The Florida Youth Soccer Association’s board of directors
decided to phase in changes to the playing numbers and formats for state
sponsored events. These
events include DC Cup, Tide American Cup, Regional Cup, and Chevy President’s
Cup.
The new guidelines will be phased in over the course of three years. We will begin with the U‑8 group in 2001 and change as this age group progresses. The new guidelines and the year they go into effect are as follows:
|
SEASON |
AgeTeam |
Size |
Goalkeepers |
Format |
|
2001-2002 |
U-8 |
4v4 |
No |
Festival |
|
2002-2003 |
U-9 |
6v6 |
Yes |
Festival |
|
2003-2004 |
U-10 |
6v6 |
Yes |
Festival |
|
2004-2005 |
U-11 |
8v8 |
Yes |
Competition |
· Numbers: When I first started coaching in Florida we played 11v11 on full‑sized fields and full goals. At some point, we decided this doesn’t make sense, so we made the numbers smaller and the field smaller. The players at a young age need simplified numbers. As we add players to the field, the game gets more complicated. Older coaches do this as they introduce topics to older players, so it would make sense to implement this for the overall game. The evolution of this process has brought us to 4v4 for the U‑8 player and 3v3 for the U‑6 player. We progress up to 6v6 for U‑10 players, 8v8 for U11 players and go to full‑side soccer at the U‑12 age group.
· Goalkeepers: We would not use goalkeepers at the U‑8 level, as we feel those players are not physically or psychologically able to deal U‑9 level and up, goalkeepers may be used but all players should take their turn in goal. Certainly if a player does not wish to do so, they should not be forced to.
· Format: A festival format is one where players should play a variety of teams but no standings and championship games should be played. Awards may be handed out but they should be for participation only. We feel competitive soccer should begin at the U‑11age group. Games will still be competitive but the result of the game should not be the primary factor at this stage of development.
Directors of coaching nationwide have been observing, researching, and modifying these ideas over the past three years. From our National staff down, we feel this is the appropriate way to go. Although this is currently in place only for state‑sponsored events, we would encourage clubs to try this format within their clubs and any tournaments they sponsor. We feel it is in the best interest of the players to let them develop in an appropriate manner.
We have to realize the game our younger players play is not the adult game. I applaud our board for its vision for our players. There are clubs in our state that are already following this program. They have found success and their players are progressing in this system at a faster rate. There are logistical concerns, for sure, but once you can get past them, we will all be better for it. These ideas are taught in our coaching courses and we would be glad to make presentations to any club that wishes to implement this within their club.
From June 2001 Touchline Vol17 Iss 6 http://www.fysa.com