Junior Football

(i) FA Rules On Mini Soccer

 With effect from 1 September 1998 Mini-Soccer was introduced by the Football Association whereby it became mandatory for youngsters under 10 to play only in six or seven-a-side games. The duration of the games will vary between 10 and 15 minutes each way, ensuring children remain fresh through out.

A summary of the rules is as follows:

Playing Area

Pitch Over 8 and Under 10
6v6 and 7v7
Approx. 50yds x 30yds

Penalty Area Extends across whole width of pitch, approx. 10yds from goal-line.

Goal Approx. 12 ft x 6 ft.

Ball Size 4 for Under 9’s.

Substitutes Any number can be used and can be "flying" - i.e. Once a player is substituted he can then be used as a substitute himself.

Offside No offside.

Goalkeepers Can only throw or roll the ball.

Throw-Ins }

Free-Kicks }

Corner Kicks } All as usual

Goal Kicks }

Penalty Kicks }

The FA have committed at least £4.5m to fund Mini-Soccer and the following benefits have been highlighted.

* More children will have the chance to play football.

* Players will have more touches of the ball.

* Children will get greater enjoyment from the game.

* Fewer players on the pitch, so greater chance of players improving passing skills.

* Players receive a better understanding of the rules of the game.

* Overall standards improve.

* Games will be better structured than traditional 11-a-side matches involving children.

* Financial grants available for goal posts etc.

* More use can be made of existing facilities.


(ii) OMBC Football Development Officer

In an effort to co-ordinate and improve amateur football in the Oldham area, OMBC have created a new role within Education and Leisure Services Department of a Football Development Officer (FDO) and Andy Lee was appointed to the role around 3 years ago. The FDO has developed 3 sub groups within his area of responsibility being Club Development, Coaches Development and Schools Development. The latter element does not directly involve the Club but the other two groups do and an initial meeting was held in September 1999 with further meetings of each Group proposed during subsequent years. It is the intention of the Club to be represented at these meetings.

In terms of the Coaches Development, the initial discussions have surrounded the attraction of new members to the Oldham Soccer Coaches Association, and the generation of a Schools Coaching programme together with the outline of a number of award schemes being promoted with schools and clubs in the Oldham area.

The topics covered in the initial Clubs Development meeting covered funding opportunities, coach education, child protection, an Oldham Youth Football League, girls football and the FA Charter Standard. If anyone would like to receive minutes or further details of the meetings, please let Val know.

OMBC seem to be trying to progress amateur football in a more professional way in the town and the FDO has visited one of the Club's committee meetings and given some useful guidance on coaching opportunities and the ability of clubs to achieve awards / Charter Standards - a concept we are keen to pursue.

We intend to develop a close relationship with the FDO to ensure that the Club benefits fully from any advice and guidance from this source.

(iii) Coaching / Charter Standard
The Football Association has introduced "Charter Standard", an award looking to improve the standard of children's football and Oldham MBC are working with clubs who are interested in the scheme. This is effectively a "kite-marking" scheme giving parents reassurance about junior-friendly clubs in Oldham.

There are 3 levels of award - bronze, silver and gold - and the Club has been successful in being presented with the Bronze Award in April 2001 by Oldham MBC. The awards are granted to clubs who satisfy some strict criteria in terms of being properly constituted, having a defined youth policy and increasing the numbers of qualified coaching staff.

With regard to coaching, the majority of the Club's managers now have a formal coaching qualification with the initial step being the Junior Team Manager's Award. The Club will continue to encourage all mangers to progress with these qualifications.