Programs: Small-Sided Games (Updated: 8-05-03)

Small-Sided Games

Minnesota is one of the states leading the drive to the small-sided game format. Fall 2002 we began the transition for U9 and U11 players. The next phase for U10 and U12 players takes affect in the fall of 2003 season. By the fall of 2003, we will have completed the transition to the new format. This is an exciting and positive step for the future development of our youth players.

	Under 9 [Developmental Travel]	Under 10 [Developmental Travel]	Under 11 [Competitive]	Under 12 [Competitive]
Cost	$80.00	$80.00	$115.00	$115.00
Format	6 vs 6	6 vs. 6	8 vs. 8	8 vs. 8
Team Size	Min: 8, Max: 12	Min: 8, Max: 12	Min: 10, Max: 14	Min: 10, Max: 14
Field Size	Min: 35 x 45 yrds Max: 45 x 55 yrds	Min: 35 x 45 yrds Max: 45 x 55 yrds	Min: 45 x 80 yrds Max: 50 x 90 yrds	Min: 45 x 80 yrds Max: 50 x 90 yrds
Goal Size	6' high x 12' wide	6' high x 12' wide	7' high x 21' wide	7' high x 21' wide
Ball Size	4	4	4	4
Game Length	2 x 25 min halves	2 x 25 min halves	2 x 30 min halves	2 x 30 min halves
Levels*	Maroon Gold	Maroon Gold	Classic Maroon Classic Gold	Classic 1 Classic 2 Classic 3
Referees	1	1	1 - 3	1 - 3
Offsides	NOT in effect	NOT in effect	IS in effect	IS in effect
Rules	See FIFA Laws of the Game and MYSA modifications.	See FIFA Laws of the Game and MYSA modifications.	See FIFA Laws of the Game and MYSA modifications.	See FIFA Laws of the Game and MYSA modifications.
Substitution	allowed at any stoppage of play with the referee's discretion.	allowed at any stoppage of play with the referee's discretion.	allowed at any stoppage of play with the referee's discretion.	allowed at any stoppage of play with the referee's discretion.

*Note: Levels are listed from most experienced/competitive to least experienced/competitive.

How to combine an 8v8 field into two (2) 6v6 fields (PDF)

Informational Brochures:

Another change will be the structure of the leagues. These will be implemented at the time the age group makes the transition. The U9 and U10 age groups will now be referred to as MYSA Developmental Travel League. U9 and U10 will have only two divisions, Maroon and Gold. The Maroon league is intended for more experienced players and the Gold league will be for less experienced.

The U11 will have only two divisions, Classic Maroon, the more experienced level and Classic Gold for the less experienced players. Once a player reaches the U12 age group, they will be introduced to the Classic 1, 2 and 3 divisions.