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STRAPLINE

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Ages 6 - 8
NATIONAL

C oac he s - 4v4s
for
A Re source
 Contents
Page

3 Introduction

4 Scotland’s National Player Pathway

6 Role of the coach

7 Coach Development Pathway

8 Positive Coaching

15 Codes of conduct and good practice

19 Safety

20 4-a-side football match-day guidelines

23 Super Fives

26 Match-day protocol

27 Match supervisor guidance

28 Useful content

31 Contacts

2 The Player Pathway: 4v4s Ages 6-8.

02.12
Introduction

This booklet is designed to help all our volunteers

taking a 4-a-side team.
This may be the first time that you have dealt with children in a football
context, or you may have experience with players of a different age and
stage. But no matter your background it is vital that young players have
the most positive experience that we can give them. We all want our
young players to fall in love with the game and this will always be the
vital spark that can lead to a life-long passion for football and all the
benefits that this can bring to enhance their lives.

The 4-a-side game format is world-renowned for being the first

building block in teaching the game of football to young people. It
allows players to understand the fundamentals of the game and have
the opportunity to master the ball, 1v1 situations and to be creative in
their play. However the most important aspect is how you, as the adult
in charge, make this experience fun and appropriate to the children’s
age and stage of development, because if they love the game they will
come back and play again.

This booklet, along with the Developing Talent section of the Scottish
FA website and our Coach Education courses, is designed to help
you deliver a fun, challenging and developmental experience for your
players. A good motto for this age group is….

’no child will drop out of the game

…..not on my watch’.

Good luck and we hope you enjoy the experience as much as the
children do.

3
 4
Scotland’s national Player Pathway

The Scottish FA has, in partnership with 6-8 years – Desire to Play

the Scottish Youth FA and key football The driving philosophy of this stage is:
stakeholders, implemented a National Player
• Learning to love the game

The Player Pathway: 4v4s Ages 6-8.

Pathway that takes a common sense and • Learning to move
player-centered approach to developing the
football potential of our young people. Objectives

The new player pathway is progressive, coherent • The major objective of this stage is to provide
and challenging and will allow young players to physical activity, develop physical literacy and basic
reach their potential wherever they live in the skills within children, through football participation
country. • Without speed, agility, balance and co-ordination,
as well as the ability to run, jump, throw, catch
Following the philosophy that ‘the game grows with and control the body, children will not only be
the child’ the player pathway sets out principles and incomplete as football players but will also not have
guidelines on best practice for teaching players how the confidence or competence to take part in many
to enjoy and develop as players and citizens through sporting activities
our national game.
• These skills will be delivered through programmes
centred around games-based and FUN (Foundation,
Understanding, Nurturing) activities, with 100%
involvement at all times
• Football 4s festivals and Development 4’s that will
allow the opportunity to express enjoyment and
develop skills through games
 The national player pathway works as follows

6-8 years. Desire to Play

4v4
4-a-side football represents the best game format for players
aged from 6 to 8 years of age. It should follow:
• Fun based activity only
• Festival basis – trophy free – multi game model 9-12 years. Learning to Play
• Simple rules – no offside, kick-ins, rolling subs
7v7
• Size 3 ball
• Children referee themselves with minimal adult supervision
• 10-minute games with a maximum of four games

13-16 years. Developing the

• Coaching Player
• Volunteering
11v11
• Officiating
• Spectating

16-21 years. Preparing to

Adult Football Compete

• Professional 11v11
• Amateur
• Recreational

5
 Role of the Coach

Without coaches and volunteers there would be no football. The role of

the coach within children’s football is crucial as this is the stage where
most players will learn to fall in love with the game and where most will
establish the basis of their footballing habits. A knowledge of children and
how to teach is often more important than a knowledge of the game. It is
also important that we understand why children enjoy playing football.

Your role as coach is to ……..

• Provide fun and enjoyable activity suitable to the ages of the players
• Provide well organised and planned practices and games
• Provide stimulating activities that promote fundamental skills and
movement development
• Communicate appropriately with children
• Encourage children to have the freedom to express themselves
• Be a good role model
• Teach basic ethics of fair play and sportsmanship

……..so that the players will……

• Fall in love with the game
• Have basic movement skills
• Be comfortable with the ball
• Be more confident to try new challenges
• Understand and demonstrate good sportsmanship

Use the checklist below to help guide you to create the best possible
football experience for your young players:

Make it fun
Make it safe
Use the ball
Always coach positively
Involve all your players
Be patient
Be a good role model

6 The Player Pathway: 4v4s Ages 6-8.

 Coach Development Pathway

The Scottish FA continues to invest in the development of our coaches

and volunteers and values the role these people play in the development
of our game. The game is as good as the coaches who provide the
opportunities. To ensure quality provision we have worked hard to
implement a Coach Development Pathway which addresses the needs of
the coach in relation to the age and stage of their players.

The following pathway for coaches working in the children’s game

is available:

Level 5 Advanced Children’s Licence (14 Days)

Level 4 Basic Children’s Award (5 Days)

Physical Preparation Course

Level 3 Coaching in the Game (2 Days)

Level 2 Coaching Young Footballers (2 Days)

Level 1 Early Touches (1 Day)

For more information on the Scottish FA coach development pathway visit

www.scottishfa.co.uk or contact your local football development officer.

7
 Positive Coaching
Our vision is a football culture in Scotland where
young players are developed in a positive, safe
environment, where they learn to win through effort
and where valuable life lessons are developed.
Through the Positive Coaching Scotland programme we
are driving change.
Positive Coaching Scotland gives all involved in the game the tools to develop
happy, successful, confident, and respectful young people. We want our players
to win, just not at all costs, and we want them to stay involved in the game
through to adulthood.
Unfortunately across all levels of the youth game, coaches focused on winning
at all costs, irresponsible parents piling pressure on their children, violence
on the touchline and disrespect for officials have become far too common.
Therefore it’s no surprise a high proportion of players are lost to football at a
young age and we aren’t producing enough high performing players. Coaches,
parents, volunteers, officials and players alike, let’s work together to change
our culture.
The PCS programme is a double goal strategy:
The first goal is teaching young people vital, character building skills through
football. Skills that will equip them for life.
The second goal is winning. Learning to compete effectively is a necessity
in all areas of life. We want to win, just not at all costs, but through applying
concerted effort to achieve set goals.
We use three key principles:

1: Honour our Game

Teach everyone involved how to honour their team-mates, opponents, the
rules, officials, and themselves.
• Encourage all young players to obey and uphold the rules and play the
game fairly
• Encourage all players to show respect to opposition - play hard and play fair
• Encourage all players to value a match supervisor’s role and always
show respect
• Give teammates praise and encouragement - work together to achieve
team goals
• Lead by example by your manner and behaviour on and off the pitch
8
2: Redefining Winning
Move the focus from the scoreboard to succeeding and winning through
effort.
• Sustained effort to achieve set goals – encourage players to work hard to
achieve in whatever they do
• Don’t focus on results. Focus players to learn and improve to master skills
and improve performance
• Mistakes happen – more important is we encourage players to respond
quickly and positively to recover

3: Fill the emotional tank

Build a young player’s confidence, motivation and resilience.
• Encourage players to give praise and encouragement to their teammates
• Give positive encouragement of effort irrespective of outcome or result
• Encourage young players to be confident and don’t be scared to try things
• All players get nervous - praise, listen and support players to build
confidence
• Model the good behaviour you want to see in your players through positive
verbal and non-verbal communication on the pitch

Taking on board these goals and principles the role of the coach at this
stage is vital and you can have a big influence on young people. PCS will
provide you, the coach, with a unique range of tools for use in training and
competition that will enable you to coach school age children in such a way
that they will learn more, try harder and stay longer in sport. What’s more,
they’ll enjoy the journey.

Role of a double goal coach

• Ensure participants have fun and achieve success through effort
• Inspire young people to be the best they can be both in sport and in life
• Recognise that a positive sporting experience can help develop self-
confidence and self-esteem
• Equip yourself with the most effective methods and practices in your
coaching

9
 PCS Coaching Tools
• Teach and discuss ROOTS
• Winners circle and Effort Goals
rules • opponents • officials • teammates • self
• Child friendly feedback

Teach and discuss ROOTS rules • opponents

As a coach it is important that you set high standards of attitude and behaviour
for your young players and how they play the game. At this stage it is very
important you discuss ROOTS with your players to both educate them in what
is expected and also to lead by example in how you conduct your training
sessions and matches. By talking and discussing ROOTSofficials with your players
• teammates • self you
will be able to encourage all your players to play the game with respect and
sportsmanship to enforce the message of Honour Our Game.

Winners circle and Effort Goals

Once players have match kit on and are ready to warm up organise them in a
circle and one by one ask them to set a goal for today’s game.
To set goals with your players we want to concentrate on effort to achieve a
task rather than setting a goal which only focuses on the end result. We call
these Effort Goals.
Effort Goals provide great motivation as the individual is in control of whether
or not they achieve the goal. An Effort Goal is achievable if the young person
works hard and puts in appropriate effort to achieve and can easily see when
progress has been made. Outcome goals such as scoring goals or tackling
an opponent tend to focus on the end result and do not take into account any
of the effort which was made to achieve them. They can provide motivation.
However solely focussing on the result can lead to increased anxiety and
lowered self-confidence. Many coaches only use outcome goals but this
can discourage effort as they are largely uncontrollable due to a number of
external factors such as the ability and form of the opposition.

10 The Player Pathway: 4v4s Ages 6-8.

Set goals for your players that they can achieve through effort
Move off the ball
Communicate with your team-mates
Player is in Control
Pass to your team-mates
Follow up rebounds

Avoid giving outcome goals as they can add pressure and cause frustration
Score a goal
Don’t let any goals in
Player is NOT in Control
Don’t give the ball away
Win the game

Effort Goals set at the correct level will allow players to progress towards
their outcome goals.

Straight after the game and before players get changed and leave with their
parents, organise them into a circle once again and ask each player to tell
you:
• Did they achieve their individual effort goal or team goal?
• Did they do anything else that they were happy about?
• Did anyone else in the team do something that they were happy about?

This will help build confidence and focus the young players on working hard
to achieve and develop.

11
 After each player has given their feedback, all other players will clap
each player, boosting the individual’s confidence and making them feel
that they have contributed and learned from today’s game. The coach
will then provide a brief summary picking up on the positives and after
another 1,2, and 3 (Team Name) send all the kids up the road with a
feel good factor and that they have achieved something from the game
regardless of the result.

Child friendly feedback

Magic ratio 5:1
There will be times when you have to give constructive criticism
to a player as this is an integral part of the coaching process. It is
recommended that when giving criticism you should give five positive
comments to every negative comment. Research has shown that a
magic ratio of 5:1 is ideal. Although five comments may sound a lot they
can take the form of positive body language such as smiling, clapping or
giving a thumbs up or high five.

It’s their
game. Let
them play it!
12 The Player Pathway: 4v4s Ages 6-8.
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Using your fair play cards:

• Before kick-off coaches should bring all players together and set the
behavioural standard they expect from the players
• Coaches then give each player a fair play card
• Players then run to their parent/guardian, hand the card to them and
ask them to read it (if they do not have anyone watching the player
should hand the card to team officials/coaches)
• After the match the coach should call the players together to
reinforce any behavioural issues that may have arisen during the
match (these can be positive or negative issues)
• The players should then run to their parent/guardian and collect the
fair play card back from them
• Coaches then collect the cards to use again the next week

13
 PCS Best Effort Cards for players
These cards are to be handed out by coaches at the end of the match to a player
in the opposing team who has displayed best effort and fair play throughout.
Coaches can use this system to encourage and motivate players to collect as
many of these throughout the season as possible.

50 ways to say ‘well done’

During the competition After the competition
1. Well done! 21. That was really good!
2. Terrific! 22. I’m proud of your effort today!
3. That’s the way to do it! 23. That’s the best you’ve ever done!
4. That’s a real improvement! 24. You did really well today!
5. Good thinking! 25. You must have been practicing!
6. Keep up the good work! 26. That was great, you remembered!
7. That’s it! 27. You worked well today!
8. That’s better! 28. Good effort out there today!
9. Outstanding! 29. You really are learning quickly!
10. Fantastic! 30. You’re nearly there!
11. Fine work! 31. Perfect!
12. That’s right! 32. Great effort!
13. Wonderful! 33. That’s great!
14. You’re really working hard today! 34. You’re getting better!
15. That’s looking good! 35. Now you’ve got the hang of it!
16. Good work! 36. You’re getting better every day!
17. That’s the right way to do it! 37. You’re learning fast!
18. Top stuff!! 38. I knew you could do it!
19. I think you’ve got it now! 39. I’m so proud of you!
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14 The Player Pathway: 4v4s Ages 6-8.

Codes of Conduct & Good Practice
One of the critical components of our game is the passion that people show for
the team and club that they support. Whilst this passion is usually harnessed
and used to support our game it sometimes can boil over to create negative
situations. We must all work together in the attempt to eliminate this negative
passion. Codes of Conduct are an integral component of footballing activities
and the following codes compliment the good work of the many football bodies
in Scotland.
All members of your club or association must
adopt specific codes. The Scottish FA and SYFA
encourages members to be vigilant in enforcing such
codes whether via support for those who constantly
abide by the codes and/or penalties for those who
fail to act in accordance with the codes.
Fair Play must be fundamental to the aims and
objectives of the club where it is crucial to ensure
that all players, officials and volunteers abide
by the rules, respect everyone and maintain
high standards of sportsmanship at all
times.
Always Honour the Game!

15
 COACHES’ CODE OF CONDUCT
• Allow all players, no matter their level of ability, the opportunity to play
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every player and treat everyone
equally within the context of football
• Always pursue fair play
• Prohibit use of camcorders and cameras unless parental consent
has been provided
• Place safety and well-being of the player above the development of
performance
• Be aware of the Scottish FA, SYFA and the Club’s Child & Vulnerable Adult
Protection Policy and Procedures
• Ensure that coaching sessions are enjoyable, well-structured and focus
on developing skills, decision making and a general understanding of the
game
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with players based on mutual
trust and respect
• Encourage players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour
and performance
• Ensure that sessions and games are appropriate for the age, maturity,
experience and ability of the individual
• Must consistently display high standards of appearance and behaviour
• Know where to find appropriate first-aid training. Contact the Scottish
Youth FA
• Hold a current membership list and have a register available at
all activities

16 The Player Pathway: 4v4s Ages 6-8.

PLAYERS’ CODE OF CONDUCT
• Play by the rules – the rules of your club and the rules of the game
• Never argue with a Match supervisor or other official – without these people
you can’t play football
• Control your temper - verbal abuse of officials and abusing other players
doesn’t help you enjoy or win any games
• Be a team player – it’s a team game, treat it that way
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated – fairly
• Co-operate with your coach the referee and team-mates
• Play for your own enjoyment and to improve your skills through hard work
• Don’t use ugly remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability – you’ll
let down your coach, team-mates and family if you do – and many such
comments are actually now illegal

17
 Positive Parents: Making parents an asset
Young players bring parents with them so you as a coach must engage with
parents to help build a positive team culture. A good working relationship
between coaches and parents can be a great tool in developing young players.

Parent meeting- a meeting with the parents at the start of the season can be a
great way of developing a positive environment and setting down the standards
that you will be applying for the coming season.
At this meeting you should discuss;
• Coaching Philosophy – discuss your philosophy as a coach which may
include respect, effort, learning and set your rules on game time, missing
training, travel etc.
• Aims and goals – set down aims and goals for the season including player
and team development
• Logistics – training and game information, team contact list and what
equipment the players will need
• Parent code of conduct/Parent pledge – clear rules regards match days and
the behaviour expected to best support their child
Parent Volunteers – Parents can be a fantastic support for your team and your
club and you should encourage them to take on duties which may include kit
washing, refreshments or other club roles. It is good to discuss support needed
with parents as many parents will have specific skills that will be able to support
your club. Involving parents will also help develop a family friendly environment
and a positive experience for all.
PCS Touchline champions – Appoint PCS touchline champions on match days
to help honour the game. A PCS touchline champion’s role is to promote the
honour our game message of respect and to communicate with all parents to
support the coach and the players in a positive way. PCS Touchline champions
will uphold the messages of respect for the rules, officials, opponents,
teammates and self and will work with parents to let the players play, coaches
coach, referees make decisions.
PCS Parent leaflet – Coaches and PCS touchline champions can use the PCS
parent leaflets to reinforce the standards of behaviour you set and the use of the
leaflets is a way of reminding spectators that they are role models and play a
key role in the development of their child.

18 The Player Pathway: 4v4s Ages 6-8.

SAFETY
Coaches have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the players in their charge
as far as possible within the limits of their control. Therefore coaches should
seek to create a safe and enjoyable environment in which to play and train.

In this respect:

• Regular safety checks should be carried out in relation to premises, training

facilities and equipment

• Appropriate safety rules should be adopted and implemented

• Parents/guardians should be informed of the starting and finishing times of

training sessions and matches

• A trained first aider and first aid kit must be available at all training sessions/
matches and injuries should be recorded, with a note of action taken in
relation to each one. Never play injured players

• Parents/guardians should be notified of injuries/illness which their children

incur whilst participating in any football activity

Goals – play it safe

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19
 Fun Fours (up to eight years)
1. The Field of Play
Recommended
The field of play should be 30 metres by 20 metres
Goalposts shall be 1.8 metres by 1.2 metres (6ft by 4ft) or smaller
A centre mark at the midpoint of the halfway line
4-a-side Football Match-day Guidelines

................................................ ...............................................
4-a-side
Approximately 30m
(up to eight years old)
It is recommended that

The goals are a maximum of 1.8m wide x 1.2m high

..........................

any Association who can

provide a festival format
should follow the SFA
Developmental Fours
Approximately 20m

resource (available from

1.8m
1.8m

the Scottish FA).

..........................

Scottish1. The Field

Football’s ofPlayer
National PlayPathway 4. The Players’ Equipment
Recommended All players must wear shin-guards.
The field of play should be 30 metres by Metal studs are suitable for grass fields only.
20 metres. Players must wear the appropriate clothing
Goalposts shall be 1.8 metres by 1.2 dependent on weather.
metres (6ft by 4ft) or smaller. Glasses may be worn provided they have
There should be a centre mark at the safety frames and lenses.
midpoint of the halfway line.
5. The Referee
2. The Ball A match supervisor shall be either a club
A size 3 ball should be used. official or an adult approved by both sides
and will not be allowed to coach either team.
3. The Number of Players
Teams will comprise 4 outfield players, 6. Assistant Referees
no goalkeepers. Squads may consist of Assistant referees are not required.
up to 6 players with rolling substitutions
throughout the match. Players who have 7. The Duration of the Match
been substituted may return to the field of Matches should be organised on a round
play as often as necessary. robin festival basis and be trophy free. Each
All team members should receive equal match should last no more than 10 minutes.
playing time where possible. The team leaders have joint discretion
to alter this in the event of poor weather
conditions, pitch conditions or an obvious
mismatch. There should be a minimum of 5
minutes between matches with a maximum
of 4 matches.

20 The Player Pathway: 4v4s Ages 6-8.

8. The Start and Restart of Play 15. The Throw In
On scoring a goal the team that scores In the event of the ball going out of play a
will retreat to the halfway line. The team kick-in will be awarded.
conceding the goal will restart the game All opposition players must be 6 metres
with a short forward pass. from the ball.

9. The Ball in and out of Play 16. The Goal Kick

Normal rules apply (please refer to www. Goal kicks should be taken out from the
scottishfa.co.uk). goal area, but without a goal area marked,
players should be encouraged to place the
10. The Method of Scoring ball and play from there.
Normal rules apply (please refer to www.
scottishfa.co.uk). 17. The Corner Kick
(Eight years old only)
11. Offside Normal rules apply except that opposing
There is no offside rule and there is no players to be 6 metres away from the ball
retreating line. (please refer to www.scottishfa.co.uk).

12. Fouls and Misconduct General

Normal rules apply (please refer to www. Team coaches will stand on the same side
scottishfa.co.uk). of the field. Parents should stand on the
Team coaches should immediately opposite side of the pitch behind a marked
substitute any player showing area, for example, cones, pitch tapes etc.
unacceptable behaviour. Depending on the venue, parents should be
encouraged to stand a distance away from
13. Free Kicks the pitch, to only encourage players and to
Normal rules apply except that the uphold fair play.
distance an opposing player must be is 6
metres from the ball (please refer to www. Team coaches should encourage the rotation
scottishfa.co.uk). of players to experience different parts of
the pitch.
14. The Penalty Kick
There are no penalty kicks. At the end of every game, team coaches
should encourage both teams to shake
hands with each other and the officials.

21
22 The Player Pathway: 4v4s Ages 6-8.
Super Fives (Optional for age 8 years
from August to November only)

Recommended 7. The Duration of the Match

The field of play should be 35 metres by 20 Matches should be organised on a round
metres. robin festival basis and be trophy free. Each
Goalposts should be no more than be 4.9 match should last no more than 15 minutes.
metres x 1.8 metres (16ft by 6ft). The team leaders have joint discretion
There should be a centre mark at the to alter this in the event of poor weather
midpoint of the halfway line. conditions, pitch conditions or an obvious
mismatch. There should be a minimum of 5
2. The Ball minutes between matches with a maximum
A size 3 ball should be used. of 3 matches within a 1 hour period.

3. The Number of Players 8. The Start and Restart of Play

Teams will comprise 4 outfield players plus On scoring a goal the team that scores
a goalkeeper. Team squads may consist of will retreat to the halfway line. The team
up to 7 players with rolling substitutions conceding the goal will restart the game
used throughout the match. Players who with a short forward pass.
have been substituted may return to the
field of play as often as necessary. All team 9. The Ball in and out of Play
members should receive equal playing Normal rules apply. (Please refer to www.
time where possible. scottishfa.co.uk).

4. The Players’ Equipment 10. The Method of Scoring

All players must wear shin-guards. Normal rules apply. (Please refer to www.
Metal studs are suitable for grass fields scottishfa.co.uk).
only.
Players must wear the appropriate clothing 11. Offside
dependent on weather. There is no offside rule and there is no
Glasses may be worn provided they have retreating line.
safety frames and lenses.
12. Fouls and Misconduct
5. The Referee Normal rules apply. (Please refer to www.
A match supervisor, who must be a club scottishfa.co.uk).
official, will officiate from the side of the Team coaches should immediately substitute
field and will not be allowed to coach either any player showing unacceptable behaviour.
team.

6. Assistant Referees/Match Supervisors
Assistant referees/match supervisors are
not required

23
24 The Player Pathway: 4v4s Ages 6-8.
Super Fives (Optional for age 8 years from
August to November only) contd.

13. Free Kicks

Normal rules apply except that the distance an opposing player
must be is 6 metres from the ball.
(Please refer to www.scottishfa.co.uk).

14. The Penalty Kick

There are no penalty kicks.

15. The Throw In

In the event of the ball going out of play, a kick-in will be awarded.
All opposition players must be 6 metres from the ball.

16. The Goal Kick

Normal rules apply.
(Please refer to www.scottishfa.co.uk).

17. The Corner Kick

Normal rules apply except that opposing players to be 6 metres
away.
(Please refer to www.scottishfa.co.uk).

General
Team coaches will stand on the same side of the pitch. Parents
should stand on the opposite side of the pitch behind a marked
area, for example, cones, pitch tapes etc.
Dependant on the venue, parents should be encouraged to stand
a distance away from the pitch and to only encourage players and
to uphold fair play.

Team coaches should encourage the rotation of players to

experience different positions on the pitch.

Goalkeepers should pass or throw the ball to a team mate and not
kick from hand.
It is recommended, time permitting, that matches will finish with
every player taking a penalty kick.

At the end of every game team coaches should encourage both

teams to shake hands with each other and the officials.

25
 Match-day Protocol
On match-days the home team can follow the guidelines below to ensure
the games run smoothly for all.

• Early arrival at the venue

• Set Up Pitch - safety check, erect goals, set out 1m touchline
barrier/cones
• Meet and greet own players
• Meet and greet away team
• Pre match preparations - winners circle, warm up,
champions league style handshake
• Agree match supervision by representatives from each
team if required
• Post match penalties
• Handshakes all round
• Winners circle
• This week’s training arrangements etc

26 The Player Pathway: 4v4s Ages 6-8.

Match Supervisor’s Guidance
On match-days coaches will require to ensure that matches operate
smoothly and without fuss. Teams should decide upon a match
supervisor to ensure the game flows well throughout.
The role of the match supervisor should be to:

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all players

• Check pitch for potential hazards (e.g. broken glass, dogs’ dirt) and
check the safety of the goals being used
• With support of both team coaches give the players a brief reminder
of the standard of behaviour expected and the need for RESPECT
for team-mates, opponents and the match supervisor
• Ensure teams shake hands prior to kick-off and after the match
• Use Positive Coaching PARENT CARDS for players to hand out to all
parents reminding them of the philosophy we follow
• Help to educate players whilst the game progresses, giving some
basic pointers where appropriate (e.g. rules of the game)
• Allow the game to flow only making decisions when required…let
the children play!
• Help to avoid potential rule breaking and possible confrontations
• If required, remind parents and spectators of the positive
environment that should exist around the pitch at all times
• Praise and encourage good play by both teams
• Allow frequent substitutions to encourage equal playing time
for all players
• Highlight skill, effort and FAIR PLAY and congratulate all involved
at the end of play
• Use the Positive Coaching BEST EFFORT card to highlight a player
in both teams who has demonstrated this throughout the game

27
 Useful content

4v0 C

D B

Set Up
• Diamond set up with distance dependant on ability
• Player at each cone. Ball starts at position A. Focus on introduction to
passing and receiving in a basic team shape

Instructions
• Player at A passes the ball to the player at B who has gone long and has come
off at an angle to receive and then control the ball and pass it to player at C
who has performed the same movement until it goes round to the start. Use
right foot to pass and receive on the right and the left going to the left. Go
both ways
• Pass the ball to the back foot and pass and receive with the inside of the foot
• Progression 1– additional player at position A and follow pass
• Progression 2 – players can pass to any position

Coaching Points
• Movement away from the ball, body position helps to take defender away
• Receiving the ball with body open
• Shoulder position
• Eye contact to dictate when the ball is passed
• Head movement to develop vision and awareness
• Pass to the back foot
• Communication

28 The Player Pathway: 4v4s Ages 6-8.

4v1

Set Up
• Diamond set up with distance dependant on ability. Players can pass to any
position. Obstacle of dribbling defender is now introduced. Players need to
look for space and select correct pass to play

Instructions
• Players play 4 v 1 possession. Defending player dribbles with the ball and
the attacking players pass the ball around and across the area avoiding the
moving player
• Progression – dribbling defender becomes a defender attempting to win ball

Coaching Points
• Movement along line to support the ball
• First touch away from defenders
• Play from busy area to quiet area
• Look early to find space

29
 4v2

Set Up
• Diamond set up with distance dependant on ability. Extension from 4 v 1.
Obstacle of 2 dribbling defenders now introduced.

Instructions
• Players play 4 v 2 possession against dribbling defenders.
• Progression – defenders no longer dribbling and now win a point for every
possession gained and if the attacking players put the ball out of the area.
Attacking players win a point for every ball played between the defenders.

Coaching Points
• Movement along line to support the ball
• First touch away from defenders
• Play from busy area to quiet area
• Defenders to work as a pair
• First defender to show one side

30 The Player Pathway: 4v4s Ages 6-8.

Contacts
Scottish Youth FA Scottish FA Regions

Scottish Youth FA (SYFA) ScottishFA North Region

Chief Executive David Little Regional Manager Graeme Sutherland
Hampden Park, Glasgow G42 9BF Office Details:
0141 620 4590 Elgin Community Centre, Elgin
e-mail: syfa@scottish-football.com e-mail: north@scottishfa.co.uk
www.scottishyouthfa.co.uk Telephone: 01343 540101

SYFA Central Region ScottishFA West Region

Secretary Jim Dolan Regional Manager Paul McNeill
Telephone: 01698 400920 (h) Office Details: KGV Centre, Renfrew
07887 774082 (m) e-mail: westregion@scottishfa.co.uk
e-mail: jd009a2705@blueyonder.co.uk Telephone: 0141 886 7366

SYFA East Region ScottishFA South West Region

Secretary Hugh McGregor Regional Manager John Brown
Telephone: 01383 734002 (h) Office Details:
07971 296579 (m) Magnum Leisure Centre, Irvine
e-mail: h5503@hotmail.co.uk e-mail: southwest@scottishfa.co.uk
Telephone: 01294 317430
SYFA North Region
Secretary Neil Paterson ScottishFA East Region
Telephone: 01224 897897 (h) Regional Manager Ian Lowe
07792 768657 (m) Office Details:
e-mail: secretary@northernsyfa.co.uk Lynch Sports Centre, Dundee
e-mail: east@scottishfa.co.uk
SYFA South East Region Telephone: 01382 431829
Secretary Allan Archibald
Telephone: 0131 334 0135 ScottishFA Central Region
e-mail: allanarchibald@blueyonder.co.uk Regional Manager Andrew Gilchrist
Office Details: University of Stirling
SYFA South West Region e-mail: central@scottishfa.co.uk
Secretary Lynn McBride Telephone: 01786 467165
Telephone: 01292 479768
e-mail: lynnmcbride.pwk@btinternet.com ScottishFA South East Region
Regional Manager David Drummond
SYFA West Region Office Details:
Secretary Jim Smith University of Edinburgh,
Telephone: 0141 764 3663 (h) McArthur Pavilion, Peffermill Road
07891 373222 (m) e-mail: southeast@scottishfa.co.uk
e-mail: syfawest@onetel.com Telephone: 0131 667 8245

31
R COMMUNITY PARTNER

Is YOUR club
interested in...
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THE SCOTTISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

 Developed from the original programme created by
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Positive Coaching Scotland

CREATING A
POSITIVE YOUTH
FOOTBALL CULTURE
BETTER PLAYERS BETTER PEOPLE
www.scottishfa.co.uk/positivecoaching
@ScottishFA_PCS
PROUD TO SUPPORT
THE PLAYER PATHWAY
McDonald’s is proud to support The Scottish FA Player Pathway and play our
part in helping Scotland’s young players reach their full potential. By 2014 we
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McDONALD’S. MORE FOOTBALL FOR ALL.

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The Scottish FA
Hampden Park Glasgow G42 9AY
T: 0141 616 6000 • F: 0141 616 6001
www.scottishfa.co.uk