Age-group development
What U8, U10 and U12 players are ready for, and what that means for your coaching.
PrincipleU8U10U12
Why young players should play small-sided games
Fewer players on a smaller pitch means every child touches the ball more and meets more 1v1s. What FIFA and AIFF say, what research adds, and what isn't proven.
GuideU8U10U12
Match formats for U8, U10 and U12 in India
Players per side, goalkeepers and match limits in AIFF's Blue Cubs programme, including where AIFF's own documents disagree.
ArticleU8
Coaching U8: what 6–8-year-olds need from you
Lots of play, lots of touches, simple rules and encouragement: what FIFA and AIFF say about coaching the youngest players, and how to apply it.
ArticleU10U12
Coaching U10 and U12: games that teach decisions
FIFA Training Centre calls ages 8 to 12 a formative period for game understanding. How to build sessions where players make real decisions, guided by questions rather than commands.