In May 2007, under the direction of US Youth Soccer, the UYSA Board of Directors approved new guidelines for Small Sided Games to be implemented. Although a majority of programs currently conform to the recommended guidelines for U-6 to U-10 age groups - the major change effects those players currently playing 8 v. 8 in the U-10 age group; and these players will now remain playing 8 v. 8 as they advance to the U-11 age group for the 2008-09 seasonal-year.

In an ongoing effort to address player development, these changes are essential to meeting the needs and growth of the world's game here in the United States. The foundation behind Small Sided Games is to provide our youth players at younger ages (U-6 to U-12) with an over-all better experience and exposure to soccer. This happens with more touches on the ball, continued development of technical skills, the application of technique to small-sided tactical situations, intuitive development through match transition, and ultimately, creating more goal-scoring opportunities, greater involvement in games for each player, and it's more FUN!

The following is a PowerPoint Presentation by State Technical Director Greg Maas. This presentation was provided by Coach Maas to our membership at the UYSA Soccer Fest March 2008. UYSA Small Sided Games