP) Program

At Hammerheads Soccer Club, we understand that every player develops at their own pace. That’s why we created the Developmental Player (DP) Program — an internal system designed to ensure players are consistently recognized and rewarded for their progress.

Each year, teams across our club are formed based on current skill level and ability. But improvement doesn't stop there — and neither should the opportunities. The DP Program ensures that as players grow, they have a clear, structured pathway to move forward within the club.

The program fosters ongoing communication between age-group coaches and program directors. Together, they identify players who are excelling in their current environments. These players are then recommended by their team coach and scouting director for higher-level training sessions. This isn’t just a reward for their hard work — it’s also a chance to see how they perform at the next level. Opportunities are earned, not given.

In the 2024–25 season, over 50 players took part in the DP Program — and 27 of them were promoted to higher-level teams for the 2025–26 season. Justification that the internal program is working.

What does this mean for you and your player?
It means there's a formal, transparent process in place — one that ensures every player has ongoing opportunities to develop, be seen, and advance within Hammerheads Soccer Club.

Scouting Director, Dave Martin oversees the program: dave@wilmingtonhammerheadsyouth.com