March 24, 2004

Small Sided Games 2004

In August 2002, US Youth Soccer's 55 State Associations unanimously approved changes to the policy on players and playing rules that will affect the game for players under age 12. Beginning September 1, 2003, the new rule for Small Sided Games mandated by US Youth Soccer states:

U6 = 3 v 3 strongly recommended, no more than 4 v 4 No goalkeepers
U8 = 4 v 4 strongly recommended, no more than 5 v 5 No goalkeepers
U10 = 6 v 6 strongly recommended, no more than 7 v 7 Goalkeepers
U12 = 8 v 8 strongly recommended, no more than 11 v 11 Goalkeepers
U13+ = 11 v 11 Goalkeepers

For playing rules and guidelines: www.usyouthsoccer.org