Mini Football

‘A real game doesn’t need to be 11v11’ Andy Roxburgh, UEFA Technical Director

1. Raise the standard of play at national team level.

2. Develop technically superior players

3. UEFA technical guidance

4. Create a better environment for children to play and learn

5. Increase enjoyment

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Why have changes been made?

The Benefits of Small Sided Games

Some interesting facts:

• 4v4 average findings (against 8v8):

• 38 more passes

• 35 more 1v1 encounters

• 29 more dribbling opportunities (tricks/turns)

• 32 more shots

• 20 more goals

(Martin Diggle – Bolton Wanderers)

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The Benefits of Small Sided Games

Further research:

8v8 in 20 minutes: 2 passes4v4 in 20 minutes: 29 passes

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The Benefits of Small Sided Games

What does this mean for the player?

1. ‘Better technique’ – more touches of the ball.

2. ‘More enjoyment’ – more involved in the game.

3. ‘Better concentration’ – always in the action.

4. ‘Greater understanding’ – more learning from decisions.

5. More movement – fewer players, more space.

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Regulation Changes

Implementation Date

Age Group Number of Players Size of Pitch(length x width)

Size of Ball

Start of 2009/10 Under 7 4v4No Goalkeepers

30x20 yards 3

Start of 2009/10 Under 8 5v5GK Introduced

30x20 yards 3

Start of 2010/11 Under 9 6v6 40x30 yards 3

Start of 2011/12 Under 10 7v7 60x40 yards 4

Start of 2011/12 Under 11 8v8 60x40 yards 4

The maximum goal size for all age groups is 12ft x 6ft.

It is highly recommended that at Under 7 and Under 8 a smaller goal is utilized. This can be achieved through using cones, placing a 12ft x 6ft Mini Goal face down or using

specific smaller goals (such as pop up goals).

Regulation Changes

Age Group Distance from Goal Line to Edge of Area (Length)

Width of Penalty Area

Under 7Effective from start of

2009/10 season

NO Goal Area NO Goal Area

Under 8Effective from start of

2009/10 season

5 yards 10 yards

Under 9Effective from start of

2010/11 season

8 yards 15 yards

Under 10Effective from start of

2011/12 season

10 yards 20 yards

Under 11Effective from start of

2011/12 season

10 yards 20 yards

Under 7 and 8 - How does it look?

60 yds

40 yds2

20 y

ds

30 yds

4 v 4

4 v 44 v 4

4 v 4

NO

SP

EC

TA

TO

RS

AL

LO

WE

DN

O S

PE

CT

AT

OR

S A

LL

OW

ED

*All Player:Coach ratios must adhere to Club Accreditation Regulations

Pitch layout with parent buffer zonesUnder 7 and 8 - Pitch layout with parent buffer zones2m

2m

4 v 4

4 v 44 v 4

4 v 4

NO

SP

EC

TA

TO

RS

AL

LO

WE

DN

O S

PE

CT

AT

OR

S A

LL

OW

ED

*All Player:Coach ratios must adhere to Club Accreditation Regulations

Pitch Layout - 6v6 with Buffer Zones

NO SPECTATORS ALLOWED

P L A Y E R S

&

C O A C H E S

6v6 6v6

S P E C T A T O R S

S P E C T A T O R S

8 Yds

30 Yards

40 Yards

30 Yards

15 Yards

15 Yards

8 Yds

40 Yards

*All Player:Coach ratios must adhere to Club Accreditation Regulations

Pitch Layout - 6v6 with Buffer Zones on a 60x40 Mini Pitch

P L A Y E R S

&

C O A C H E S

6v6 6v6

8 Yards

26 Yards

26 Yards

15 Yards

15 Yards

8 Yards

S P E C T A T O R S

2 Yards 2 Yards 4 Yards

60 Yards

S P E C T A T O R S

40 Yards

*All Player:Coach ratios must adhere to Club Accreditation Regulations

‘Behind the Line, Behind the Team’

‘Our fear, becomes their fear, take the fear away’ (Bill Beswick 2009)

1. Continued implementation of spectator zones alongside mini pitches at Under 7 and 8 matches. Extended to Under 9 this season.

2. Barrier runs parallel maximum 2 metres from touchline of pitch, NO spectators behind goals.

3. Only players, designated coaches and 1st Aider allowed outside zone.

4. Barrier to be marked by cones, additional marked line.

5. Safety of paramount importance, if limited space (less than 2 metres) use only cones or marked lines.

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Mini Football