Smaller sided games for middle school Premier division

As a Players First organization, our goal is to keep as many kids playing for as long as possible. Not only does this align us with the Aspen Institute's goal to "Square the Pyramid" to keep kids in the game, it also follows many current European player development models. Soccer-focused countries like Spain and the Netherlands - and others - keep players at a 9v9 sized game up until about age 14. 

The benefits of smaller-sided games are widely known:

• Focus on technical skills rather than physicality
• Increased touches on the ball: fosters better ball control and confidence
• Practice decision-making skills: the faster-paced game lends itself to quick decision making, improving cognitive skills and an enhanced understanding of the game
• Balanced development: players have more opportunities to experience offensive and defensive roles, promoting a better understanding of multiple positions 

In addition, players who want to play in high school but don't want to play for their school team (or don't make the cut), or just want more soccer can play SFYS Varsity which plays an 8v8 format. And adult leagues often play 4v4, 8v8 or 9v9 formats, making the transition to life-long play even more seamless!

Implementing smaller-sided games in our middle school Premier division makes sense! We're helping to develop players in a game that is age-appropriate, and smaller games mean smaller rosters, making it easier for teams to keep playing without scrambling to find bodies to meet roster minimums. Even our more competitive teams can benefit from smaller-sided games. But you don't have to take our word for it...check out these articles for more info!

• Soccer America
• SoccerTAKE
• Player Development Project

If you are a middle school team and have been playing 11v11, during this transition year, you have the choice to keep playing 11v11 or make the move to 9v9. New middle school teams will play 9v9.