PLAYER DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE - SMALL SIDED
The Wyoming Soccer Board of Directors voted to implement the small side format August 1, 2015. Small sided games will encourage an environment of constant play, allowing more opportunities for tactical decision making and touches on the ball. All players will benefit from these changes, but change is always difficult and presents unique challenges for our members that must plan fields, schedules and answer questions from parents and coaches.
The below standards were recently announced by US Soccer as recommendations for small sided games. These recommendations are based on the input from US Soccer’s Youth Member’s Technical Leadership group, and feedback provided by Directors of Coaches.
| Age |
Game |
Field Size
Length Range |
Field Size
Width Range |
Roster Size |
| U6 |
4v4 |
25-35 |
15-25 |
No more than 6* |
| U7 |
4v4 |
25-35 |
15-25 |
No more than 6* |
| U8 |
4v4 |
25-35 |
15-25 |
No more than 6* |
| U9 |
7v7 |
55-65 |
35-45 |
No more than 12 |
| U10 |
7v7 |
55-65 |
35-45 |
No more than 12 |
| U11 |
9v9 |
70-80 |
45-55 |
No more than 16 |
| U12 |
9v9 |
70-80 |
45-55 |
No more than 16 |
* 4v4 soccer is meant to be played in a less structured environment in order to maximize fun and participation; thus, players eight-years-old and younger should play without formal teams and rosters. Conducting play through in-house programs with flexible and fluid teams is the best approach.
Wyoming Soccer Association understands that implementing the changes can be difficult and frustrating.
We have provided a complete Chart of Standards below as a quick and easy reference point for our members.