FAI

Player
development
plan
11v11
Under 15 / Under 16

Implementation Booklet Phase 1 – July 2015

Implementation of a player-focused model based on enjoyment and
skill development whilst reducing the emphasis on winning at all
costs.
Restructuring of the playing model for underage football (boys/girls)
to a clear policy on the best age-specific formats of the game to be
implemented by all leagues.

Creating better players for the future

 Contents Introduction

Over the past number of months I have met with many

Page 3 Introduction people from the football community around Ireland and
have received very positive feedback on the
recommendations the FAI has put forward to change the
Page 4 A Player-Focused Philosophy way we develop our young football players. There is
certainly a huge appetite for change right across the
country.
Page 8 The Retreat Line
A Technical Advisory Group was established in 2014 which
brought together experienced football people to review all
aspects of how the underage game is played here in
Page 10 Under 15 / 16 11 v 11 Ireland and how we can make the changes required to
increase standards across the country. We set out to
develop an overall philosophy that is based on a player-focused model. This requires
Page 14 Playing Format Summary us to adapt the game to meet the needs of children and not change children to
meet the requirements of the game. If young children enjoy their earliest
experiences of football then they are much more likely to improve and to remain in
Appendix 1 Guide for Coaches the game. Young children’s reasons for playing football and their expectations and
values are quite different from those of adults.

Appendix 2 Guide for Parents / Guardians The Advisory Group brought forward ten recommendations on how the game could
be improved with a greater focus on player development. These recommendations
were presented to the FAI Board in October 2014 and adopted as FAI policy.
Appendix 3 Code of Ethics Safe Sport App Phase 1 of the Plan (implementation of Recommendations 1 and 2) will commence
in September 2015 with the remaining recommendations being implemented over
the following two seasons. A great deal of work has gone into putting new, uniform,
playing formats in place which will see improvements at all levels of the game.
A comparison was done between the game formats in operation across a number of
other countries and the various different playing formats being used around Ireland.
To be successful in our objectives we need the whole football community to work
together to create uniformity in what young players experience when playing our
game no matter where they are in the country.
We acknowledge the good work that has been done by coaches here for many years
but we are now seeking to build on those efforts so that every player can benefit,
which will lead to an improvement in playing standards.
This document will help coaches, clubs, administrators, parents and others involved
in the development of our young players to understand how the game will change
at the different levels and how our young players will reap the benefits of our
actions.
Ruud Dokter
High Performance Director,
Football Association of Ireland

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FAI player development plan Creating better players for the future
1
A player-focused philosophy

By using the experience our coaches already have and putting a clear plan in place substitution to replace the player, give him/her advice on how to
we believe the future can be very bright for Irish football. Player development and deal with the situation and then bring the player back on. It creates
players enjoying football is the core philosophy central to our new ‘Player a “live” learning environment for both coach and player.
Development Plan’. Whilst understanding that children are naturally competitive, we
need to focus on, and understand the importance of, player development versus Mini-blitzes/Festivals in a Twin-game Format at U6-U11. League Tables will
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simply winning matches. Winning at all costs inhibits player development and can be introduced from U12.
lead to a sense of frustration and failure. The match result is secondary to the quality Twin-games means that a squad is split into two teams, who play mini-blitzes
of play and the enjoyment of playing. It is essential that young players are free from or festivals. This results in more opportunities for children to play and at their
the constant pressure of winning and are allowed freedom of expression on the correct level. For example an Under 8 squad will consist of 12 players, for the
pitch. As players get older, the process will become increasingly more team-efficient blitz they will be split into two smaller squads of six players of similar ability as
with a greater focus on results. will their opponents. They will then play two 5v5 games against their
opponents with both matches taking place at the same time. Both teams will
Implementation of a player-focused model based on enjoyment and skill development have 1 substitute and roll on/roll off substitutions will apply.
whilst reducing the emphasis on winning at all costs. The following points are key to
this. League tables will not be introduced until U12 in order to take away the
winning at all cost mentality and the pressure on players, coaches and parents.
1 Introduce a uniform playing style and coaching style in order to develop skilful This will give more focus on player development at the younger ages. (Note;
and creative players. Leagues which currently have tables at U11 may continue with these for
An attacking style of play is the best guarantee of learning and development. Season 2015/16 if they so wish. Tables will then be discontinued at this age
To develop creative players, freedom of expression is key. Players need to learn from season 2016/17.)
from their mistakes and should always be encouraged to try again. For
example, if young players are criticised for losing the ball, or discouraged from 5 From U6-U9 guided play, referees to be introduced at U10.
trying something new, they will not learn. Guided play means that there is no referee involved, leaving the players to
solve any problems amongst themselves (mirroring what happened in Street
Our philosophy sees the 4-3-3 system of play as the best format in which to Football in the past). One of the benefits of Street Football was that the players
develop young players. Within this formation, roles can be clearly outlined and organised and “refereed” games themselves, solving problems as they arose,
there is a greater set of options for passing, ball retention etc. which facilitates learning mutual respect and honesty in a creative environment.
learning and provides flexibility in attacking and defending. This system of play
is recognised in many successful European countries as the best approach for Coaches of each team remain on the sideline and watch closely how players
player development. Coaches should encourage young players to play out act while a Match Supervisor will be appointed who will step in if help is
from the back, through midfield, linking up with attack. Whilst the long-ball required to resolve disputes. This may seem strange to some but is an
can be effective, it is no longer considered the only method of attacking play. approach that has proven very successful in many other countries.

2 Minimum playing time per game for each player. Referees will be introduced at U10. It is important that players learn to respect
Players need more playing time at a young age, otherwise there is no learning, the officials at all times, play by the rules and accept the rules.
no development and little enjoyment – which may result in young players 6 Parent Education Workshops.
dropping out of the game. All players deserve playing time – this is how they
Coaches and parents need a good working relationship which is important in
will develop.
developing young players. The ‘winning at all costs’ mentality often emanates
3 Roll on / Roll off (Ro Ro) substitutes will apply at all age levels. from coaches and parents. Workshops will be vitally important to educate
This allows for more playing time for the players and more opportunities for parents and help them understand the philosophy behind player development,
the coach to develop the players. For example, where a player is struggling to its aims, goals and objectives. There will be a parental ‘Code of Conduct’
cope with an opponent or has lost his/her discipline the coach can use the which will outline parents’ responsibilities.

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FAI player development plan Creating better players for the future
 Restructuring of the playing model for underage football (boys/girls) to a clear policy 4 Uniform match playing time by age group.
on the best age-specific formats of the game to be implemented by all leagues. Under the plan there will be consistency in terms of playing time by
Currently there is no consistency across leagues in terms of pitch size, goal size, age group across all leagues.
match duration etc. It is important to have a common structure implemented Maximum number of squad players per team.
by all leagues, for example a player in Donegal should be playing the same 5
format as a player of the same age in Kerry, Dublin etc. This is required to ensure that all players are given the recommended playing
time.
1 A gradual build-up towards the full game (4v4, 5v5, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11).
6 Female players allowed to play at all underage levels.
It is very important to understand that each age group has its own specific
requirements and characteristics. From a psychological, social and physical Female players that are currently not being facilitated in terms of age, standard
viewpoint players needs differ according to age. A clear structure is required, or the absence of a girls’ team in their own club will now have the opportunity
gradually building from 4v4 to the full 11v11 game. Small Sided Games are to play on boys’ teams. From U12 to U16 girls can play on boys’ teams either
important to develop the necessary football skills. 4v4 can be considered the at the girl’s own age group or one year below, for example a girl, eligible to
smallest simplification of the real game. Players have three options when they play at U14, can play on an U14 or U13 boys’ team depending on which age
are in possession, namely to play forward, sideways or backwards. Small Sided group best serves her developmental needs as a player. As always, team
Games allow players to have more ball contact and more involvement in the selection will be based on the player’s ability, not gender.
game. The focus is on scoring goals leading to greater enjoyment for the
players.
Young players should have the opportunity to play in many different positions,
only specialising when aged 15 or 16 and heading towards the adult game.
The coach should focus on the quality of play and the development of the
player rather that the result alone.

2 Uniform pitch and goal sizes.

Under the plan there will be consistency in terms of pitch size and goal size
across leagues.
3 One size ball, weight to be adjusted to the age group.
From a development point of view a size 5 football will be introduced at all age
levels. However the weight of the ball will depend on the age of the players
(from 290 grams to 450 grams). The larger ball surface helps the player
develop ball mastery (passing, receiving, dribbling, shooting etc.)
Because many clubs already have an existing stock of footballs these can
continue to be used for season 2015/16 but when being replaced by the club
they must restock with the new Size 5. During this transition period where
clubs have an opportunity to play with the new weighted Size 5 at local level
they must do so (i.e. where either team has the new weighted Size 5 ball it
must be used in the match)
From Season 2015/16 all SFAI National competitions will be played using the Size
5 weighted ball while full implementation of the new size 5 football across all
leagues / competitions will take place from Season 2016/17

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FAI player development plan Creating better players for the future
2
The Retreat Line

The Retreat Line has been introduced from U6 to U11 to allow our young players to The Retreat Line will come into effect at two points during the game:
learn and gain confidence in how to play the ball out from the back and play
forward to attack as opposed to the goalkeeper “sending it” aimlessly down the 1. When a goal is scored or the ball goes wide of the goal.
field. 2. When the goalkeeper has the ball in his/her hands.
It’s about Development! At these times, the “attacking” team is required to drop back to or behind the
Coaches are encouraged to work with their players on the developmental benefits of Retreat Line. The goalkeeper (or the restart player in 4v4) can then choose to pass
the Retreat Line and incorporate "Playing out from the back" in the playing style of the ball to one of his/her team-mates without the pressure of an opposing player
their teams. nearby. If the game is restarted quickly to the advantage of the team with possession
(before the opponents go back to the Retreat Line) this is acceptable.
Remember, mistakes will happen but coaches and players should look at these as
part of the development process and keep working with the confidence that Below we have listed some reminders/ clarifications regarding the use of the "Retreat
improvement will come with time. The Retreat Line will be signified by cones – for Line" and this information will be updated as required.
consistency we recommend using yellow cones - supplied by the home team and When can Opponents move back inside Retreat Line?
placed 1/3 distance of the field from each end as shown in the diagram below:
There are some differences depending on the playing format. For example in the
4v4 format (where there is no goalkeeper) if the ball goes wide of either goal, the
attacking team must withdraw to the Retreat Line and are only permitted to move
inside the Retreat Line once the restarter’s team-mate has touched the ball or if the
restarter chooses to dribble the ball back into play.
Full details are given under each specific playing format.

Game Restart at start of each period or if a goal is scored.

Again there are some differences depending on the format. For example in the 5v5
format each period will start with a normal kick-off. However on scoring a goal the
team that scores will withdraw to the retreat line and play will resume with the
goalkeeper either throwing the ball out to a team-mate or passing to a team-mate
within the first third of the pitch (they cannot kick long off the ground or out of their
hands). The opponents cannot advance beyond the retreat line until the player
receiving the ball from the goalkeeper touches the ball. Should the opposing team
enter inside the Retreat Line too soon the Referee / Match Supervisor will remind the
coaches that the players must retreat.
Full details are given under each specific playing format.

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FAI player development plan Creating better players for the future
 3
11 v 11 – applies to U15 and U16 players

1. The Field of Play. 5. Team formation.

Full Size pitch with full size goals. As per diagram 1-4-3-3 (recommended).

6. Match Duration.
Matches will consists of 2 x 35 minute halves for U15 and 2 x 40 minutes halves for
U16.

7. The Referee.
An official match referee must be used.

8. Substitutions.
Roll on/off substitutions will apply throughout the match. The Coach shall make
substitutions at the half-way line with the permission of the referee and players who
have been substituted may return to the field of play as often as necessary. At U15
all players should play at least 20 minutes but ideally 35 minutes or more. At U16 all
players should play at least 20 minutes but ideally 40 minutes or more. It is the
responsibility of the coach to give all squad players the minimum game time
indicated.

9. League Tables
League Tables apply.

10. The Players’ Equipment.

All players must wear shin guards.

11. The ball out of play.

Normal match rules apply (throw-ins / goal kicks)

12. The Start and Restart of Play.

2. The Penalty Area. Normal rules apply (kick off at start, when goal is scored and following half time
break)
Normal dimensions apply.
13. The Method of Scoring.
3. The Ball.
Normal rules apply.
A size 5 ball (450grams) should be used.
14. Offside.
4. The Number of Players.
Normal rules apply.
Squads will consist of 16 players with some flexibility allowed. (Note: particular
competition rules may restrict the number of players on the referee’s match card) 15. The Back Pass.
Normal Rules apply.

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FAI player development plan Creating better players for the future
 11 v 11 – U15/U16 continued

16. Fouls and Misconduct.

Normal rules apply.

17. Free Kicks.

Normal rules apply.

18. The Penalty Kick.

Normal rules apply.

19. The Corner Kick.

Normal rules apply.

General.
• Team coaches will stand on the same side of the pitch. Parents should stand on the
opposite side of the pitch and to only encourage players and uphold fair play.
• At the start and end of every game, team coaches and players will line up and
shake hands with each other.

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FAI player development plan
 Playing Format Summary

Age Match League

Squad Size Team Size Match Duration Referees Playing Time Pitch Size (m) Min/Max Goal Size Ball Size & Weight
Group Format Tables

35m x 20m max *

U6 10 4 v 4 (no GK) Twin 4 x 10 mins No 75% No 1m x 3m 5 (290 gms)
30m x 20m min

35m x 20m max *

U7 10 4 v 4 (no GK) Twin 4 x 10 mins No 75% No 1m x 3m 5 (290 gms)
30m x 20m min

45m x 25m max *

U8 12 5v5 Twin 4 x 12 mins No 75% No 2m x 5m 5 (290 gms)
40m x 25m min

45m x 25m max *

U9 12 5v5 Twin 4 x 12 mins No 75% No 2m x 5m 5 (320 gms)
40m x 25m min

65m x 40m max *

U10 16 7v7 Twin 2 x 25 mins Yes 50% No 2m x 5m 5 (320 gms)
60m x 35m min

65m x 40m max *

U11 16 7v7 Twin 2 x 25 mins Yes 50% No* 2m x 5m 5 (320 gms)
60m x 35m min

25% Box to Box, see page 24

U12 16 9v9 Normal 2 x 30 mins Yes Yes 2m x 5m 5 (370 gms)
to 50% of full booklet

25%
U13 16 11 v 11 Normal 2 x 30 mins Yes Yes Full Full 5 (370 gms)
to 50%
25%
U14 16 11 v 11 Normal 2 x 35 mins Yes Yes Full Full 5 (370 gms)
to 50%
25%
U15 16 11 v 11 Normal 2 x 35 mins Yes Yes Full Full 5 (450 gms)
to 50%
25%
U16 16 11 v 11 Normal 2 x 40 mins Yes Yes Full Full 5 (450 gms)
to 50%

Roll on/Roll of Substitutions apply at all ages

* Leagues who have league tables at U11 may continue to have league tables
for season 2015/16. League Tables at this age will be discontinued from
season 2016/17

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FAI player development plan Creating better players for the future
 Appendix 1
Guide for Coaches

Player Centered Approach Encourage your players to work together and achieve team objectives.
Allow players to be involved in decision making processes.
Ideally no football team would play a game without a qualified coach appropriate
for that level. You are essentially a teacher when working with young people and
specific skills are required. The Coach needs to learn and develop the skills required
In promoting good practice and creating a
to coach children to maximise their potential. child/player centered approach coaches
Players need coaches whose focus is on player development. Helping to build should:
confidence, motivation, freedom of expression will create a positive learning
environment, making playing and training enjoyable for the player. • Act as good role models.
Coaches who dictate to players all through the game undermine their confidence, • Encourage and be positive during sessions so that players leave with a sense of
hindering development. Young players must learn to play as part of a team achievement, always finish with a positive.
according to simplified guidelines when attacking (e.g. creating space, building up • Set challenging, realistic but achievable goals.
play and creating scoring opportunities) and when defending (e.g. defend together • Plan and prepare each session appropriately and ensure proper levels of
to win the ball back quickly). They must learn to deal with all elements of the game; supervision.
team-mates, opponents, the officials, the laws of the game, weather conditions, the • Ensure that all activities are inclusive and allow all players to participate in an
score etc. enjoyable way.
The task of the coach is to facilitate the players, to help them learn, play and enjoy • Put the welfare and enjoyment of players first and strike a balance between this
the game. and winning or achieving results.
• Enforce the principles of fair play, treating each player equally, with dignity and
Key principles in coaching:
respect and ensure that all players play within the rules.
Motivate your players, whilst coaching always in a positive way. This helps to build • Ensure that your players shake hands with their opponents before and after the
self-confidence and self-motivation. game, regardless of the result, as it is the right thing to do.
Praise and encourage your players to have the freedom to express themselves. • Ensure that you cater for different learning styles within your squad, for example
you could use your team talk- or a white board- or a demonstration or use players
Let the players make their own decisions on the pitch. Constantly instructing them to demonstrate.
on what to do does not help their development. Coaches must accept that mistakes
are part of the game and part of player learning and development. • Be aware of the developmental stages and needs of players.
• Avoid over training and over emphasis on competition.
Focus on the quality of play (when attacking, defending and in transition) rather
• Involve parents/guardians and other club members in what you do.
than on winning games.
• Be qualified and up to date with the latest coaching knowledge and skills.
Set development ‘goals’ in what you want to achieve with your team/players. For • Always follow best practise with reference to the FAI Child Welfare Policy.
example, “Today we will be focussing on attacking play.”
Engage with your players by asking questions. Talk and discussion will help create
improved awareness in their role, on and off the field.
Use language that is simple and age appropriate.
Encourage your players to show respect for the opponents and match officials (no
comments) and to play by the rules.

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FAI player development plan Creating better players for the future
 Appendix 2
Guide for Parents/Guardians

Parents / guardians play an important role in promoting children’s happiness and Parents/Guardians should not:
success in football and sport in general. Parental expectations and behaviour have a • Ignore or dismiss complaints or concerns expressed by a child which relate to
significant bearing on children’s attitude and behaviour while participating in his/her involvement in football.
football.
• Ridicule or shout at a child for losing a game or making a mistake.
Parents / guardians need to be aware of why children want to play football. Children • Treat any club as a child minding service.
want to learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a group, to win and be • Take safety for granted.
successful, experience challenges, excitement and action.
• Put undue pressure on any child to please or perform well.
While winning is important, it must be remembered that winning at all costs does
not meet the needs of players. Results are not necessarily a good indicator of
coaching effectiveness or ability, the improvement of players and their level of Most importantly parents / guardians should: “LEAD BY EXAMPLE”
enjoyment is.
Support and encouragement from parents / guardians will contribute to Parent / Coach Cooperation
children having: It is important that parents / guardians establish contact with the individual
• A sense of personal achievement. responsible for coaching their child.
• An enjoyment of football.
• Improved physical fitness.
• Higher self-esteem. In addition, parents / guardians should:
• A greater level of skill. • Give the coach help when asked and show appreciation for a job well done.
• Improved social skills. • Volunteer to assist the Coach, for example putting up posts and nets, assisting at
training, matches etc.
It is important for parents / guardians to find out what their children want
from football and help them to set realistic targets to achieve this. This may • Support the coach’s and referee decisions. These individuals are only doing the
involve controlling their own aspirations and avoiding the desire to force their best they can and they need support not anger.
own dreams or unfulfilled ambitions on them. • Refrain from contacting the coach unless it is necessary, respect they have a
It is important to: private life.
• Inform the coach about any illness, injury, holidays, etc.
• Encourage but not force children to be active.
• Make an effort to attend training and games.
• Know when he / she is ready to play.
• Communicate any concerns you may have to the coach.
• Encourage healthy lifestyle habits.
• Make sure the child has appropriate equipment/clothing/refreshments.
• Attend training and games where possible.
• Encourage fair play at home and do not instil a “win at all costs” attitude in
• Promote and teach FAIR PLAY.
children.
• Teach your child to treat referees, other players, coaches, officials and spectators
• Be positive or be quiet, negative comments are counter-productive.
with respect regardless of race, creed, colour, gender or ability.
• Conduct themselves in such a way which promotes fair play.
• Help children to set realistic targets.
• Be prepared to be asked to leave by officials or club personnel if behaviour is
• Help children with decision making.
contrary to fair play.

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FAI player development plan Creating better players for the future
 Appendix 2 Appendix 3
Guide for Parents/Guardians (continued) Code of Ethics Safe Sport App

Parents / Guardians should never: The Irish Sports Council Safe Sport app is based on the Code of Ethics & Good
• Insult players or club personnel. Practice for Children's Sport. It is an information and guidance tool for everyone
involved in sport for children and young people. The app is aimed at creating
• Argue with, or shout abuse at officials and they should actively discourage
greater awareness and understanding about safeguarding and best practice
children or young players from doing likewise.
principles in children's sport. There are four key areas of the app which can be
• Suggest or encourage cheating, aggressive or "dirty" play. accessed from the home screen:
• Place undue or inappropriate criticism on a player, causing the player unnecessary
or unhealthy levels of stress. • Leader/Coach
• Behave with physical or verbal aggression towards another person (actually use • Parent/Guardian
force or threaten the use of force) • Club/Organisation
• Engage in any "harassment" type of behaviour. • Child/ Young Person

Within each section information and guidance is provided on

Sport for young people is about fun and "fair play", "good practice", "a child centred approach" and
"should or should not". The app addresses how to report
participation, best effort and fair play in a child welfare and protection concerns of suspected child
abuse to TULSA Child and Family Agency and poor practice
safe environment to the Club Children's Officer or National Children's Officer.
One of the features of the App is a 'Travel Tracker' function.
This allows parents and coaches who are driving someone
Everyone involved in the organisation of football should: else's child/children home, for example after a training
session, to permit the child's parent or guardian to view and
• Encourage participation and fun. have oversight of their location for a specified period of time
• Promote the development of skills as opposed to winning at all costs. while they are travelling on a journey. There is also a
• Emphasise and praise effort. references section for instant access to useful websites and
• Act as a good role model. policies.
• Insist on fair play. The app is presented in two formats and you can choose to
• Be realistic with expectations. read or listen to the information. It will also be available on
• Be aware of children’s feelings. IOS and Android platforms and will function on iPads and iPhones, Android tablets
and smartphones. This cross platform approach will ensure the app is accessible to a
• Teach players to respect different cultures.
wide range of users.
Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play to download.
The online ISC Code of Ethics Manual can be accessed / downloaded at
www.irishsportscouncil.ie/Participation/Code_of_Ethics/

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FAI player development plan Creating better players for the future
For any queries on the FAI Player Development Plan please email [email protected]