Hi Darren 

It's fantastic to hear that another person wants to give back to the game. I teach children the age you are talking about andhave been coachingthem for 35 years.

I think the first thing is to build on what you have already highlighted. Time on the ball is essential at this age for two reasons. One, they need to develop their ability to travel, kick and manipulate the ball. This takes years of practice and play. And two, that's why they play. They want to be on the ball. So, small sided games will give them that. Do you have enough room to set up 3 small pitches? Players can play 1v1 on the same pitch aswell as 3v3 games to develop early team work and understanding the pitch space. This maximises connection with the ball.

There is lots of evidence based research on the  benefits of smaller game formats and the FA training advocates learning through playing (the practice spectrum) rather than traditional line type drills. This also increases motivation and greaty reduces the chances to stand around and get bored. So it's awin win for their attention. They don't want to listen, they want to play. Please look on England Learning for sessions on here about small-sided games, behaviour and any articles involving Pete Sturgess. He is an expert in this age group. 

Playing smaller formats stops bunching as much but be aware that this is what their game looks like. Trying to get them spreading out and passing before their individual technical requirements first, doesn't serve them well in the long run. Try to see the bunching as a way to support dribbling. Kids know what's good for them. It might seem like they are ball hogging,  but actually their brains are more inclined to be centred on themselves at this age. They want to score. There is plenty of time to focus on team tactics once they have mastered the ball by themselves. 

In terms of ability, again playing builds muscle strength, coordination, agility and balance. This is fundamental in order to play the game when they are older. If they are playing the game then the learners striving to keep up, will be developing. For those forging ahead you can set little challenges. Again there are lots of ideas about setting appropriate challenges on here.

As I  said above, there is a wealth of evidence and practical support ideas on the England Learning app. Most importantly understand what their game looks like. It is bees round a honey pot with lots of transitions and mistakes. They will  work it out with patience and the right support. 

Feel  free to ask more and good luck.

Steve Gibbs - FA Coach Developer and  BAHons in Primary Education Studies

Hi Darren 

It's fantastic to hear that another person wants to give back to the game. I teach children the age you are talking about andhave been coachingthem for 35 years.

I think the first thing is to build on what you have already highlighted. Time on the ball is essential at this age for two reasons. One, they need to develop their ability to travel, kick and manipulate the ball. This takes years of practice and play. And two, that's why they play. They want to be on the ball. So, small sided games will give them that. Do you have enough room to set up 3 small pitches? Players can play 1v1 on the same pitch aswell as 3v3 games to develop early team work and understanding the pitch space. This maximises connection with the ball.

There is lots of evidence based research on the  benefits of smaller game formats and the FA training advocates learning through playing (the practice spectrum) rather than traditional line type drills. This also increases motivation and greaty reduces the chances to stand around and get bored. So it's awin win for their attention. They don't want to listen, they want to play. Please look on England Learning for sessions on here about small-sided games, behaviour and any articles involving Pete Sturgess. He is an expert in this age group. 

Playing smaller formats stops bunching as much but be aware that this is what their game looks like. Trying to get them spreading out and passing before their individual technical requirements first, doesn't serve them well in the long run. Try to see the bunching as a way to support dribbling. Kids know what's good for them. It might seem like they are ball hogging,  but actually their brains are more inclined to be centred on themselves at this age. They want to score. There is plenty of time to focus on team tactics once they have mastered the ball by themselves. 

In terms of ability, again playing builds muscle strength, coordination, agility and balance. This is fundamental in order to play the game when they are older. If they are playing the game then the learners striving to keep up, will be developing. For those forging ahead you can set little challenges. Again there are lots of ideas about setting appropriate challenges on here.

As I  said above, there is a wealth of evidence and practical support ideas on the England Learning app. Most importantly understand what their game looks like. It is bees round a honey pot with lots of transitions and mistakes. They will  work it out with patience and the right support. 

Feel  free to ask more and good luck.

Steve Gibbs - FA Coach Developer and  BAHons in Primary Education Studies