Transition to 9v9

This season sees us make the transition to one 9v9 match from two 7v7 matches.  With only 2 coaches, creating 2 teams was never an option, so a decision was made to reduce the squad size from 17 to 14.  This has been hanging over our heads for the latter end of the season but parents were spoken to and the squad for the season chosen.

Mini-soccer has been a great introduction to football for the children without the complication of offside, indirect freekicks and huge nets.  It encourages freedom and creativity, or at least it should do if the coaches and parents let them play!  As a team, we have always encouraged children to express themselves and not to worry about making mistakes.  After 3 years of playing the ball out from the back, I would say they are now all comfortable on the ball in pressured situations.  This can only stand them in good stead for the future.

So how will they cope with 9v9?  An extra 20 mins per match compared to last season should be interesting, and so will the larger pitch.  Those players that covered every blade of grass in mini-soccer will have to be more disciplined to ensure they don't burn themselves out.  I spoke to a coach from another team and he spoke of having 2 training sessions a week, 1 for ball skills and another for fitness.  Personally, I don't think it's necessary.  If they're not fit at 10/11 year old, they never will be!

The pitch will be played penalty area to penalty area.  Touchline's and penalty areas will more than likely be marked out with markers or alternative coloured lines.  At our last managers meeting, it was suggested we have a dedicated 9v9 pitch, marked out correctly with permanent goalposts.  Obviously, this would be great but wouldn't be the end if it didn't happen.  If not, I'll be seeing which parents can cone out a straight touchline (should be fun for those who've been out the night before!).

Seeing the gulf between England's current U21's and other countries, things needed to change.  The FA are moving in the right direction and it will only take time.  But the Youth Development Review will make things better and hopefully the gap smaller.  It's going to take time and coaches need to be fully behind the changes and make them happen effectively.