What to Expect - Mini (U6 - U9)

Although there are many common experiences and knowledge required by players and/or parents across all age-groups (see "What to Expect"), There are quite a few differences in the way soccer is experienced between the Minis (U6 - U9), Juniors (U10 - U17) and the Seniors (All Age and Over 35s).

For Minis, the aim of this group is to have fun and to learn the basic skills of the game. It is not a competition- scores are not kept by Macarthur, or by the Club. We encourage parents to be positive and encouraging to all children playing - both your own, and the opposition players.

Below is the following information as it relates to Minis:

• Small Sided Games
• Allocation to Teams
• Pre-season
• End of Season - Gala Day

Small Sided Games

In 2010 all ages in the Minis will be playing small-sided soccer. There is a difference however between the age-groups:

1. U6 and U7 will play under the following conditions:

• 4 players per side (on the field)

• Field size: 20m x 30m

• No goal-keeper

• Goal size: min 1.5m x 0.9m, max 2m x 1m

• Ball Size: Size 3

• Playing Time 2 x 15 mins with a 5 minute break

• Referee: Game Leader (ie a parent who is meant to help teach the rules)

• Half-way restarted after a goal

• No corners - a goal-line restart only, with opposing team back to halfway line

• No penalties.

2. U8 and U9 will play under the following conditions:

• 7 players per side (on the field)

• Field size:  1/4 pitch size (min 40m x 30m, max 50m x 40m)

• Goal-keeper

• Goal size: min 2.5m x 2m, max 3m x 2m

• Penalty Area: 5m depth x 12 width

• Ball Size: Size 3

• Playing Time 2 x 20 mins with a 5 minute break

• Referee: Instructing Referee (who is meant to help teach the rules)

• No off-side but referrees can move players who are blatently off-side. Children to be taught  about the "off-side" rule at training.

Allocation to Teams

There is no grading in the Minis age-groups. Instead, players are allocated into teams on a "sorting day". Often friends want to be together. This preference is often able to be met, however teams sizes are limited so please be prepared to join with other children.

When this occurs, parents need to understand that there needs to be both a Coach and a Manager coming from the parent base of the team. A brief overview of these roles can be seen on the Coaches Page. The team cannot be registered until there is both a Coach and Manager. At this time everyone will need exchange contact information, and discuss training days/times.

Pre-Season

In 2010 it has been indicate by Macarthur that clubs are to organise their own pre-season Minis matches. This cannot be organised until the Club has an idea of the number of teams. Once teams are created, communication to the players/parents occurs through the Coach and /or Manager, as well as the website and the Monthly General Meetings. Although we aim to give as much notice as possible, there tends to be games in the 1-2 weeks before the official season starts.

End of Season - Gala Day

Usually held on the weekend following the last game of the official season is the "Gala Day". Children play a round-robin group of games, culminating in a presentation of medallion and possibly other products. All U6s go to one club location, all U7 to another, etc. Be aware that to date this has been organised so that half of the teams play in the morning (eg 8.00am to 1.30pm) and the other half play in the afternoon (eg 1.00pm to 5.00pm). It is a fun day, but please be aware of the time commitment,  so that children do not miss out. Your Coach or Manager should keep you advised of your Gala Day. When the draw is available it will also be put on our website.