We have aligned techniques and skills to a particular age group, based on the following observations.

• U8s – Are very self-centred and ‘greedy’ with the ball. This is no bad thing, U8s have a fantastic capacity to develop coordination and motor skills, but limited understanding of group play and spatial awareness. The U8 award is focussed on building a very strong foundation of basic technique and coordination. Simple games and practice sessions help to keep the focus on good technique.
• U9s – Will start to develop more of a capacity to understand basic individual tactics (when to pass vs when to dribble, when to tackle vs when to delay), but still struggle with many team dynamics. Many of the U9 sessions build on the U8 basics into more advanced techniques requiring finer motor skills. At the same time, we introduce simple tactical awareness and teamwork concepts which do not require complex decision making on the part of the player.
• U10s – Some U10 players will be physically and mentally mature enough to work on more advanced techniques and tactics, and most will be able to pace themselves and plan ahead. Players are starting to understand support play, group dynamics, and develop strategies for items such as finishing which are simply instinctive for the younger age groups. Practice sessions become more focussed on tactics and skills, and players are encouraged to find their own solutions to match-play problems