Rationale 

The playing of appropriate soccer games for children under the age of thirteen has become the lynchpin issue for future player and coach initiatives in the United States. Soccer games smaller than 11v11 provide many critical advantages to players, including the ability to repeatedly contact the ball and the ability to repeatedly experience basic tactical problems. In terms of player development, this ability to actively participate is directly related to fun and enjoyment, and to the issues surrounding quality of play and retention. In addition, players under eleven are routinely structured into formal positions at ages when their spatial awareness and technical range do not lend themselves to a practical understanding of large group tactics. 

It is also the case that the vast majority of youth coaches do not have a soccer background, yet are faced with, arguably, the most critical period of player development. Coaching games that demand a midfield organization (above 6v6) are too complicated for these coaches and often focus instruction on structural issues rather than individual technical and small-group tactical issues. 

The Region II Directors of Coaching endorse the following structure for youth soccer games and seek the help of each respective state association in implementing this plan on a nationwide basis. 

• We believe that players under the age of six (U-5 and U-6) should play games of no more than 4v4, with no goalkeepers.  This recommendation does not preclude games of 3v3. The recommended field size is 40 yards x 30 yards. 
• We believe that players under the age of eight (U-7 and U-8) should play games of 5v5, with goalkeepers. This recommendation does not preclude games of 4v4 with no goalkeepers. The recommended field size for 5v5 is 45 yards by 30 yards.
• We believe that players under the age of ten (U-9 and U-10) should play games of 6v6. The recommended field size is between 45-50 yards in length and between 35-40 yards in width.
• We believe that players under the age of twelve (U-11 and U-12) should play games of 8v8.  The recommended field size is between 80-90 yards in length and between 45-50 yards in width.
• We believe that players older than twelve (U-13 and above) should play 11v11. The recommended minimum field size is 110 yards x 65 yards.

Directors of Coaching
Present:
Illinois Youth Soccer Association: Ian Mulliner 
Ohio South Youth Soccer Association: Roby Stahl 
Indiana Youth Soccer Association: Dan Kapsalis 
Missouri Youth Soccer Association: Denny Vanninger
Iowa Youth Soccer Association: Ian Bradley 
Ohio Youth Soccer Association: North Tom Turner
Kansas Youth Soccer Association: Eddie Henderson 
Minnesota Youth Soccer Association: Ian Barker
Kentucky Youth Soccer Association: Kris Zander 
Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association: Jim Launder
Michigan Youth Soccer Association: Don Gemmell
Absent:
Nebraska Youth Soccer Association: TBA 
South Dakota Youth Soccer Association: Ron Theisz
North Dakota Youth Soccer Association: Bill Ashby

The Region II State Presidents unanimously endorsed this Position Statement
on Saturday, October 20, 2001.