The Game

The Game

Mini Soccer

The principles and rules of Mini Soccer are similar to those in Association Football, except that the pitches are smaller and there are fewer players on each team. Depending on the age group, the number of players and size of pitch can vary from four a-side for the youngest, to seven a-side for the Under-10s. The goal size for all age groups is 12ft by 6ft (3.6m by 1.8m).

Benefits
• More touches of the ball to increase participation and enjoyment.
• Fewer players on the pitch meaning simpler decisions and better understanding.
• Smaller pitches meaning greater concentration and interest among participants.
• More individual success leads to more children playing. In the long term, this leads to sustained participation

levels beyond this age group

Youth Football – 9v9

A 10-year-old child is not half a 20-year-old and they need a game and format that replicates their stage of development. For too long we have had U11 children playing on the same size pitches as 26-year-old internationals and goalkeepers defending the same size goal as Premier League adults.

For these reasons, the FA had to find a way to make youth football more child-friendly and The Football Association believes 9v9 addresses these challenges.

BENEFITS OF 9V9

The main theme throughout 9v9 is to meet the needs of children and eleven-a-side football does not meet those needs. Children need a modified game that fits their age and stage of learning and too often it’s the children that are modified to meet the requirements of a game. This modified version of football maintains the integrity of the game without losing the essence of the game, which is important for children.

All available research and observations show that children will have more fun and learn more playing a game with smaller teams and modified rules. 9v9 is a game that supports progression of their learning, not taking them from a child’s experience in Mini-Soccer at U10 straight into an adult’s version of the game at U11.

U11/12s
Format: 9 v 9
Match length: 30 mins e/w
Player game time:
80 mins/day, 120 mins/comp
Pitch size: 80yd × 50yd
Ball size: 4
Goal size: 16ft × 7ft

Competitions
Six weeks of trophy events,
three times a season

key learnings
– being part of a team
– game play

U17/18s
Format: 11 v 11
Match length: 45 mins e/w
Player game time:
120 mins/day, 180 mins/comp
Pitch size: 110yd × 70yd
Ball size: 5
Goal size: 24ft × 8ft

Competitions
Any varieties including one season-long league table

key learnings
– in game decisions
– tactical appreciation