MINI SOCCER - THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD?

The East Yorkshire Junior League was one of the 'trailblazer' leagues in the introduction and development of Mini Soccer. Bridlington Rangers has been very much involved in the development from the start.

The Chairman of the league, Ken Johnston, is Secretary of Rangers and the Secretary of the league is the President/Chairman of Rangers - complicated isn't it?

The objectives of Mini Soccer (in my opinion) are as follows:

1. To make football enjoyable.
2. To introduce children to the world of sport by understanding the purpose of football and: · Playing in a team · Playing to rules · Playing to win
3. To give children an appreciation of football skills - whoever displays them.
4. To teach children to compete fairly and to lose with honour.
5. To develop self esteem as a result of acquiring skills, playing and observing and understanding rules.
6. To teach children to work as a team member to recognise that there are players of different abilities and that some need more help and encouragement from team members than others.
7. To teach children the importance of respecting adults and others in authority such as referees, Managers etc.
8. To teach reliability, commitment and loyalty. It is important that the following general principles are understood and applied: At a young age striving to win is more important than the result. Winning is not everything but making the effort to win is. Losing is not failure - not playing to win is.

Adults must not expect too much too soon from the younger footballing age groups. They should never focus on a child's failings but rather on it's successes. Criticism from the touchline can demoralise the youngster and put him/her off the game for ever. Young children respond badly to criticism and well to praise and encouragement.
Why do parents get so hot under the collar sometimes (Rangers parents excepted of course)? After all, it is only a fun game where there is nothing at stake. Parents should always at games set the example. They should not abuse the referee!
One of the great benefits of Mini Soccer is that the players are always in the vicinity of the ball. They cannot hide in a game or even when not 'hiding' have the unfortunate experience of the ball not often appearing in the part of the field he/she is positioned in.
In 11 a side at say, Under 9's level on a full sized pitch it is possible for a youngster never to kick the ball or perhaps only two or three times in a game. Mini Soccer with reduced team numbers and smaller sized pitches avoids these problems.
The Mini rules are more relaxed and enable the game to flow. For example, there are no off sides and throw-ins which are not technically perfect are not penalised. It's all about enjoyment, fun and team spirit.
Yes, Mini Soccer is, in my opinion, the best thing since sliced bread - long may it continue. Long may our youngsters develop their skills and enjoy this great game. What was the best thing before sliced bread came on the market??!!

John Gibson Chairman 12th September 2000