Small-Sided Games ( Blue Sombrero Premium 4.2 )

Small Sided Games

U.S. Youth Soccer recommended that all states move to a small sided game format based upon stages of development for youth (psychomotor, cognitive, and pyschosocial). In the fall of 2004 Florida Youth Soccer Association implemented small sided games for all sanctioned clubs. Since that time, the CCSA has been gradually phasing in small sided game play. After much feedback from the pilot 3v3 program in U6 this fall, and the experiences over the past two years with the U8 Jamboree playing 4v4, we have decided to fully implement small sided games within all of our programs.

Based upon this current research, the small sided game creates more skillful and confident players. In terms of player development, the ability to repeatedly contact the ball and experience basic tactical problems is directly related to fun and enjoyment. Children gain experience in all phases of the game because there is no hiding or a dominant player hogging the ball. Every child has to participate in all facets of the game, both attacking and defending, with the emphasis on PLAYER DEVELOPMENT.

Small sided Links

Small-Sided Rules

Why Small-Sided Games?

Small-Sided in U.S.

Small-Sided Internationally

WHY SOCCER?

US Youth Soccer continues its mission to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition.

Over 18 percent of children are overweight in America and over 60 percent of children who are overweight will go on to be overweight adults.

Soccer offers a fun, creative way for kids to be active. An hour of casual soccer for a 100 pound person can burn over 330 calories. Children can also learn important lessons about teamwork, sportsmanship and build self-esteem.

The Cape Coral Soccer Association (CCSA) is often times asked by it's membership where their Recreation Registration Fees are being spent? The CCSA due to their dedicated volunteers are capable of keeping the fees at a minimum. The following are some of the items and areas in which your fees are off setting CCSA expenses.

* Salary of Coordinator of Youth Development
* Wages of CCSA Field Maintenance Person
* Referee Fees
* Uniforms
* Fabrication/Purchase of Goals & Benches
* Nets
* Field Flags
* Field Paint
* Striping Machines
* Fall Festival Expenses
* Trophies/Medals
* Coaches Shirts, Cones, Balls, Air Pumps
* Office Supplies & Equipment
* Printing Costs
* Mailing Costs
* Audio/Speaker System installed @ the Cape Coral Sports Complex
* Lightning Detection Devices at all fields
* CCSA website powered by Blue Sombrero

Best Practices

The CCSA is committed to developing quality soccer players. Therefore, we are following the guidelines set by U.S. Youth Soccer for player development called "Best Practices". This document outlines curriculum, and developmentally appropriate activities for each age group. Although many think that we should teach "adult soccer" as early as possible, in fact, young children are not ready for the physical and mental demands of 11v11 game play. It's equivalent to asking a first grader to read a newspaper because that is what a child will need to do as an adult. It works in theory, but in practice a child needs to start with learning the alphabet, and basic reading before we can give them a newspaper. The objective of small-sided games is a stair step approach for young players to grow into the adult game of 11v11. As part of the last FIFA survey, every country in the world is playing some form of small sided games.

Equipment: Parents will need to supply shin guards, cleats, water bottle and a soccer ball. Size 3 balls for U8 division, size 4 balls for U10. Equipment and accessories can be purchased from the CCSA online club store.