Welcome to AYSO Region 253 Serving the communities of Bentley, Halstead, Kechi, North Wichita, Park City, Sedgwick, Valley Center and Whitewater.
	Short-sided Soccer Short-sided soccer is about what is best for young soccer players. It's for AYSO coaches, referees, administrators, spectators, and anyone else concerned with the development of 5 to 12 year old soccer players Young soccer players need special consideration. ·         They are children playing a child’s game. ·         They must be regarded as young children, not mini adults. ·         They are essentially self-oriented and relate naturally to one or two others, not to large groups. ·         Fun and activity factors must be a central part of a child-centered program. Educators agree early learning experiences are the most important and produce the most retention. ·         Most children cannot sustain prolonged activity. ·         They function best in suitable starts and stops (rest periods). ·         Concentration span is limited, so frequent changes of pace and activity are essential. Children love to learn. ·         They learn a great deal more when the ratio of teacher (coach) to student (player) is reduced. ·         With small numbers and the simple nature of the game, the best teacher is the game itself. ·         With fewer players on the ?eld, each player gets more touches of the ball and has greater opportunity to change location in a fast-flowing, fluid game. ·         Playing short-sided allows players to make simpler decisions and develop an earlier, better understanding of organization of play. ·         Smaller ?elds mean more players are directly involved in play, creating increased levels of both concentration and interest. ·         The reduced ?eld size encourages more shots on goal by all players, therefore more goals scored. Residual benefits. ·         Parents are introduced to the game in smaller, more understandable doses. ·         Short-sided soccer is a great place to train new referees. ·         The rest of the world is playing short-sided, and we are part of the soccer world. AYSO recommends that all children under the age of 12 play short-sided (less that 11 players per team) soccer. For more information about guidelines for U5, U6, U8, U10 and U12 age groups, please visit http://soccer.org/Programsand click on Short-Sided Games.
Last Updated 9/08/2007