Mini-Kickers Soccer School - 5-8yrs

St Mirren FCBC are developing a Mini Kickers Soccer School which in time, we hope, will allow very young players to play Soccer Fours games. 

The benefits of the small sided mini-kickers approach are:

 The game is less complicated and easier to understand. The ability to contact the ball repeatedly and experience basic tactical problems is increased.  In terms of player development, the ability to actively participate is directly related to fun and enjoyment and to the issues surrounding quality of play and the retention of young players Makes it difficult for players to “hide”, all players must attack and defend in order for their team to succeed. Players develop mobility quickly.  More space + fewer numbers = less crowding (less flies-round-dung syndrome). Players develop enhanced tactical awareness and positioning.  More “fun” and personal enjoyment; due to small fields and simplified rules. More playing time, which encourages maximum individual participation. More individual involvement improves fitness.  More responsibility, every child has greater opportunities to score or stop the opponents from scoring, this builds their self-esteem and self-confidence. More freedom of expression; there are no positions; children will find their own positions. A player can be a forward, midfielder and defender during the course of the game. Children will migrate to areas of the field where they feel comfortable. When they are older we will discover their best position. More child-centered not coach controlled.  More experience in all phases of the game. There is no hiding or dominant player hogging the ball. Every child has to participate in all facets of the game, attack and defence. The emphasis is on PLAYER DEVELOPMENT.