CONCEPT: FC Richmond plays 7 aside at these ages with the introduction of a Goalkeeper.  The focus should still be on dribbling, at the right times, especially in the attacking third of the field. Also at these ages emphasis on the technique of striking a ball and a little tactical awareness should also be taught with the beginning of a “head up” idea to find teammates with a pass.  Always keep in mind the concepts of discipline, respect and being a good teammate

PLAYERS: Each team will have no more than 12 players per roster and will compete in a 7 v 7 game format.

GAME LENGTH: Each game is divided into 2 halves of 25 minutes each with a 5 minute half time.

FIELD DIMENSIONS: The field is approximately 45yds x 65yds

GOAL SIZE: 6ft x 18ft

BALL SIZE: #4

GOALKEEPERS: Goalkeepers are introduced at these ages,  

POSITIONING: We recommend a 3-2-1 (3 defenders, 2 midfielders and 1 forward) to continue teaching the concept of spacing (width and depth) and positions. Teach players that they should all be part of the attack (look to go forward by dribbling, passing, and shooting) when their team is in possession.  Even defenders should be in close “support” of the midfielders and forwards and be part of the offense and not just stand back on the build out line. Similarly, the midfielders and forwards should also help defend, especially if the ball is close by or on their side of the field.  Defenders should always try to be “goal-side”(get between the opponent and the goal) when their team is not in possession of the ball.   

PLAYING TIME: Each player should play at least 50% of each game.

SUBSTITUTIONS: At these ages, coaches should try not to make substitutions in the first 5 or 10 minutes unless, of course, there is an injury.  Sometimes it takes a little time for players to get settled in and play. Once players start to tire, space begins to open up, and real soccer begins to happen! This is where the real learning starts. 

BUILD OUT LINES: Each 7 v 7 field will have a dotted line across the field between each end line and halfway line. This line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting. Also, when the goalkeeper has the ball in their hands the opposing team must move back behind the build out line until the ball is put into play.  Once the opponents are behind that line, the goalkeeper can throw, roll or pass the ball into play.   Once the goalkeeper puts the ball in play and it is received by the teammate, the opponents can cross the line and play resumes as normal. The opposing team must also be behind the build out line during a goal kick.  Once the teammate receives the ball, normal play resumes.  NO PUNTING OR DROP-KICKS ARE ALLOWED.

THROW INS: Throw ins are taken when the ball crosses over the touch line (side-line). Both hands hold the ball over the head while both feet are touching the ground as the ball is released.

GOAL KICKS: Goal kicks are taken when the opposing team kicks the ball across the defending teams end-line. The opposing team must stand behind the halfway line while the kick is taken. The other players position themselves between the ball and the opponents so that they can be first to the ball.

CORNER KICKS: Corner kicks are taken by the attacking team when the ball crosses the end-line and is last touched by a member on the defending team.

FOULS: Fouls such as handballs, tripping and pushing will occasionally occur, most times unintentionally. If an obvious foul occurs (at the discretion of the referee) then an indirect free kick will be awarded. Opposing players must stand 5 yards away from where the free kick takes place. There are no penalty kicks in this age group.

OFF-SIDE: Offsides may not be called between midfield and the build out line, but can be called if the ball is played to a player who is forward of the build out line with only 1 player between them and the goal. 

HEADING: There is no heading for U11 and younger. If the ball strikes a player in the head, play is stopped. The proper restart is an indirect free kick to the opposing team.  If this occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.  If the play by the head is deemed inadvertent, then the proper restart is a dropped ball.

COACHING CODE OF CONDUCT:  An adult serving as a coach must be on the player side of the field throughout the entire game for all games.  Coaches must set the example of good sportsmanship, fair play and ethical behavior at all times.  Inappropriate or offensive language or behavior during practices or games will not be tolerated.  Coaches must show equal respect and courtesy to all of their players, opponents, parents, spectators and referees at all times.  Also, Coaches must always look out for the safety of all players.

REFEREES: There will be an assigned referee for every U9/U10 match.  They have been instructed to call the fouls when/if they occur.  Some leniency is allowed but the referees are to follow the FIFA laws of the game and to teach the game of soccer to the younger children as they officiate. 

JEWELRY: Pierced earrings must be removed; taping over earrings is NOT permitted, earrings must be removed. • Any jewelry of any kind is not allowed. Medical alert jewelry is to be allowed so long as it is taped securely to the player. Any religious jewelry is allowed so long as noted to the referee and secured in a safe manner to the referee’s satisfaction.