What is Mini Soccer?

Mini-Soccer is played by boys and girls aged between seven and eleven years of age on small sized pitches and in accordance with Football Association rules. Nationwide there are an estimated 250,000 boys and girls playing Mini -Soccer at club level. Each club affiliates to a league which in turn affiliates to their respective County Football Association. Mini - Soccer has enjoyed a rapid growth in the past few season’s boosted by substantial sponsorship. 

An Introduction to the World's Greatest Game.

As a result of three years consultation between all parties involved in children’s football, the implementation of Mini Soccer for every child in England under the age of eleven marked a milestone in youth and junior football in England.

Mini soccer dictates a maximum of seven players (boys and girls) competing on smaller pitches up to 60 x 40 yards with scaled down goal posts (12 feet by 6 feet). Mini Soccer is the real game for children and is appropriate to their needs. Maximising potential through fun and enjoyment in the most appropriate environment., Meeting the needs of the young player., Sustaining participation., Raising standards of players, facilities and volunteers. Each County has mini soccer co-ordinator and working party including schools football, youth football and local authority representation to actively assess the needs of their County and progress implementation.

The Football Association has committed millions of pounds to Mini Soccer over a number of years supporting youth and schools football in developing appropriate facilities and equipment. In support of this initiative, a National Facilities Plan approved by the English sports council, has opened up opportunities for the funding of facilities, pitches, equipment and goalposts. The F.A., their partners have demonstrated their commitment to providing the quality experiences for young players at every level as outlined and engineered by Howard Wilkinson in The Football Associations Charter For Quality.