In its attempt to develop and retain youth players and to make the game more fun and age appropriate, US Soccer included parameters for Small-Sided games in its Player Development Initiatives. The over-riding objective for developing implementing these standards is to make the way the game is taught and played consistent across the country.
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Develop improved skills with the ball.
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Improve confidence and comfort on the ball.
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Develop intelligence with and without the ball.
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Promote faster decisions and better awareness
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Develop partnerships within the team
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Provide an age appropriate environment.
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Standards align with physiological needs and cognitive abilities of players based on their year of birth
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Uniformity across the country and across membership.
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Below is the chart setting forth the parameters for Small-Sided Games. These parameters shall be implemented by all LSA-Affiliated Clubs by the 2017-2018 seasonal year.
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Adherence to these standards shall be accomplished to the best of a Club's abilities. Please note that Field Sizes are established in terms of a range. Further, goal sizes shown in the Small-Sided Games Chart above are maximum sizes and not absolute sizes. US Soccer clearly understands the financial and logistical difficulties associated with mandating specific and exact goal sizes.
Following are pages on the 4 v. 4 Small-Sided Game and the 7 v. 7 Small-Sided Game.