In 1999 Mini-soccer was implemented as the form of football for Children Under 10 years of age. Girls and boys are introduced to the game on smaller pitches, smaller goals and fewer players.
The aim is to provide a quality experience for all players at all levels. The Football Association deem Mini-soccer as the most appropriate and fun introduction to football. It allows greater involvement in the game, with more touches on the ball, dribbles and passes.
Mini Soccer has now been extended to Under 11 years of age. The FA has also sanctioned the extension of small sided games up to U14, but where they follow the laws of the 11v11 game with a few differences relating to pitch & goal size, substitutes and game duration.
Typically team sizes increase the older the child gets: Under 7/8 - 4v4, 5v5, 6v6 or 7v7 Under 8/7/11 - 6v6 or 7v7 Under 11/12/13/14 - 9v9
