UNITED STATES YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION PRESENTATION
For some of you in our program at the U7/U8/U9 level you will be approached or hear about other organizations in the area playing travel soccer at U9 or younger. Below you will find the theories we adopted from the United States Soccer Federation and the United States Youth Soccer Association and truly believe it the most stimulating environment so the players can grow, build confidence and express their autonomy, as well as the reasons why you should not play travel soccer at this crucial age group. It is important that if you are approached and if you don’t want to take our word for it research this with the USSF, USYSA, and our state organizations who are all firmly against Travel Soccer at the following ages. (U6,U7,U8,U9). Here are their websites www.ussoccer.com www.usyouthsoccer.org www.epysa.org also please visit one of our partners from England for more insight at www.giveusbackourgame.co.uk
Most countries in the world begin large sided at 12-14 years of age, there are some that play 11 v 11 at age 11, but it is rare and they are usually Academy teams (PROFESSIONAL YOUTH SECTOR TEAMS). However more and more the countries federations (Governing Bodies) are stepping in and sanctioning to ensure the small sided game is being played worldwide.
What we have to understand is that the fundamentals of the game prepare the players for the large sided game. Playing small sided ensures the fundamentals are being met (More touches on the ball, young players being forced to make decisions frequently and repetitively, the ability to express their autonomy) and these are vital components of the game for the player that they don’t get at 8v8 or 11v11 at the young ages.
If you take a 60 minute match at the ages we are discussing and break it down:
· 5 minutes for half time
· 15 minutes for the ball being out of bounds
· 8 minutes to allow for substitutions
· 6 minutes to allow for referee stoppages
Add them up and we have a 34 minute game. Let’s say you play in the local travel league at U9, you can travel in upwards of 1 hour each way and sometimes more. (Keep this in mind as we continue).
So we have a 34 minute match and let’s say you are playing 8v8 (not including Subs) on each team. So, 16 players in total are on the field. Now let’s say that everyone is at the same level on the field and the distribution of the ball is even between all 16 players. We want to figure out how much time each player has the ball at his/ her feet, which will relate to the amount of touches which links to the development of the 5 aspects of the game.
The amount of time each player has the ball at his/her feet is 2.1 minutes beginning to end. Remember this is not counting the substitutes and fantasizing that the ball is being distributed fairly amongst all players.
Let’s review! There are organizations that you will see advertised or you will be approached regarding U9 tryouts for travel football. This will be an 8v8 team with about 14 on a team. You will have to travel as far as 1 hour or more so you can see your young athlete touch the ball for 2.1 minutes and this is generous.
Dave Cartwright
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