timetoplay9s

give the boys (and girls) a chance to make the transition a bit easier and hopefully good things will happen.

Exercise and having fun are both important. Steady step up in players between age groups will continue to provide children with the right support and encouragement. Going from 7 players to 11 players is a big step there's a risk of children being overwhelmed and quitting.

the transition from 7s to 11s is a big change , changing to 9s for me would be better for helping the development of the game

This is definitely the way forward for kids football in Scotland. Expecting kids to jump from 7's to 11's is a step to far. The parks are to big & the kids have no concept of the space that they need to fill.
Come on folks sign up & drive change in our game from the grass roots level as this is where future generations of young Scots talent will come from.
Scott Paterson Craigshill Thistle Vice chair

My team ac united just played in a 9aside tournament And loved it Defo think we should be playing in a 9aside league this season. #timeforchange

They should never have done away with the 11 a side development year... The sfa have made an arse of it...my personal view is that since they introduced non competitive football to grassroots level Scotland have failed dramatically at international level... There is no hunger and desire to win with non competitive football.. Why play any game or sport without the intention and desire to win??

Transition from 7s to 11s I think is too much. I definately think bringing in 9s would be an advantage.

Give kids a chance to learn new rules instead of going from non competitive 7 a side game straight to 11 a side competitive football in a matter of months - 9s is the answer.
My team entered a 9 a side tournament playing 11s rules but slightly smaller park/goals - definitely more natural progression to adjust to

I 100% agree with this idea.... Unfortunately, because ground level coaches think its a good idea for the Kids, then the SFA will NOT like it.. SFA trying to imply that small sided games are the way forward for kids.. so how do they justify 7's up to 11's without a transitional period of 9's ??. SFA only interested in getting all coaches £55.00 for courses etc, but not prepeared to listen to the Coaches actually out there on a rainy damp cold night coaching 5yr - 12yr old kids.

Way too much of a step up to go from 7s to 11s!!

11 a side isn't good for children's technical development

the jump from 7 a side football is to big, the sooner this changes the better it will be for the development of all the boys.

There is currently no suitable progression for youngsters going from 7s to 11s. Asking youngsters to naturally step up to this level and play on same pitches and dimensions as adults and understand fully positions and rules/regulations is too much of an ask. 9s should already be in place.

Always good to here different ideas for development. This was tried around 6 years ago and was put forward to a number of associations,and only a few took up 9 v 9,most wanted 11v11.Last year the English FA took up 9v9 not compulsory, teams have the option, works well if pathway clear on size of parks/goals and formations and age you start and finish? (age 11-12 ?).I was fortunate to see this last summer and was great to see with the above in place. If associations don't go with 9 v 9 you have issues if playing other teams from other areas... At pro-youth (12s)last 6 months of bringing 11aside park in 5/10 yards from side, development goals to six yard line. I agree big park to big a step for kids before age of 12. Like to say everyone loves to win but development is important... as many touches on ball!

What an excellent idea Good Luck Simon Icke football poet and author of Touchline Shouting

It may not be for all the players but if league's gave Clubs an option of 9s.
It would be good as it would give young players who are not ready for 11s a bit more time to develop their game.

Great work Guys.
I just hope the SYFA Listen to the people who are involved with grassroots on a weekly basis.
I hope they agree and let the Kids play the sport they love.

Get this done .

Moving to 9 a side is the sensible option, how can anyone expect players to go from 7 to 11 with bigger pitches and goals, my son is in the transition year, how can it be a transition from 7's to 7's then 11's?

Sounds like a very sensible proposal which can surely help development of the teams and bridge this gap

Better chance of truly honing skills and reading the game. Children grow, develop and mature at different rates therefore it is essential not only physically but also from a psychological stand point.

#6: -

What a ridiculous and ill-informed post. Children should be playing smaller games longer to help their development. If anything 9s should replace the current first year of 11s.

I think that by moving the boys from 7's to 9's then 11's is an excellent idea..

Great idea having the step between 7's and 11's will make it alot easier for kids I made the change years ago and wish I had the step inbetween