US Youth Soccer Official Under 10 Playing Recommendations

Law 1 - Field of Play

Length - 45-60 yards Width - 35-45 yards

Markings - center circle - 8 yards diameter

Goal area - FIFA Penalty area - 10 yards from goalposts out 10 yards

Penalty spot - 8 yards from goal line

Goals - 6 feet by 18 feet OR smaller as decided by club

Law 2 - Ball - size 4

Law 3 - Number of players - 6 including goalkeeper

Substitutions - at any stoppage and unlimited

Playing time - every player plays minimum 50% of the game

Law 5 - Referee - assigned by club +/- linesmen

Law 7 - Duration of Match - 2x25 minute halves, 5 minute half time

Law 8 - Start of game - FIFA, opposition minimum 8 yards from ball

Law 11 - Offside - YES

Law 12 - Fouls - FIFA except that there is NO KEEPER PUNTING – ONLY THROWING the ball out of the penalty area.

Law 13 - Free kicks - FIFA - opposition must be 8 yards away minimum

Advantages of playing small sided games

>more time with the coach

>energetic workouts due to playing both offense and defense

>more efficient use of field space

>matches can be played simultaneously across a full-size field

>children are physically more efficient in smaller space

>children are actively involved for a longer period of time

>greater success rate for the players

US Youth Soccer Recommendations

*opposing coaches, players and parents should shake hands after each match

*parents, coaches and spectators should be there to enjoy and encourage the activity of the youngsters

*spectator and team benches should be on opposite sides of the field

*coaches of U10 and U12 teams should attend the U10/12 youth module coaching course