2. Developing a Childrens Football Vision Whole Game Player Development

3. To devise a modern and child-based approach to youth football in England. To develop formats of football that allow children to play in structures that give them the best opportunity to reach their potential and stay within football. To develop pitch guidelines that are driven by what is best for the child and their technical development whilst being conscious of realistic delivery implications. To offer a variety of approaches to dealing with the relative age effect that age-banding for competition brings. Key challenges for the future

4. The Landscape Coaching Strategy International Team Development Whole Game approach to international team success Young player development Elite Player Performance Plan 1 3 24

5. Developing a Whole Game Vision

6. Consultation and Research All eight County FA regions, inc. CFA CEOs Over 300 Youth Clubs 100s of Grassroots Coaches and Teachers 200+ Youth Leagues 44 groups of 8-12 year old Children FA National and Regional coaches Premier League and Football League Academy staff Academic books and research articles Football experts and child development experts Other European countries

7. Formats of the Game Formats of the Game Competition Mini Soccer

8. Research from around the country has highlighted a number of different aspects: - Children are starting formats too big for them too early - The jump from 7v7 to 11v11 is huge for many children - Going onto full-size pitches at U11 is not child-centred Further research from the National Game Strategy has highlighted: - 2.4m children want to get better at the game Overview

9. AgeHollandSpainGermanyFrance/Italy U74 v 47 v 75 v 5 to 7 v 75 v 5 U87 v 7 5 v 5 to 7 v 75 v 5 U97 v 7 U107 v 7 U117 v 7 or 9 v 97 v 77 v 7 or 9 v 97 v 7 U129 v 98 v 8 or 9 v 97 v 7 or 9 v 99 v 9 U139 v 9 or 11 v 118 v 8 or 9 v 97 v 7, 9 v 9 or 11 v 11 9 v 9 U1411 v 11 7 v 7, 9 v 9 or 11 v 11 11 v 11 U1511 v 11 U1611 v 11 Overseas information

11. Academic research Research has been conducted in a number of different academic institutions upon the value of small-sided games and the benefits they bring to player development. For example, Manchester Metropolitan University (2002/03 season), found that when compared to 8v8 they found that 4v4 had; Number of passes – increase of 135% Scoring attempts – increase of 260% Number of goals scored – increase of 500% Number of 1v1 encounters – increase of 225% Number of dribbling skills (tricks) – increase of 280%

12. Age Format (maximum)Pitch Size (yards)Goal Size (feet) 7 5 v 530x20 to 40x3012 x 6 8 5 v 530x20 to 40x3012 x 6 9 7 v 750x30 to 60x4012 x 6 10 7 v 750x30 to 60x4012 x 6 11 9 v 970x40 to 80x5016 x 7 to 21 x 7 12 9 v 970x40 to 80x5016 x 7 to 21 x 7 13 11 v 1190x50 to 100x6021 x 7 to 24 x 8 14 11 v 1190x50 to 100x6021 x 7 to 24 x 8 15 11 v 1190x50 to 110x7024 x 8 16 11 v 1190x50 to 110x7024 x 8 17 11 v 1190x50 to 110x7024 x 8 18 11 v 1190x50 to 110x7024 x 8

13. - More involvement in the game for children - Children get better at understanding the game - Links to National Game Strategy - More opportunities to play - Potentially reduce drop out of teams at U10 to U11 age - Phased progression for learning and development

14. - More appropriate goal sizes for children - More appropriate pitch sizes for children - Retain options for minimum and maximum pitch sizes - Potentially keep more late-developers in the system - Children can always play up a year group - Increase touches, shots, dribbles etc. - More enjoyment from being involvement

17. Formats of the Game Competition Mini Soccer

18. Research from around the country has highlighted a number of interesting aspects: - Adult expectations and children expectations are very different - Models of adult football imposed on youth sector - No league tables in professional game until U18 - Children would rather have balance and even games than win by lots Overview