We have known for some time now there was going to be changes, so i have been running my eye over the sfa websites and finally we have got some answers
please have a look and we will talk about it at the next meeting.

Cheers
Ricky

National Player Pathway

The Scottish FA and the Scottish Youth FA are delighted to be working together in a joint venture to enhance the development of young players in 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 Associations 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