Q: Why don't you play 'proper' 7 or 11-a-side football?
Every session includes a 7v7 match but The FA is very clear that younger children should start with the 4v4 Mini Soccer format rising through 5v5 and 6v6 to 7v7. In our weekly Football Festivals, the kids will get experience of all of these formats.

The more touches of the ball they get, the faster they develop and the more they enjoy their football. In a typical 30-minute 7-a-side game, a player gets the ball just 15 or 20 times and is 'active' in play for just 10 minutes. In 30 minutes of 4-a-side play, they get the ball over 50 times and are active for around 25 minutes. This is 'proper' football, just more intense, more competitive and more effective at developing skill.

If it's good enough for all the top Academies in Europe, it's good enough for our kids. More on small-sided games...

Q: Will my team be ready for 7-a-side at 'U9s'?
Absolutely. They'll have played plenty of 7v7 football.