Just got back from pilot exercise put on by Jason Carey, Director of Coaching at Peamount United FC on behalf of the DDSL. It seems that after all these years of getting it so wrong, the DDSL have now turned to the Grassroots Coaches of some of Dublins biggest community clubs, to come up with a pathway that will enhance the development of kids across Dublin.

The plan is that all young people playing recreational football will now follow the new DDSL player pathway which starts with small-sided (to be confirmed) 3v3 at u8s and into 4v4s & 5v5s for u9s;  7v7 for u9s & u10s and 9v9 for u11s & u12s.

The focus is on player development and getting away from the winning at all costs attitude from coaches and parents.  Over the next few years we will see the above rolled out all across Dublin and finally we can say that the DDSL are on the right path when it comes to assisting with the development of young footballers across Dublin.

I have researched best practice in Scotland, England, Wales and across the world (Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Holland and Germany amongst others) and this player pathway will fit into an Irish context and help young players to reach their potential.

SSG

Last Saturday Malahide United along with St. Malachys FC put on a pilot were the kids played various 4v4 and 5v5 games and tonight Jason showed the true potential of Irish kids, who were allowed to play with the freedom in age appropriate games and pitch dimensions. Tonight 3v3 demo with four goals, 4v4 demo with gk, 4v4 without gk and 5v5s with two goals proved that this is the way Ireland needs to go for part of the SSG pathway.

Peamount decided not to enter their u8s into the league last season and you could notice the difference between the kids who have had a full year developing in their academy versus the kids who played competition football. Peamount players were Technically better and certainly had developed game intelligence.

Research has shown the undoubted advantages of small sided games (more goals, more 1 v 1s, more successful passes, more touches) and the benefits of moving through small-sided games formats to the adult version of the game, step by step through age appropriate games, which is the only way to develop the full potential of kids.

“Nature decrees that children should be children before they become adults…If we try to alter this natural order, they will reach adulthood prematurely but with neither substance nor strength.” Jean-Jacques Rousseau

The Problems in development of young players

• Too much pressure on young players
• A severe lack of age-appropriate coaching
• No obvious system to accommodate for late developing players
• Too much emphasis on results in all age groups
• A lack of ability to develop talent early and placing them in the correct environment

(Allen 2008)

Why Small Sided Games

• More touches of the ball.
• Simpler decisions to make.
• Better game-related fitness, short duration of high-intensity vs laps of a pitch.
• More time with coach per player.
• More opportunities to solve game problems.
• More attacking opportunities (dribbling, shooting, passing )
• More defending opportunities.
• More shooting and more goals = more fun!
• No hiding place, players don’t get lost in these games, improves competitiveness & healthy agression.
• More opportunities for the full range of skills.
• Encourages better shape and awareness of team-mates.
• Encourages faster play, fast transition from defence to attack.
• ITS FUN!!

Player Development

We have to develop a football culture in Ireland where young players are developed positively, learn to win through effort and develop skills for life through football. This should be our number one focus.  Are aim as Coaches and the Cubs providing football is to create a more enjoyable football experience for all involved, football is also about the teaching of life lessons and character development, is it not just about teaching the game. Taught in the right manner football can develop vital character-building life skills a child, skills that will help them in every walk of life.

These changes, (which I state, have yet to be passed) will keep young people in football longer and enhance the development of KIDS all across Ireland.

Let’s hope it happens…soon!

“The amount of space in 11-a-side is not good for young kids. You spend too much time running around without the ball…I think the best way to improve your skills is to play football on a smaller pitch. I didn’t play 11-a-side football until I was 13. In Brazil, most kids play futebol de salao, which is similar to five-a-side. In futebol de salao, you are always involved.” Juninho, World Cup Winner 2002 with Brazil