What format will my child play at each age?

Question

Accepted Answer

SAFA's grassroots material uses small-sided games that grow with the children, from 4-a-side without goalkeepers up to 9-a-side:

Age	Formats
6-8 years	4v4 without goalkeepers, 4v4 with goalkeepers (3 + 1), 5v5
9-10 years	As above, plus 7v7
11-12 years	As above, plus 9v9 (8v8 also used in tournaments)

Smaller games mean more touches and decisions: the material notes players touch the ball five times more often in 4-a-side than in 11-a-side, and about 50% more in 7-a-side. Boys and girls play together.