Stage 3: U9-U12 LTPD Implementation

Stage 3, Learning to Train, is the “golden age of learning,” when children become less self centered and are more able to reflect on their actions and learn from mistakes. This stage provides an optimal window for further development of skills. The focus is on learning by doing, building a larger repertoire of soccer movements, and teaching the basic principles of play in a fun and challenging environment.

The most noticeable change for WYSA is smaller sided games and smaller fields for U9 and U10 and U11 and U12. With smaller sided games, every player will become more involved in the action and get more touches on the ball. The games are played on a smaller field, and WYSA has purchased new goals to be placed at fields specifically designed for these smaller sided games. As standings will not be kept, coaches should not feel pressure to win and are encouraged to provide equal playing time, support creativity, and build a love for the game without the pressures of results.

Visit Canada Soccer for the Stage 3: U9-U12 Learning to Train Coaches Tool Kit

WYSA U9 and U10 Recreational League Match and Training Formats

Teams play twice a week in May and June and wrap up the season in early July with a Jamboree event.
No standings are tabulated during the season.
Match format: two twenty five minute halves with a five minute half time break.
Teams are encouraged to have one additional practice per week outside of their matches.
6 v 6 format on a half sized field (30-36 metres x 40-55 metres / 98-118 feet x 131-180 feet).
Recommended goal size is 6 x 16 feet.
Teams may substitute an unlimited number of players at any one time and an unlimited number of times during any stoppage of play, with the consent of the match official.
Size 4 soccer ball is used.
Fields are marked.
Matches are refereed.
The offside rule is not enforced.
All other Laws of the Game are enforced.
No league table (standings) or statistics are published.

U9 and U10 Developmental League Match and Training Formats

Teams play one to two games per week, with the season running from February to November and a break from mid July to mid August.
No results are posted on the WYSA website and no standings are tabulated during the season.
Match format: two twenty five minute halves with a five minute half time break.
Teams are encouraged to have two additional training sessions per week outside of their matches.
6 v 6 format on a half sized field (30-36 metres x 40-55 metres / 98-118 feet x 131-180 feet).
Recommended goal size is 6 x 16 feet.
Teams may substitute an unlimited number of players at any one time and an unlimited number of times during any stoppage of play, with the consent of the match official.
Size 4 soccer ball is used.
Fields are marked.
Matches are refereed.
The offside rule is not enforced.
No league standings or statistics are published.

U11 and U12 Recreational League Match and Training Formats

Teams play twice a week in May and June and wrap up the season in early July with a Jamboree event.
No standings are tabulated during the season.
Match format: two thirty minute halves with a five minute half time break.
Teams are encouraged to have one additional practice per week outside of their matches.
U11 and U12 teams play 8 v 8 on a three quarter sized field (42-55 metres x 60-75 metres / 137-180 feet x 196-246 feet).
Recommended goal size is 7 x 18 feet.
Teams may substitute an unlimited number of players at any one time and an unlimited number of times during any stoppage of play, with the consent of the match official.
Size 4 soccer ball is used.
Fields are marked.
Matches are refereed.
The Attacking Line Offside rule is enforced.
All other Laws of the Game are enforced.

U11 and U12 Developmental League Match and Training Formats

Teams play one to two games per week, with the season running from February to November and a break from mid July to mid August.
No results are posted on the WYSA website and no standings are tabulated during the season.
Match format: two thirty minute halves with a five minute half time break.
Teams are encouraged to have two additional training sessions per week outside of their matches.
U11 and U12 teams play 9 v 9 on a three quarter sized field (42-55 metres x 60-75 metres / 137-180 feet x 196-246 feet).
Recommended goal size is 7 x 18 feet.
Teams may substitute an unlimited number of players at any one time and an unlimited number of times during any stoppage of play, with the consent of the match official.
Size 4 soccer ball is used.
Fields are marked.
Matches are refereed.
The Attacking Line Offside rule is enforced.
All other Laws of the Game are enforced.

Stage 3: U9-U12 LTPD Implementation