HALF TIME ENTERTAINMENT

The Half Time Entertainment at this weeks home game against Ross County will involve two Local youth teams from the Dumfries and Galloway youth league. Heston Rovers and Lochar Thistle.

Kids will showcase a little 4v4 match which is now been adopted right across Scotland as part of the new National Player Pathway, which will see children of the same ages engaged in the same appropriate development pathway for their ages all across Scotland.

All young people playing recreational football will now follow the new National Player Pathway, which starts with small-sided games and grows with the child.

The Association researched best practice both in Scotland and across the world (Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Holland and Croatia amongst others) to produce a National Player Pathway that will fit into a Scottish context and help young players to reach their potential.

Research has shown the undoubted advantages of small sided games (more goals, more 1 v 1s, more successful passes, more touches) and some excellent work by youth leagues in Scotland has demonstrated the benefits of moving through small-sided games formats to the adult version of the game.

The National Player Pathway

Fun Fours (6-8 years old)

• March to November season
• Trophy free – festival basis
• Fun introduction to the game
• Simple rules – children referee themselves
• Size 3 ball
• 10 minute games with a maximum of four games

Soccer Sevens (9-12 years old)

• March to November season
• Trophy free – festival or fixture basis
• The rules change for each age group
• Retreating line at 10 years of age
• Pass back rule at 11 &12 years
• Two or three periods of play with increasing time allocations
• Size 4 ball

11-a-side (Under 13 onwards)

• Traditional season (August to June)
• Trophy football
• Normal Laws of the Game and the Constitution and Rules of the SYFA
• Increasing time allocation
• Size 4 ball

If any kids are interested in learning more you’ll find my contact details at the bottom. Any other info you need sir, give me a shout.

Best Regards, Robbie Totten.

Scottish Football Association, Football Development Officer Dumfries & Galloway

Email: Robbie.Totten@dumgal.gov.uk

http://www.positivecoachingscotland.com/