The development of small-sided soccer was not an overnight process. The Dutch actually started the idea over twenty years ago. Many countries have since followed their lead after seeing the success enjoyed by the Dutch programs. Both FYSA and USYSA began to adopt small-sided standards in 2001 for all of their sanctioned events. Small-sided soccer allows the play during a game to be appropriate with the skill level of the players of that age group. It has been developed to make the game fun while allowing the players to learn the skills necessary for soccer. Some of the advantages of small-sided soccer include:
· More practical space with the ball
· Increased number of contacts with the ball
· Increased playing time
· Energetic workouts due to playing both offense and defense
· Players understand roles more readily
· Players are required to make more decisions on their own
· Players gain experience repeating game situations more frequently
· Fields are smaller and therefore easier for clubs to fit in existing facilities
· Uses smaller numbers to teach techniques and concepts in a progressive manner
Both FYSA and USYSA decided against using goalkeepers at the U5/6 and U7/8 levels because they do not feel that players at this age are physically or psychologically able to deal with the position. At U9/10, goalkeepers are introduced but both organizations and EOSC feel strongly that all players are to play in the goal. No one at 8, 9, or 10 years old is to be locked into one position. There is also no better way to teach empathy for the position of a goalie then to have all players take their turn in the box!
FYSA and USYSA also recommend that competitive soccer not begin until U11 at sanctioned tournaments. Players who participate in tournaments at U10 and below are strongly encouraged to enter only ‘Festival Format’ tournaments. This is where teams play a variety of other teams but with no standings or championship games. Awards may be distributed but are for participation only.
In summary, the following is the recommended player numbers on the field for FYSA and USYSA:
· U5/6 - 3v3 without goalkeepers
· U7/8 - 4v4 without goalkeepers
· U9/10 - 6v6 including a goalkeeper
· U11/12 - 8v8 including a goalkeeper
· U13 and up - regulation 11v11
You can get more information about youth soccer at the following websites:
