Following Department of Health guidance on COVID-19, the Irish Football Association and McDonald’s have taken the decision to postpone our McDonald’s Small-Sided Games Development Centres Programme sessions until later in the year.
The IFA and McDonald’s are committed to offering free football to children of all ages and abilities in a safe and enjoyable environment and will only offer these sessions when it is completely safe to do so. The centres will run once we can ensure the wellbeing of our players, coaches and parents, based on the latest government public health advice.
- You can still register for the McDonald’s Small-Sided Games Development Centres Programme here
The main objective of the McDonald’s Small-Sided Games Development Centres Programme, is to develop new football skills and to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle among boys and girls from 6 - 12 years old.
The value of a McDonald’s Small-Sided Games Development Centre is to provide youngsters with an opportunity to showcase their newly acquired skill and creativity.
The aim is to provide training and game environments that promote the continued improvement of ball skills, an increased game awareness, and an appreciation for taking calculated risks in the attack through small-sided games.
The small-sided game model is an effective method for developing ball skills and game awareness because it increases opportunities for players to have contact with the ball and to both attack and defend without the tactical regimentation that can occur in 11 v 11 football.
Competition is a central element in a player’s development. However, a competitive environment should not be a result- oriented environment.
A competitive environment at this level should encourage decisions from player and coach alike that focus on performance rather than outcome (favouring ball skills and inventiveness).
For small sided games registration, please CLICK HERE.FAQS
What are the rules?
McDonald's Small Sided games vary dependant on the ages within the team.
Here is a simple breakdown...
Under 7 & 8:
Players: 5
Pitch: 35x25m
Size of Ball: 3
Duration: 36 mins (3x12 mins)
Goal Size: 3.65 x 1.83 (12 x 6)
Under 9:
Players: 7
Pitch: 55x35m
Size of Ball: 4
Duration: 45 mins (3 x 15 mins)
Goal Size: 3.65 x 1.83 (12 x 6)
Under 10:
Players: 7
Pitch: 55x35m
Size of Ball: 4
Duration: 45 mins (3 x 15 mins)
Goal Size: 4.87 x 2.13 (16 x 7)
Under 11:
Players: 9
Pitch: 65x45m
Size of Ball: 4
Duration: 50 mins (2 x 25 mins)
Goal Size: 4.87 x 2.13 (16 x 7)
Under 12:
Players: 9
Pitch: 65x45m
Size of Ball: 4
Duration: 60 mins (3 x 20 mins)
Goal Size: 4.87 x 2.13 (16 x 7)
What are the benefits?
There are eleven main benefits as to why McDonald's Small Sided games are crucial to the development of our youth football players.
These are:
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Because we want our young football players to touch the football more often and become more skilful with it.
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Because we want our young football players to have more decision making experiences during the game.
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Because we want our young football players to be more physically efficient on the pitch they are playing on.
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Because we want our young football players to have more individual teaching time with the coach! Fewer players on the field and fewer players on the team will guarantee this.
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Because we want our young football players to have more involved playing time in the game.
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Because we want our young football players to have more opportunity to play on both sides of the ball. (more exposure to attacking and defending situations)
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Because we want our young football players to have more opportunities to score goals.
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Because there are no set positions, players will have more freedom of expression.
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Because we want more efficient use of facilities, given there can be multiple games on one standard adult pitch.
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Because we want our young players to have less pressure from coaches and parents/guardians.
Best of all, the game is simple, can be played without adult involvement and it’s FUN!