| Small Sided Game: (Mini Soccer) | |
| Mini-Soccer is the real game. Dependant on the age group, the number of players and the size of pitch can vary from 4 versus 4 for the youngest players to 7 versus 7 for Under 10's, played on appropriate sized pitches. The goal size for all age groups is 12ft by 6ft (3.6m by 1.8m). | |
| One of the Football Association's key aims is to maximise and encourage participation in the game, irrespective of sex, age or ability. Part of the FA's Charter for Quality programme places emphasis on developing the best playing opportunities for all players to ensure that football remains the most popular- and fun- sport of all. | |
| At the grass roots level, the main vehicles for increasing participation and maximising enjoyment are Mini-Soccer and the Charter Standard Programme. One of the main aims of the Mini-Soccer Scheme is to ensure that children have a more enjoyable experience of playing football from a young age and develop their skills in a non-competitive environment. | |
| At the start of the season 1999/2000, the Football Association deemed it necessary and appropriate to change the rules, making small sided games mandatory for all children at all levels up to and including the academic Year 5 (Under 10's). | |
| Therefore, the only form of affiliated football for boys and girls aged under 7 through to Under 10 is Mini-Soccer. This has been achieved after a long period of consultation with all aspects of children's Football and County Football Associations. | |
| The Junior league is currently running a mini-soccer festival at the JJB in Manchester, involving some 50 plus teams at under 7 and 8. | |
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Courtesy of Cheshire County FA |
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