The Alberta Soccer specific guidelines and requirements for delivery of Grassroots soccer programming are outlined in this document.

The considerations listed below, especially those shown for 7v7 through 11v11, and on larger fields should be modified to small-sided games (4v4 and 5v5) if the activities are taking place in a gymnasium.

Supervision

• On-site supervision is recommended following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.
• Supervisor of the activity should be knowledgeable and have an awareness of the basic rules of the game.

Instructional Considerations

• Encourage free play with soccer movement and proper soccer technique, especially with possession of the ball.
• Strong enforcement of soccer rules to avoid rough/dangerous play (e.g., tackling from behind).
• Younger players (under 10 years of age) should participate in activities which are varied (dribbling, shooting, running with the ball), each with short durations (e.g., 10-15 minutes per activity).
• For older players (10+ years), the same varied activities should be delivered. Passing between players and a brief introduction to game play may also be introduced.
• Heading instruction can be provided but should be limited, especially at the younger ages, and with supervisors who can provide the instruction in a safe manner. A lightweight ball may be considered if heading activities are performed.
• Specific game formats/considerations are shown below:
  • K: No formal games; informal play between supervisors and children, with pop-up goals
  • G1: 3v3 games with pop-up goals; no goalkeepers
  • G2-G3: 4v4 with pop-up goals and no goalkeepers (or 5v5 including goalkeepers)
  • G4-G5: 7v7 with goalkeepers
  • G6-G7: 9v9 or 11v11 with goalkeepers
  • G8+: 11v11 with goalkeepers
• For G2-G6, a retreat line may be established in front of the goal where only players from the team in possession can be in the zone when a goal kick or free kick is taken from the retreat area.
• Considerations for Futsal:
  • The key difference for futsal is the fewer number of players in a regulation game, and the use of a futsal-specific ball that has lower bounce than a regulation soccer ball.
  • Regulation futsal is played by teams of 5 players, one of whom must be a goalkeeper.
  • The same requirements for K-G3 would apply for futsal (i.e., 3v3 or 4v4 with  no goalkeepers).
  • For G4+ 5v5 with goalkeepers should be utilized, and if there are numerous players, multiple courts/sessions should be set up. Futsal should not be played in numbers greater than 5v5.

Equipment/Facilities

• Proper soccer balls and sizes should be used.
  • K-G1: Size 3
  • G2-G3: Size 3 (or lightweight size 4)
  • G4-G7: Size 4 (or lightweight size 5)
  • G8+: Size 5
  • Futsal: same considerations as regular balls listed above. However, as futsal balls are not lightweight, the smaller of the sizes shown should be used.
• Field sizes are modified as shown:
  • K-G1: Not applicable; informal play
  • G2-G3: Length – 25-30 m; Width – 18-22 m
  • G4-G5: Length – 40-55 m; Width – 30-36 m
  • G6-G7: Length – 60-75 m; Width – 42-55 m
  • G8+: Length – 90-120 m; Width – 45-90 m (Regulation-sized)
  • Futsal: Length – 25-42 m; Width – 16-25 m (Regulation-sized).
  • For K-G3, the futsal field size can be adjusted accordingly, as shown above. For G4 and above, the regulation size can be used.
• Goal sizes are modified as shown:
  • K-G1: Pop-up goals
  • G2-G3: 1.5 x 2.4 m (5 ft x 8 ft)
  • G4-G5: 1.8 x 4.8 m (6 ft x 16 ft)
  • G6-G7: 1.8 x 5.5 m (6 ft x 18 ft)
  • G8+: 2.4 x 7.3 m (8 ft x 24 ft - Regulation-sized)
  • Futsal: 2 x 3 m (6.5 ft x 10 ft - Regulation-sized)
  • For K-G3, pop up goals should be utilized, then regulation goals for G4 and above.