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Small Sided Soccer
The U8 game across the United States is being played in a much
different way now than it was even 5 years ago. U.S. Youth Soccer and
now Massachusetts Youth Soccer have adopted a format of 4v4 or 5v5 for
their younger players. The reasons for going to the small sided game
is to get all players fully involved in the game in a way that is
developmentally appropriate for younger children. Two weblinks you may
like to check are ones from U.S.
Youth Soccer and from Better Soccer, More
Fun, which offers many practice games and really presents a good
feeling for what coaches of younger players should be trying to do.
Also, coaches should know about Melrose Youth Soccer's own coach page,
which has lots of material that you should check out.
MYS Rules for U-8 Soccer
- The Game will consist of four periods of twelve minutes. Players
can be substituted on any stoppage of play (throw in, free kick or end
of period).
- Each team will have four (4) players on the field during the game
(no goalie).
- Neither the offensive or defensive players are allowed in the goal
crease. The idea here is to get all players fully involved.
Defensive players should not be worried about "guarding" the goal, but should
move up as part of the offense, and come back to cover when that is necessary.
- If the ball comes to a complete stop inside the
goal crease or the ball crosses the end line the defensive team will get a free
kick. The opposing team must then retreat back to the center line
until the ball is put back into play.
- There are no penalty kicks or direct free kicks (shooting directly on goal) in U8 soccer.
- Only soccer cleats or sneakers will be accepted by
the referees; i.e., no football or baseball cleats. Shin guards are required to play.
- Jewelry can not be worn during the game; e.g., earrings, watches,
necklaces, etc.
- The U8 soccer ball size is #3.
PLEASE do not run up the score. If you find
that your team is winning by more than a couple of goals, please institute a
rule that forces players to make a certain number of passes before they can
shoot. Put your great scorer on defense for a while. The object of U8 soccer is
player development -- keep it fun for everyone!
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