The Introduction of 9v9 Football at Youth Level – Its Benefits, Weaknesses and Long Term Ramifications

Andrew Findlater discusses the implications of the introduction of 9-a-side football for youth football next season.

In September 2011, a large shift in youth football will begin. The introduction of 9v9 football at the Under 11 and Under 12 levels in many leagues nationwide is one of many changes proposed in youth football but it may well become the most significant. Other proposals, such as the removal of league tables at U9 level and a possible summer season indicate a desire to improve the structure and effectiveness of youth football. However, here we shall focus on 9v9 football, which is seen as a ‘stepping stone’ from 7v7 to 11v11. The structure of9v9 football, its benefits and weaknesses and the potential tactics will all be examined in order to really understand what these changes mean.

Whilst an ordinary 11v11 pitch is roughly 105 metres by 65 metres, 9v9 will be anywhere from 70m by 40m to 80m by 50m. This means that the pitch could be around a third smaller. In addition to this, goal sizes will come down from the senior size of 2.4m x 7.3m to 2.1m x 4.8m. This is a significant reduction in the width of the goal and a small reduction in the height of the goal. This small reduction may have a large effect on the ability of younger goalkeepers to save shots high the goal. This is clearly the intention of the change. Many of the rules of 9v9 football are the same as the full 11v11 game, including offside, throw ins and the penalty area. A maximum squad size of 18 has been established by the Football Association, however many leagues including the Surrey Youth League have established limits of 13 players to be brought to each game. The games will last 70 minutes over two halves of 35 minutes.

What do these rules and changes mean? It is hoped that the smaller pitch and player numbers will allow players to be more involved in the game. Players should spend more time on the ball on average than they would in an 11v11 game. This ought to lead to players developing greater technique and being more comfortable on the ball. It is often said that one of the greatest failures of the British youth setup is that it does not develop players who are comfortable on the ball and have the technique to keep possession under great pressure. The shift to 9v9 alone will not solve this but if it is combined with good coaching then it should produce players who are used to being on the ball. The size of the goals is also a positive development. Many at youth level have been witness to goals scored against ten year old goalkeepers that sail over their head with no chance of being saved. The smaller goals will have the double effect of giving goalkeepers a fair chance and forcing players to actually beat the goalkeeper, rather than getting their goals at a young age from hitting the ball where the goalkeeper cannot reach and struggling as the goalkeepers grow taller.

The use of 9v9 as a stepping stone has been supported by Trevor Brooking, an ex-England international and Director of Football Development at the FA. Whilst speaking to Club Website he commented that "Any skill I might have had as a player was almost there when I was 11 and I don’t see that in sufficient 11 year olds these days… If your technical skills aren’t there when you start playing 11v11, you’re never going to cope with the game." As one of the driving forces behind 9v9 Brooking hopes that the two years spent playing 9v9 will allow players to develop the technical skills required for 11v11. The change in size of the pitch will hopefully see a drastic reduction in the use of the long ball over the top to a quick striker and a greater focus on passing and moving and quality technical play.

The weaknesses with the change to 9v9 are mostly financial. Whilst County FAs are renting and selling goals at relatively cheap prices, many clubs are struggling financially during this time of austerity and the challenge of marking out specific pitches and hiring specific goals for just two age groups may be one that some clubs may struggle with. However, the costs associated with the project are relatively small and are mostly in respect to its initial set-up. Some may feel the use of a stepping stone at U11 and U12 levels is a waste of time but instead I applaud the FA and the regional leagues that have taken this project on as anything that can improve the development of players must be at least given a trial.

The introduction of 9v9 throws up some interesting challenges for the youth manager. The choice of two defenders or three could possibly be the key to success next season. A two man defence is susceptible to goals from midfield runners and could be pulled apart by clever forwards. However, the two man defence does allow another man to be placed in midfield which could hand the team control of the match. The three man defence is solid and allows cover from both flanks and the centre, but may leave the team exposed in midfield. Then there is the choice of a midfield three, four or even two.  Ultimately, it will be up to the manager and the players at his disposal. It is likely the following season will see a huge range of tactical setups which will be a nice break from the stagnation in tactics that 11v11 has seen. Where most teams settle for a 4-4-2, next season at 9v9 could see formations as diverse as 2-4-2, 3-4-1, 4-3-1 or 3-3-2. What is certain however, is that the next twelve months will see a great deal of discussion amongst youth managers and coaches over tactics and it is to be hoped that players will learn greater flexibility in this system as managers change numbers in defence, midfield and attack to adjust to the teams they play.

In conclusion, it seems that the introduction of 9v9 could be very advantageous to youth football. It has the support of parents and coaches, with some 74% of those asked on ClubWebsite.co.uk saying they would favour the introduction of 9v9 at U11 and U12 levels. It should provide a more stimulating, interesting and fair platform for youth football whilst improving the technical abilities of the players involved. I expect that 9v9 will be a great success but it could be at least three or four years before we truly know how successful it is.