trousers Posted 28 May, 2012 Share Posted 28 May, 2012 Good news...the FA at last wakes up to a sensible policy for youth football in this country....no more hoof ball for U11s and U12s on pitches that are far too big for them. FA Shareholders today voted in new Youth Development proposals by an overwhelming 87 per cent majority. The Shareholders, present at today’s AGM at Wembley, voted to bring in a new player pathway for football to include a mandatory 5v5 format of football for U7s and U8s and a 9v9 format for U11 and U12s to be phased in by season 2014-15. The changes passed have been developed over a number of years, with research and over two years of consultation across the game. Nick Levett, National Development Manager, said: “After 138 roadshows nationwide it was fantastic to get the endorsement of the majority of the grassroots football community. “These changes are a massive step forward for the future of children’s football in this country.” Introducing 5v5 for U7s and U8s, with progression to 7v7 and then 9v9, allows the children to play on appropriate size pitches and with appropriate size goals. The smaller pitch and number of players allows greater number of touches of the ball and involvement in the game, helping develop greater technical skills at a lower age. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Give it to Ron Posted 28 May, 2012 Share Posted 28 May, 2012 Ok I know the philosophy and applaud that - however what no-one can tell me is if the councils will now build 9v9 pitches for them to play on? Will they charge less than they do know? We pay £35-50 for a pitch for certain grounds...how will we afford that with potentially 3 players less in the squad and parents subs, signing on fees and match fees? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 28 May, 2012 Author Share Posted 28 May, 2012 Ok I know the philosophy and applaud that - however what no-one can tell me is if the councils will now build 9v9 pitches for them to play on? Will they charge less than they do know? We pay £35-50 for a pitch for certain grounds...how will we afford that with potentially 3 players less in the squad and parents subs, signing on fees and match fees? Agree that there are logistical challenges but surely finding the solution to these stumbling blocks has got to be preferable to the way we disregard what's best for kids' development at such a crucial age? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 28 May, 2012 Share Posted 28 May, 2012 I honestly don't think the problems are with 11vs11 or pitxch size but more to do with the whole attitude of youth football. My sons just finished his first season at under 11 (playing 11 aside) he has an excellent coach who is more intrested in the boys playing football the right way than winning. Sadly from what I've seen far to many managers/coaches (and quite a few parents) seem obessed with winning at all costs hence the Westham style long hoof to the quick kid upfront which, while not very good football, is very effective at winning games at youth level. The best teams in tyro league one (under 11s) this season were big units with quick frontmen that won't change by just having less players on small pitches (in fact long ball on small pitches will be even more effective) I don't think there is anything wrong with playing 11 vs 11 that's how the game is played. What's needed is less emphasis on winning and more emphasis on having fun and learning to play good football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 28 May, 2012 Author Share Posted 28 May, 2012 I honestly don't think the problems are with 11vs11 or pitxch size but more to do with the whole attitude of youth football. My sons just finished his first season at under 11 (playing 11 aside) he has an excellent coach who is more intrested in the boys playing football the right way than winning. Sadly from what I've seen far to many managers/coaches (and quite a few parents) seem obessed with winning at all costs hence the Westham style long hoof to the quick kid upfront which, while not very good football, is very effective at winning games at youth level. The best teams in tyro league one (under 11s) this season were big units with quick frontmen that won't change by just having less players on small pitches (in fact long ball on small pitches will be even more effective) I guess that remains to be seen. My hunch is that it will go some way to achieving the aim of encouraging closer control and passing. I certainly noticed a change in mentality - both from players and managers - when my lad's team went from small U10 pitches to full size U11 pitches. The quality of football on display deteriorated (not insignificantly) at a time where it should have improved. Ok, I accept there are many factors at play here, not just pitch sizes, but it's a significant contributory factor IMO. The smaller pitches and teams seems to work in other (more successful) parts of Europe so I'm all for giving it a go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 28 May, 2012 Share Posted 28 May, 2012 I guess that remains to be seen. My hunch is that it will go some way to achieving the aim of encouraging closer control and passing. I certainly noticed a change in mentality - both from players and managers - when my lad's team went from small U10 pitches to full size U11 pitches. The quality of football on display deteriorated (not insignificantly) at a time where it should have improved. Ok, I accept there are many factors at play here, not just pitch sizes, but it's a significant contributory factor IMO. The smaller pitches and teams seems to work in other (more successful) parts of Europe so I'm all for giving it a go. Wierdly I'd say my sons football improved from going to 11 aside, mostly becuase he is a defender, being in a proper unit of 5 and having the offside rule was far better for his development. Instead of being forced to man mark goal hangers (as he had at under 10s) he was able to actually cross the half way line and play like a proper fullback. The large pitch also quickly quashed the Mardonna style take on everyone type players who realised they couldn't beat 7-8 players the way they'd beaten 3-4 in smaller games on smaller pitches and that passing the football up field was quicker and more effective....I think it has a lot to do with coaching rather than looking for magic fixes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 28 May, 2012 Author Share Posted 28 May, 2012 Yep, deffo lots of factors at play and, yep, the current system works ok if you've got decent coaches across the board....but that'a a different thread altogether... :-) Maybe the Spanish et al are wrong and we're right....who knows.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 28 May, 2012 Share Posted 28 May, 2012 Yep, deffo lots of factors at play and, yep, the current system works ok if you've got decent coaches across the board....but that'a a different thread altogether... :-) Maybe the Spanish et al are wrong and we're right....who knows.... Well I think Chelsea have just proved that tippy tappy stuff is no match for 11 men behind the ball and a long punt down field Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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