Mini-Soccer Handbook - The Football Association

Mini-Soccer: Meeting theNeeds of Children“The children are more importantthan the activities in which theyare engaged. The game is notthe thing, the child is.” PhysicalEducation for ages 5-16(Department of Educationand Science, August 1991).”The main theme throughoutMini-Soccer is to meet theneeds of children. Eleven-a-sideAssociation Football does notmeet those needs. Childrenneed a modified game that fitstheir needs; too often childrenare modified to meet therequirements of a game.Mini-Soccer modifiesassociation football withoutlosing the essence of thegame. Mini-Soccer modifiesAssociation Football withoutlosing the essence of the game.Mini-Soccer is the appropriateintroduction to football. Allavailable research andobservation shows that childrenwill have more fun and learnmore playing a game with smallerteams and modified rules.Mini-Soccer is, therefore, agame children can actuallyplay rather than struggling tounderstand a game createdfor adults.If children are to enjoy and takepart in soccer they need to:• Feel success• Take an active part inthe game• Learn to play as a team• Understand the Laws• Develop soccer skills• Be able to take part whatevertheir ability• Develop fitnessMini-Soccer sets out to meetthose needs. Mini-Soccer setsout to meet those needs. Itallows children to succeedand take part in somethingthat is still recognisably football.It allows children to succeedand take part in something thatis still recognisably football.2