GIRLS UNDER-7 AND UNDER-9 PLAYER PATHWAY

DESIRE TO PLAY

AGE RANGE: UNDER-7 & UNDER-9
FORMAT: 4 V 4 AND 5 V 5

In the 4 v 4 format for girls under-7, a size 3 ball is used on a small pitch (30m by 20m) with small goals and no goalkeepers. A size 3 ball is also used in the 5 v 5 format for  under-9s where the goal size is increased and a goalkeeper is added. Games played at this stage should be 10 to15 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

GIRLS UNDER-7 & UNDER-9 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 to 15 minute games with a maximum of four games