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Mini-Soccer embraces the concept of fun and enjoyment which is vital if children are to develop a lifelong love for soccer.
What is Mini Soccer?
The principles and rules of Mini-Soccer are similar to those in 11 aside Soccer, except that the pitches are smaller
and there are fewer players on each team. Depending on the age group, number of players, size of pitch, and goal
size the game can vary from 3v3 for the youngest to 8v8 for the oldest at the age of 12.
Benefits of Small- Sided Soccer
- More touches of the ball to increase participation and enjoyment
- Fewer players on the pitch meaning simpler decisions and better understanding
- Smaller fields meaning greater concentration and interest among participants
- More individual success leads to more children playing. In the long term, this leads to sustained participation levels beyond this age group
Getting involved with Mini-Soccer
There are a number of ways for children to become involved in Mini-Soccer.
Clubs
By joining a local Club, children will be able to take part, in regular games and coaching programmes.
Festivals
These provide a popular format for districts and clubs who come together at a central venue with teams playing a small number of games on a friendly basis. Results are not kept and the importance is placed on fun and enjoying the next game without the pressure of league tables.
Organization
- All youth districts shall administer Mini-Soccer leagues and programs under the BCSA regulations
- Districts and clubs are expected to form teams from all registrants each year in a manner which is "non-selective". No teams should retain all players from the previous year, thereby making a select team.
- In all mini-soccer divisions, emphasis shall be placed on fun, sportsmanship, education, skill development, and respect for teammates, opponents and referees
- For further details of the Mini-Soccer Plan in your area or, opportunities for children to play Mini-Soccer contact your local Youth District.
Keeping Mini-Soccer Simple
The game of Mini-Soccer provides the best environment for youth players to develop soccer skills and techniques. When coaching, officiating or parenting remember to keep the game simple. Over complicating things can loose the flow of the game in turn inhibiting a player’s development. Encourage the players to discover the love of the game through the game.
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In November 2007, for the first time, the BCSA has designed a 8 week training program for Under 6 – Under 9’s and a 16 week training program for Under 10 – Under 12 year old players. This will provide a complete training curriculum for our mini coaches. The purpose of the Coaches Handbook is to assist our coaches in standardizing the complete training session within your club or district. Whether young players choose soccer as a lifelong sport is determined to a high degree by the content of the training program.
To improve the standard and quality of play, we must work hard, together to develop coaching and teaching techniques that will enhance the delivery of every session. With our young players, each session requires careful planning, preparation, good organization and of course quality information that will assist our young players to learn the game.
Included in our handbook is information on preparation, organization, coaching techniques, recommended training session structure and the players and coaches code of conduct. It also includes the complete 8 week training program for Under 6 to Under 9 aged players and the 16 week Under 10 to Under 12 aged players.
The BCSA Grassroots Department have conducted two educational sessions with Club Head Clubs / Technical Directors, who in turn will be able to present this program to the coaches within their respective clubs.
CLICK HERE for a listing for the BC Club Head Coaches and Technical Directors.
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For more information on Parent Education from the British Columbia Soccer Association - CLICK HERE
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For more information on the BCSA Grassroots Program please contact:
Mark Parker
Senior Staff Coach / Director of Grassroots Development
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