We’ve posted previously about the new 9v9 football goals that are part of the Football Assocation’s Youth Development Review. Today, we’ll take a closer look at the other upcoming changes, including the recommended pitch dimensions and goal sizes for youth football.
The aim of the FA’s Youth Development Review was to create a clearer pathway for young players as they progress through each format of the game. As players grow older and learn their skills, they will now use a more appropriately sized pitch and goal to suit their age and ability. This improved progression means that 10 year old’s no longer need to use a full size pitch with full size goals – helping them to focus on developing skills and technique rather than fitness and stamina.
Smaller sided versions of football have numerous benefits to players:
- Players have more touches of the ball that help develop their skills.
- More dribbling opportunities and one-on-one practice.
- More shots on goal.
- Greater involvement in the game.
- All of which combine to create more enjoyment.
The FA’s new football ‘road map’ will be phased in over the next few years. In 2013/14 initial changes will kick in, with the 2014/15 seasons introducing the final, mandatory changes. The changes introduce smaller sided games for younger players.
We’ve summarised these changes for you below:
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The new football pathway creates a clearer journey for players as the get older. Pitch sizes increase, as do the size of the goals they play with. 9v9 football has been created to bridge the gap, when young players were previously expected to leap up to a full size pitch with full size senior football goals.
Other points worth noting are that terms such as ‘Mini Soccer’ look set to be replaced by more blanket term “Youth Football”, that encompasses “5v5”, “7v7” and “9v9”. Also, if you’re used to 5-a-side football goals being 4 foot high, now’s the time to take a look at how these changes will affect your football team!
In summary, the full pathway as players progress through the game will look like this:
| Age | Format | Pitch Size | Ball Size | Goal Size |
| Under 7’s | 5v5 | 40×30 | 3 | 12×6 |
| Under 8’s | 5v5 | 40×30 | 3 | 12×6 |
| Under 9’s | 7v7 | 60×40 | 3 | 12×6 |
| Under 10’s | 7v7 | 60×40 | 4 | 12×6 |
| Under 11’s | 9v9 | 80×50 | 4 | 16×7 * |
| Under 12’s | 9v9 | 80×50 | 4 | 16×7 * |
| Under 13’s | 11v11 | 90×55 | 4 | 21×7 |
| Under 14’s | 11v11 | 90×55 | 4 | 21×7 |
| Under 15’s | 11v11 | 100×60 | 5 | 24×8 |
| Under 16’s | 11v11 | 100×60 | 5 | 24×8 |
| Under 17’s | 11v11 | 110×70 | 5 | 24×8 |
| Under 18’s | 11v11 | 110×70 | 5 | 24×8 |
If you’re unsure which goal sizes you require, or have a question about any of our football goals, please contact us on 01858 545789 and we’d be happy to advise.