FIFA Laws of the Game
As Modified By U.S. Youth Soccer & SYS
For Youth Play and Small Sided Games
Under 9 Program
Spring season starts approximately April 12- May 22
The player will have two 1hrs practices during the week and one game mostly on Saturdays.
The practices are
held at the home field
The games are located at
Stroudsburg
Euro 4v.4” Pre-Travel Guidelines
General Description:
The 4v.4 format
is actually 4 field players plus a keeper. Thegames will be played according
to the usual small-sided rules. There are no referees as the games will be
facilitated by the coaches themselves. However players should be encouraged
to call the game themselves. An example of this is in and out of bounds. The
coach is there to keep the game flowing and settle any disputed calls. The
one obvious exception would be fouls as many players do not yet understand
what is and is not foul play. Ideally these games will have the feel more
like that of a player initiated pick-up game versus full-on competitive
match play. Again the coach is there to ensure player safety, and
participation instruction should be kept to an absolute minimum.
Game Management:
Each team will
consist of not more than 14 players. The team will be divided into two
separate groups so that two games can be played simultaneously. The games
will be facilitated by the coaches themselves- one team’s coach on one field
and the other team’s coach on the other. If a team only has one coach then
coaches should manage the subs for both teams on his/her field. A parent
volunteer could be chosen to help with this. Substitutes should remain in
the gap between the two fields with parents sitting on the outside of the
field. Parents should not be sitting/standing in the lane or gap between the
two fields. If players from either or both teams are late in arriving begin
play with the players available. If for example there are only ten total
players begin play on one field using players from one team to fill out the
other if necessary. Coaches are encouraged to be creative in solving
problems when there are not enough players. Small-side one or both fields
playing 4 plus a keeper on one field and three plus a keeper on the other.
The key is to get as many players playing as possible- just keep it small
sided and maximum touches. Remember teams with an abundance of players
should share players with those that are short. For example, if Nazareth
shows with 8 players and Stroudsburg has over 12 then Stroudsburg should
loan Nazareth a couple of players. Keeps the game flowing.
Field Dimensions:
The two fields
should fit nicely inside one half of a full-sided pitch and be laid out side
by side as follows: 45 x 35 yards with 5’ x 15’ goals (or as close as
possible). Each goal will have a penalty area measuring 10 yards out from
each post and 10 yards up from the goal line. There is no half way line;
rather there is a floating circle of 5 yards in radius in the center of the
field. It is recommended to keep a supply of balls in back of the goal and
on the touchlines and players should be made aware to use the balls instead
of chasing them to ensure speed of the game and flow of the game. The
suggested goal dimensions are 5’x15” however these are suggested sizes and
anything within a foot of these dimensions will suffice. (Diagram will be
posted on the website)
No Super teams:
if you know you have a
stronger team let the opposing coach know so they can adjust their team to
ensure a balance to make it enjoyable for both sides. It is not about the
winning it is about the experience and about the touches on the ball.
United States Youth Soccer Association has exhaustively studied and researched youth soccer in terms of: enjoyment, physical safety, player development- physical, psychological, cognitive, technical, and tactical. These soccer guidelines follow child cognitive development used for education. The answer is the use of age appropriate small sided games!
The implementation of small sided games is being carried out in state associations across the country. This is the direction to best develop our young soccer players and to ensure a positive, fun environment for them.
First, let’s understand the meaning of "Small-Sided Games". These are soccer games with fewer players competing on a smaller sized field. These are fun games that involve the players more, because one ball is being shared by fewer players.
Here are some of the reasons why it is imperative to play the small sided format
• Because we want our young soccer players to make more, less-complicated decisions during the game! (Tactical development)
• Because we want our young soccer players to be more physically efficient in the field space they are playing in! (Reduced field size)
• Because we want our young soccer players to have more individual teaching time with the coach! Less players on the field will guarantee this!
• Because we want our young soccer players to have more, involved playing time in the game! (More opportunity to solve problems that only the game presents)
• Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunity to play on both sides of the ball! (More exposure to attacking and defending situations)
• Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to score goals! (Pure excitement)
These are the reasons why we adults must foster "Small-Sided Games" in our youth soccer programs. The "Small-Sided" environment is a developmentally appropriate environment for our young soccer players.
U-9 Fields
| Home Field | ENCO | Keystone United | |||
 |
 |
 |
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|
Holy Cross Lutheran |
ENCO Fields | CDL Fields 4 & 5 | |||
|
696 Johnson Rd
Nazareth, PA 18064
|
Sullivan Trail (or Route 115) Forks Pa |
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| Spring 2010 Schedules | |||||
| Date | Team A | Team B | Team C | Team D | |
