Football

Football Guide

Football is the world's most popular sport, loved by players of all ages and abilities. For young players, specialised formats like 7 v 7 Mini Soccer and 9 v 9 Football offer tailored experiences that enhance development and keep the game fun and accessible.

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7 v 7 Mini Soccer

Introduced by The Football Association (FA), Mini Soccer is perfect for younger children beginning their football journey. Smaller teams, goals, and pitches mean players get more touches, leading to faster skill development and enjoyment.

Key Features:

• Player Count: 7 players per team.
• Focus: Encourages teamwork, ball control, and tactical thinking.
• Benefits: Simplified rules make the game easy to follow and fun for young players.

Mini Soccer promotes physical activity and social interaction, making it ideal for schools and clubs.

9 v 9 Football

Designed as a bridge between Mini Soccer and 11-a-side football, the 9 v 9 format helps players aged 10-12 develop their skills in a manageable environment.

Key Features:

• Player Count: 9 players per team.
• Pitch: Smaller than a full-sized field, scaled for young players.
• Rules: Based on 11-a-side laws but adapted for this format.
• Focus: Encourages passing, teamwork, and positional play.

This format ensures a smoother transition to the full game, helping to retain young players and reduce dropouts.

Tips for Teachers

Teaching football in schools can be highly rewarding. Here are some tips to help:

1. Start with the Basics: Introduce ball control, dribbling, passing, and shooting through fun drills. Games like "keep away" or relay races can build essential skills.
2. Use Small-Sided Games: Formats like 4 v 4 or 5 v 5 ensure maximum player involvement and keep everyone engaged.
3. Encourage Teamwork: Focus on communication, positioning, and sharing the ball. These lessons extend beyond football into life skills.
4. Adapt for All Abilities: Offer alternative activities for students with varying skill levels to ensure inclusivity.
5. Mix Formats: Incorporate 7 v 7 and 9 v 9 games into your curriculum to keep things fresh and challenging.

Providing consistent encouragement and celebrating achievements—big or small—will keep students motivated and eager to learn.

Getting Started with Football

To set up football in your school or club, you'll need:

• Football Goals: Sized for Mini Soccer, 9 v 9, or full-size games.
• Footballs: Match the ball size to the players' age group.
• Training Bibs: Essential for team games.
• Markings: Use cones or temporary paint for flexible pitch boundaries.

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Useful Links

• The Football Association (FA)