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Children's & Youth Football

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  • 6-8 Years Old
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6 - 8 YEARS OLD PLAYER PATHWAY

Desire to play

Age range: 6 - 8 years
Format: 4 v 4 and 5 v 5

Players who are 6 years old should play 4 v 4 using a size 3 ball on a small pitch (30m by 20m) with small goals and no goalkeepers. Players who are 7 and 8 years of age should play the 5 v 5 format where the goal size is increased and a goalkeeper is added. Games played at this stage should be 10-15 minutes in duration with a maximum of four games to be played on a festival basis.

The driving philosophy of this stage

  • Learning to love the game
  • Learning to move

Objectives

  • To provide physical activity, develop physical literacy and basic skills within children, through football participation.
  • Skills will be delivered through programmes centred around games-based and FUN (Foundation, Understanding, Nurturing) activities, with 100% involvement at all times.
  • Football 4s, Super 5s festivals and Development 4s that will allow the opportunity to express enjoyment and develop skills through games.

Reasons for 4 v 4 & 5 v 5

  • More touches of the ball
  • Dealing with the ball
  • Simpler game
  • More attacking 1 v 1 situations and chances to score
  • Improved decision making
  • Improved confidence
  • Being brave with and without the ball
  • Freedom of expression

6 - 8 Year Olds Overview

  • Fun based activity only
  • Festival basis – trophy free – multi game model
  • Simple rules – no offside, kick-ins, rolling subs
  • Size 3 ball
  • Runs March to November
  • 10 to15 minute games with a maximum of four games

Shelley Kerr: Let Them Play

More than most people, Shelley Kerr knows just how important it is allow children to enjoy football.

Read more

What is the Let Them Play message?

Find out more about the 'Let Them Play' message

Find out more

9 - 12 YEARS OLD

13 YEARS OLD & OVER

GIRLS' & WOMEN'S PLAYER PATHWAY

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