U9–U10 · 7v7
Football for U9 and U10 players
U9 and U10 move to 7v7. The pitch gets bigger, so what a player notices before the ball arrives starts to matter as much as what they can do with it.
What they're ready for
- •A quick look over the shoulder before receiving
- •Choosing between keeping the ball and playing forwards
- •Moving into a supporting angle rather than standing still
- •Playing out from the back in a simple way
How to run sessions
- •Practices of 8–12 minutes, mostly small-sided
- •Game-realistic pressure rather than unopposed patterns
- •Questions instead of instructions: “what did you see?”
What to leave alone
- •Complex tactical shape and adult jargon
- •Heavy conditioning or running punishments
- •Deliberate heading practice
- •Pressure around academy pathways
For parents
- •Ask one question after the match, then let it go
- •Encourage them to look up rather than to “pass it”
- •Keep practice child-led — enthusiasm beats repetition
Reads for U9–U10
What Are the Best Football Drills for Kids?
Discover the best football drills for kids are not drills at all, but fun, game-like practices that promote decision-making and a love for the game.
Read →
How to Teach a Child to See the Whole Pitch in Football
Practical advice for parents and coaches on how to help young players improve their pitch vision, scanning, and spatial awareness to make better decisions.
Read →Other age groups
The card game that teaches kids how to think like a footballer.
Help young players improve their decision-making, positioning, teamwork and football intelligence through fun match-day scenarios. Designed for ages 7–13. No coaching experience required.
Join the waiting list