Young soccer players need special consideration.

• They are children playing a child’s game.
• They must be regarded as young children, not mini adults.
• They are essentially self-oriented and relate naturally to one or two others, not to large groups.
• Fun and activity factors must be a central part of a child-centered program.

Educators agree early learning experiences are the most important and produce the most retention.

• Most children cannot sustain prolonged activity.
• They function best in suitable starts and stops (rest periods).
• Concentration span is limited, so frequent changes of pace and activity are essential.

Children love to learn.

• They learn a great deal more when the ratio of teacher (coach) to student (player) is reduced.
• With small numbers and the simple nature of the game, the best teacher is the game itself.
• With fewer players on the field, each player gets more touches of the ball and has greater opportunity to change location in a fast-flowing, fluid game.
• Playing short-sided allows players to make simpler decisions and develop an earlier, better understanding of organization of play.
• Smaller fields mean more players are directly involved in play, creating increased levels of both concentration and interest.
• The reduced field size encourages more shots on goal by all players, therefore more goals scored.

Residual benefits.

• Parents are introduced to the game in smaller, more understandable doses.
• Short-sided soccer is a great place to train new referees.
• The rest of the world is playing short-sided, and we are part of the soccer world.