Youth teams play according to the category they belong to, through varying playing times, field sizes and goals.
The youth categories can be divided into first kicks, chicks, rookies, very young, pupils, juniors and spring.
The definition of the different categories and the different regulations according to the age groups is a consequence of the different needs of the children and the different purposes of the athletic trainer. In this regard, the stages of football learning are defined, to give the possibility to organize a growth project as rational as possible for the pupil.
The "first kicks or little friends" category is reserved for children between the ages of six and eight. The games are played on small pitches (35 x 25 meters), with age-appropriate goals. The balls must be lighter than those used by adults and the number of players per team must not exceed five units. The playing times can be 2 of 15 minutes, or three of 10 minutes each, in which all the children must play to give everyone the opportunity to touch the ball several times throughout the game, thus making the children more involved. to the game.
The "chicks" category is reserved for children between the ages of eight and ten. The matches are played between seven players on a small field, with 4 x 2 meter goals and balls identified with the number 4. The game is divided into three 15-minute halves and all children must play a half-time.
The "beginners" category is reserved for children between the ages of ten and twelve. The playing field should be slightly reduced in size compared to that of adults and there must be eleven players per team. The ball remains number 4 and the playing times are three of 18 minutes each.
In this category, teams can be made up of only male or female players.
The "very young" category is reserved for children between the ages of twelve and fourteen. It is played on a normal-sized field and with the number 5 ball. The match times are two of 30 minutes each and substitutions can be made by all members of the bench, without limits. Once the player has left the field, he can no longer re-enter it until the end of the match.
In the very young category, girls can only play with the authorization of the competent Youth and School Sector. From the higher categories, girls, play championships and tournaments reserved for them, with different age limits compared to the men's youth sector.
The federation draws up the rankings of the championships, with the possibility of any "promotions" or "relegations" for the club: the category can be provincial, regional or national.
The "students" category is reserved for children between fourteen and sixteen years of age. The playing times are 35 or 40 minutes, depending on the league: provincial, regional or national.
The "juniores" or "beretti" category (only professional teams can participate in the beretti championship) is reserved for children up to eighteen years of age. The times are 45 minutes each and the number of substitutions is three players for all. the arc of the match.
The last team of the youth sector is the "spring", where the age limit is twenty "years, but a player from the first team (out of quota) can also participate, who must recover from injuries or regain race pace.
Other articles on "Soccer youth categories"
- Football history
- The stages of football learning
