Mini Soccer - What is it?

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Smaller teams, smaller pitch, easy to understand rules and more kicks of the ball all lead to more action and more fun! Children cannot perform in the same way that adults do, therefore soccer has been modified to meet the needs of the young players.

For children under the age of 11, mini soccer represents the best features of the modern game but meets the needs of the developing youngsters. What is mini soccer? For many years, small sided games have taken place all over the world. In playgrounds, on streets, on the beach (if lucky enough!) basically anywhere. Children have always kept soccer simple, not needing much structure or equipment, a couple of jumpers for goals and a ball with some open space. Mini soccer is easy to organise all you will need is:

A level surface, clear of debris and other dangerous hazards

A ball, size 3 for 6's & 7's, size 4 for older age range

Two goals 12ft x 6ft are ideal, but if you haven't got any a couple of cones 12 ft apart will do

Use some cones or marker discs to give a rough outline to the pitch

The size of pitch should be governed by the amount of players that will be playing on it at any one time. For a 7 v 7 soccer match, the recommended pitch size is 55 yards by 35 yards. It is also suggested that for smaller sided games than 7 v 7, the pitch is adjusted accordingly with a minimum of 30 yards by 20 yards for a 4 v 4 game.

Meeting the needs of the players

The general aim of mini soccer is to provide a safe and supportive environment for young players to be introduced to the game, so that they can develop and reap all the benefits that playing soccer has to offer. Research leads us to the conclusion that children learn more when a game is simple, there are limited numbers participating and that there is a fun element. Mini soccer is an ideal game for boys and girls under the age of 11. In order for the children to have fun and learn there are 5 key points, children should:

Take an active part, whatever their ability, in a game and to have fun without pressure from parents, coaches or other players
Learn to play within a team
Understand and observe the rules, respecting all decisions
Learn good techniques that can be developed into skills
Have plenty of opportunity to get hold of the ball

Here at Junior Soccer Coach we believe that children should be coached how to compete fairly, skilfully, within the spirit and rules of the game, and show respect for all those involved. Winning is not the most important factor at these developmental stages, showing effort, determination and a positive attitude is.

Getting beaten is not a disaster, not trying is!