US Soccer has mandated small-sided games for youth soccer. This mandate affects field size, goal size, team size, and rules. These changes were implemented nationwide by August 2017. As US Youth Soccer notes, “The benefits of Small-Sided Games for players include more fun, more touches on the ball and more tactical decisions. The style of play will allow players to learn different positions, learn tactics quicker, increase fitness and allow players to be more emotionally and socially involved—creating a more fun and enjoyable game.”

Small-Sided Changes

U8 Intramural

• smaller field (20x30) and goals
• players on the field: 4 v 4, no goalkeeper
• game time: four 10-minute quarters, 5 minute breaks between quarters
• ball size: 3
• Coaches will manage the games instead of referees.
• On Saturday game days, multiple groups will be scheduled for small-sided games on four U8 fields. All U8 players will receive the same color jersey to wear on game days, and pinnies will be used to designate “teams” during the games. This approach will allow players to play with different kids all season. The coaches will work together to manage the games: mixing the “teams” up, coaching the players, and maintaining a fun and safe environment.

U9 & U10 Travel, U10 Intramural

• smaller field (40x60) and goals
• players on the field: 7 v 7
• game time: two 25-minute halves, 5 minute halftime
• ball size remains the same (size 4)
• Instead of goalkeepers punting, a build out line will be used. The line will allow goalkeepers to pass, throw or roll the ball into play. This change will help players learn to play the ball out of the back.

U11 & U12 Travel, U12 Intramural

• smaller field (50x75) and goals
• players on the field: 9 v 9
• game time: two 30-minute halves, 5 minute halftime
• ball size remains the same (size 4)

U13 & U14 Travel, U14 Intramural

• U13 and U14 age groups are not affected by the small-sided changes. Play will continue as before: full-size field, 11 v 11, ball size 5.

Note: The Soccer Stars (U5) & Kindergarten Clinic (U6) age groups already play small-sided games during their training sessions.

For additional information, visit CJSA's small-sided play resource page.

For more information about US Soccer's standards, the Player Development Initiatives (PDIs), which include small-sided games and birth year registration, visit US Soccer's PDIs page.