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

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

Keep the Blue Flag flying high.

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

Phuabh