Why the Under 10 Age Group is So Important

Under 10 is a very important year of soccer. It is the last year before most players begin the 11 a-side game. We have to make sure that when players graduate from Under 10 they have the ability and skills to succeed quickly at Under 11 soccer….including the Premier-D1 Level, which MRYSL teams first enter at U-11.

Individual skills are the building blocks of soccer at all ages. But the change from 6 a-side soccer to 11 a-side is a big jump, and players need special help to make this move. In Spring of each year,beginning 2007,we will put on special training sessions designed to help players get used to the different style of play. Our U-11/12 will coaches take players up to 11 a-side games in a series of 'transition clinics', to build up the ideas of forwards, midfielders and defence, and moving the ball around the big field.

US YOUTH SOCCER GAME RECOMMENDATIONS:
Under 10’s play 6 vs. 6 (including a goalkeeper)
Field Size: 45 to 60 yds long X 35 to 45 yds wide

What is the Program?

The core of the Under 10 soccer program is 6 a-side mini-soccer every Saturday morning.
 
The core of the MRYSL Developmental Program for U-10 (d3) is twice a week “lessons” using our best Coaches and age-appropriate curriculum.
 

The new program will build on the 6 a-side base:

• Regular Academy skills development program for all players
• Regular coaches' development sessions
• "Getting ready for 11 a-side" Clinics in the Spring (2007)
• An accelerated skills program for the stronger players (Academy)