
OLDER GROUPS The game can be started in the same way so players get to know the area they are playing in. A football should be introduced quicker into sessions with older/more able players. Ideas for older groups: Split the Players into teams e.g. 4 teams of 3 who can only score by making either a pass into, or through the square (there will be a player in the square who has to stop anybody receiving the ball inside or through it) Add tacklers into the game who can go anywhere and tackle players. They get a goal for every tackle or interception they make Progress to a game situation with two games going on across each other. Must pass either into or through the house before scoring e.g. in this game it is yellows v reds and blues v oranges Coaching points: When is the best time to pass through? Execution of pass needs to be easy enough to control because you donât get a point for a bad pass Change Tacklers/Middle man every so often
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
Deliberate heading is now out of U11 grassroots matches. Here is how to coach chest, thigh and foot control so your players still win the ball in the air.
Long-range goals doubled at the 2026 World Cup as teams sat deep. Here is how to coach when to shoot from distance, the technique, and the follow-up.
Under FutureFit, your Under-9s stay at 5v5, your Under-11s stay at 7v7 and your Under-13s stay at 9v9. Same pitch, same numbers, one more year. Here is how to make sure that year feels like a step forward rather than a repeat.