League affiliation and structure
The main theme throughout E.F.S.L. program is to meet the needs of children. Eleven-a-side Soccer does not meet those needs. Children need a modified game that fits their needs; too often children are modified to meet the requirements of a game. Small-Sided Soccer modifies soccer without losing the essence of the game. Small-Sided is the appropriate introduction to soccer. All available research and observation shows that children will have more fun and learn more playing a game with smaller teams and modified rules. Small-Sided Soccer is, therefore, a game children can actually play rather than struggling to understand a game created for adults.
If children are to enjoy and take part in soccer they need to:
• Feel success
• Take an active part in the game
• Learn to play as a team
• Understand the Laws
• Develop soccer skills
• Be able to take part whatever their ability
• Develop fitness
Small-Sided Soccer sets out to meet those needs. It allows children to succeed and take part in something that is still recognizably soccer.
Meeting the Needs of Children
Small-Sided Soccer recognizes the fact that younger children perform better in smaller teams with simple Laws.
Small-Sided Soccer, however, is more than another version of 11-a-side soccer for the following reasons:
• It recognizes that children do not perform as adults and therefore modified FIFA’s Laws, should meet the needs of children.
• It has all the features of ‘real’ soccer to children.
• It doesn’t set unrealistic expectations. Many adults do not know what can be expected of children and so emphasize the result at
the expense of performance. Small-Sided Soccer helps by defining the targets for children at different ages.
• It sets a standard and a framework for behavior on and off the pitch.
