The Scottish FA and the Scottish Youth FA are delighted to be working together in a joint venture to enhance the development of young players in Scotland

All young people playing recreational football will now follow the new National Player Pathway, which starts with small-sided games and grows with the child.

The Associations researched best practice both in Scotland and across the world (Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Holland and Croatia amongst others) to produce a National Player Pathway that will fit into a Scottish context and help young players to reach their potential.

Research has shown the undoubted advantages of small sided games (more goals, more 1 v 1s, more successful passes, more touches) and some excellent work by youth leagues in Scotland has demonstrated the benefits of moving through small-sided games formats to the adult version of the game.

The National Player Pathway

Fun Fours (6-8 years old)

•March to November season
•Trophy free - festival basis
•Fun introduction to the game
•Simple rules - children referee themselves
•Size 3 ball
•10 minute games with a maximum of four games

Soccer Sevens (9-12 years old)

•March to November season
•Trophy free - festival or fixture basis
•The rules change for each age group
•Retreating line at 10 years of age
•Pass back rule at 11 &12 years
•Two or three periods of play with increasing time allocations
•Size 4 ball

11-a-side (Under 13 onwards)

•Traditional season (August to June)
•Trophy football
•Normal Laws of the Game and the Constitution and Rules of the SYFA
•Increasing time allocation
•Size 4 ball

Click on the pdfs below for more information