My minis manifesto

There is plenty of time for young players to develop their competitive nature - but their introduction to soccer should primarily be about playing with friends and having fun.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the first consideration of some coaches - which inspired me to develop my own mini-soccer philosophy.

In doing so, I considered their ages (often U7s-U10s) and the formats - usually 5v5 and 7v7, which allow players as much time on the ball as possible. This is crucial to the starting point of enjoyment.

Here are five key principles I now live by when it comes to coaching mini soccer.

Keep them engaged

When delivering sessions with my U10s, I find a question-and-answer style keeps them engaged with the practice.

Additionally, I always try to paint a picture to bring a coaching point to life and enable players to see more clearly the situation they may find themselves in. This also allows them to discover their own solutions through play.

Encourage good behaviour

A non-negotiable at all levels, but especially mini-soccer, is that children learn how to be a good person before anything else.

This means treating everyone with respect, being punctual, being polite, showing good manners and a positive attitude and always giving 100% in terms of effort. I’m a believer in giving 100% in everything you do - it maximises development opportunities.

Maximise time with the ball

From the moment the players arrive, up to two-thirds of the session should be based around time on the ball.

"With my U10s, I find a question-and-answer style keeps them engaged..."

This is to develop a relationship between player and ball and increases confidence in performing ball-manipulation skills, like toe taps and drag backs.

All this will develop a player’s toolbox and eventually they will reach for the right tool at the right moment in the right situation, be it a correct shooting technique or beating a defender in a 1v1.

Develop problem-solving

When designing small-sided games within a session, I would always encourage adding constraints.

This in order to provide players with the opportunity to develop their responses to, and problem-solving of, in-game scenarios. This should hopefully also encourage creativity in every practice.

I ensure my small-sided games are a maximum of 3v3 to give players opportunities to be on the ball. 

Don’t be afraid to set up with an overload, such as 3v2 - this is a great way to challenge players to think about the situation and problem-solve.

Make them want to come back

An exciting environment is a key factor to optimise player learning and give the players reason to return. 

Disguise learning and development through fun, social games and give players ownership of their development.  

Manage player mistakes - ask them to try different solutions to problems without pressure on them to learn in the moment. 

Finding the right balance of player and person development is important at such a young age.