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American Youth Soccer Organization Providing world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.

Awesome Youth Soccer in Orange, CA

Small Sided Games

Why Small-Sided Soccer?

Small-sided soccer is about what is best for young soccer players. It's for AYSO coaches, referees, administrators, spectators, and anyone else concerned with the development of 5 to 12 year old soccer players

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 small-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.
  • Small-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.

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Contact Us

AYSO REGION 1335

PO Box 5523 
Orange, California 92863

Email Us: [email protected]
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