Let young players build a game they want to keep playing.
Match the environment to the stage
- Early years: prioritize enjoyment, many ball contacts, short instructions, and chances to try different roles.
- Later elementary years: add small-group decisions and useful feedback while keeping positions and outcomes flexible.
- Adolescence: increase commitment only when the player wants it and can still support school, sleep, recovery, and life away from soccer.
Official sources
Check the current guidance.
Reviewed September 11, 2026
Rules, programs, and health guidance can change. Confirm the details that apply to your player with these primary sources.