Loudoun Soccer has been a long-time advocate of small-sided games to promote player development in the younger age groups. Recently USYS issued a new set of recommendations for small-sided games, and the Loudoun Soccer recreational program is currently compatible with most of these recommendations. However, some modifications to the Loudoun Soccer program have been identified and the following changes will be implemented in the Fall 2005 season:
- U8 teams will play with 4 v 4 with no goalkeeper just like U7
- U8 players will have the opportunity to participate in a Challenge Division or a House Division... read more
- U9 and U10 teams will play 6 v 6 rather than 7 v 7 (9 players per team)
- U10 teams will play four 10-minute quarters (not 12-minute quarters)
- U12 teams will play 8 v 8 rather than 11 v 11 (11 players per team)
- U12 teams will not participate in the SFL (only U13 – U19)
These changes will help promote player skill development at the younger age groups and provide a smooth transition to team and tactical concepts at the older age groups.
In addition to the changes related to the USYS guidelines, the western region is eliminating coed teams at the U7 level so that separate boys and girls teams can be formed.