The principles and rules of Small Sided-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 Small-Sided Soccer

There are a number of ways for children to become involved in Small-Sided Soccer.

Clubs

By joining a local Club, children will be able to take part, in regular games and coaching programs.

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 Small-Sided Soccer leagues and programs under the BC Soccer 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 small-sided soccer divisions, emphasis shall be placed on fun, sportsmanship, education, skill development, and respect for teammates, opponents and referees
- For further details of the Small-Sided Soccer Plan in your area or, opportunities for children to play Small-Sided Soccer contact your local Youth District.

Keeping Small-Sided Soccer Simple

The game of Small-Sided 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.   

In November 2007, for the first time, BC Soccer has designed an 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 BC Soccer has 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.

CLICK HERE for more information on Parent Education from BC Soccer.      

 

Grassroots Information	Document Links
Benefits of Small Sided Games	CLICK HERE
Goal Post Safety	CLICK HERE
Player Assessment Form	CLICK HERE
Player Selection via an Evaluation Process (U11 & U12)	CLICK HERE
Small Sided Rules	CLICK HERE
Small Sided Phases of Training - Cycle Training Example	CLICK HERE
Small Sided Phases of training - Mini Cycle Training	CLICK HERE
The Responsible Coach - Code of Conduct	CLICK HERE