Recreational Soccer

Recreational soccer is characterized by the absence of team try-outs. Anyone who registers for recreational
soccer is placed on an age/sex appropriate team without regard for skill or experience and everyone
plays approximately equal time.
U5 & 6 Play 3 VS 3 -No Goalkeeper
U8 Play 4 VS 4 - No Goalkeeper
U10 Play 6 VS 6 With a Goalkeeper
U12 Play 8 VS 8 With a GoalkeeperU13 and up play 11 VS 11
All games are played on age appropriate size field and goals
 

Positive Parenting for Youth Soccer
Parent Resource Library
Small Sided Games
 

Why Small-Sided Games?

Why Small-Sided Games?

US Youth Soccer has thought long and hard about the answer to the question,
"Why Small-Sided Games?"
What does "Small-Sided Games" mean? These are soccer games with fewer players
competing on a smaller sized field. These are fun games that involve the players more
because fewer players are sharing one ball.
All ages can play "Small Sided Games", but it has a definite developmental impact on our
younger soccer players. US Youth Soccer recommendations for "number of players" at
the various age groups are as follows:

U6 | 3 against 3 no goal keepers
U8 | 4 against 4 no goal keepers
U10 | 6 against 6 with goal keepers
U12 | 8 against 8 with goal keepers
U13+ | 11 against 11 with goal keepers

Here are some of the reasons why we believe, as soccer coaches, administrators and
parents must guarantee that our young soccer players play small-sided games:
1. Because we want our young soccer players to touch the soccer ball more often and
become more skillful with it! (Individual technical development)
2. Because we want our young soccer players to make more, less-complicated
decisions during the game! (Tactical development)
3. Because we want our young soccer players to be more physically efficient in the field
space they are playing in! (Reduced field size)
4. Because we want our young soccer players to have more individual teaching time
with the coach! Less players on the field and less players on the team will guarantee this!
(Need to feel worthy and need to feel important)
5. 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)
6. 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)
7. 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. It’s a FUN environment that focuses on the
young soccer player.
It just makes sense doesn’t it?