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RE: age appropriate football

steven — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:12:33 GMT

as what u said, 5v5 is the best. if play 9v9 will definitely confuse the kids. and very less involvement in the game, and they wont enjoy it. maybe up 6v6, depending on their skill level. 8v8 or 9v9 is better suit 11 to 12 years old.

the game is for the kids, not for governing body.

RE: age appropriate football

Peterm — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:21:07 GMT

Good Day,

this is from our local FA, it may give you some guide.

http://www.bucksfootball.co.uk/rules/u9.htm

I think it is reflective of UK as a whole.

Good luck to you

best

Peter

age appropriate football

liverpool69 — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:14:08 GMT

Hi ALL

I run an under 9 football side in South Africa .

Basically the players I coach are either turning 8 or 9 as they play in this age group for two years .

Up until now the league have played all games on a 5 V 5 basis on a field 30 by 40 meters .

The format works as it exposes the young players that I work with to maximum ball time possible within the 30 minutes they are on the field . The governing body that controls the game here wants to change the format we play to next season to a 9 v 9 format . They are proposing that we play on a full size field with the goals being put at the edge of the big box .I am against this as I believe it will give my young players less time on the ball and less time to develop their individual skills .

My qeustion is the following ?

What format are you using in other countries for this age group ?

Please come back to me with answers as your information will really help fight for what is best for my players .

Thanks

Grant