Under 7 - 9

Recent changes in playing format

A newly developed player development pathway for lower age groups has been created under the FA's FutureFit changes, with the goal of providing youth players with more ball touches, increased game participation, and more opportunities to hone their technical talents. Under the previous format, Under 9s played 7v7 on a 55m × 37m pitch, while Under 7s and Under 8s played 5v5 on a 37m x 27m pitch. While under the updated pathway, Under 7s play 3v3 on a smaller field, Under 8s remain playing 5v5, and Under 9s switch from 7v7 to a 5v5 format. These adjustments are intended to give younger players more chances to dribble, pass, shoot, and score all of which are crucial for long-term player development as well as giving them more time on the ball and increase requirement for decision-making during games.

Under 7 - 9 Curriculam

At Under 7, the focus should be on developing basic mobility skills, fostering ball confidence, love of the game.and increase requirement for Players should be taught fundamental skills including dribbling, turning, ball mastery, passing, receiving, shooting, attacking and defending in 1v1 scenarios, as well as simple principles like attacking the opponent's goal and protecting their own. Sessions should be enjoyable, interactive, and game-based, including small-sided activities to help participants develop creativity, coordination, and decision-making skills.

As players progress to Under 9, these foundations can be strengthened further for the larger 7v7 games. Coaches should start imparting more tactical concepts, such as width, depth, support play, creating and denying space, basic positional responsibilities, and playing with teammates in units rather than as individuals. Technical skills should be honed under pressure, while players are educated to recognise simple game scenarios and make appropriate decisions. This development assists players in transitioning from an individual-focused game at Under 7 to a more team-oriented approach at Under 9, preparing them for the bigger pitch size, larger number of players, and more complicated tactical demands they would face.

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