Contributed by Justin Marriott.Director - Soccer Division, USA Sport Group.
This spring saw the beginning of a seismic shift in youth soccer here in NJ. One of the major youth soccer leagues, Mid-New Jersey (with over 1000 teams), has introduced the option of U11 and U12 playing 8v8 games, rather than 11v11 for fall 2012.
I stress “option” and not “mandate”. While disappointing that they have not mandated this, it is a real step in the right direction.
I stress “option” and not “mandate”. While disappointing that they have not mandated this, it is a real step in the right direction.
- From Maryland State Youth SA discussing the additional time on the ball that is afforded to players in 8v8, click here.
- From the BBC reporting English Football Association on playing on smaller fields and in shorter seasons, click here.
- From Somerset Hills SC, one of USA’s largest Travel Team Training clients:
“MNJYSA will allow U11 and U12 teams to play small sided (8v8) this coming year and it appears that this will be mandated for the 2013-2014 seasonal year. Many other local clubs (Summit, Watchung Hills, Scotch Plains, and New Providence) will be doing the same thing. Developmentally this is the best way to successfully help players improve skills and understanding of the game. We are excited to offer this option and want to do what is right for our players.”
I agree with small sided but optional is making this an absolute mess. Nobody knows who is going to go full sided or stay small sided. How far are you going to have to travel to find a small sided team to play against. There are many teams in NJ that are now in a state of flux with tryouts-so I take extra players to go full sided or don't add any and stay small sided. Either mandate it or not.
ReplyDeleteI'm a U-11 coach in central NJ and playing small sided this year and I'm also in a state of flux whether to stay small sided or go full side for the 2013/2014 season.I can see that my players have done well playing on the smaller field at this age but I'm afraid I may loose some or all of my stronger players if I stay small sided because parents feel its time for their son play on a full sided field. I think parents need to be educated on the benefits of their U-12 boys playing small sided. This will help coaches to make the right decision for their teams and the kind of players on the team.
DeleteWe agree. Also, with half the teams playing 11v11 and half playing 8v8 the standard of play between teams will be less consistent, probably leading to some lop-sided results.
ReplyDelete