11-a-side.When the children reach U11 they make the step up to 11-a-side football on the "big" pitch. They continue to use a size 4 football and play two halves of 30 minutes duration. This continues for two years until U13 when they step up to the full size 5 football and they play one more season of 30 minutes each way. At U14 they increase the playing time to 35 minutes each way. At U15 and U16, 40 minutes each way is played, and finally at U17 the full 45 minutes is played in each half. The step up to 11-a-side football can be difficult for children as they now must contend with stricter rules and offside. This is where good coaching becomes very important to help make the change as smoothly as possible. At Wolfe Tone we have four teams playing 11-a-side football. One each at U11 and U12 and two at U13. Our u13A team play in the Vevay Sportsfield while u11, u12 and u13B play their home games in Ballywaltrim. As our teams get older there appears to be less participation from the parents. We realise that parents have younger children to look after and that older children don't always want their parents around but managers still have to transport teams to matches, put up nets, wash the kit, etc. The bottom line is they still need your help. If you can assist your child's manager in anyway at all, no matter how small it may seem, please come forward to the relevant manager and offer your services. Remember a little help can go a long way. Playing time. Footballs. Rules 11 a side game. |
