We are always looking at ways to improve our structure and to aid player development. One area that I believe that futsal and football in Scotland can improve is the technical ability of players and their ability to dominate players in a 1v1 situation. For a nation obsessed with football and having so many players participating in the game there are not many players out there that are comfortable at beating a player with skill. I think a lot of that is down to the structure of youth football and players moving quickly to bigger pitches and more players. The structure reduces the amount of 1v1s and with more space there isn't the same need to beat players with skill when you can do it by kicking and running. This ultimately benefits the bigger, stronger and faster players.
I am a massive believer in small sided games as it provides a different challenge to players, in particular technically and with game awareness and decision making. Small sided games mean more of the ball and the more players have the ball the more 1v1 situations are created and the better the players will become. The big challenge in Scotland is that a large percentage of coaches, parents and players think small sided games is a step backwards for their child and that they should be playing what they think is 'real football' on a bigger pitch and with more players asap.
This year our 2014-2016s youth teams will be playing 3v3 matches throughout the year as we feel that this will enhance their development. 1v1, 2v2 and 3v3's are already a big part of our academy sessions and we will be looking to to add further sessions across Fife very soon. We are also open to extending the format to older age groups if there is enough interest.
Please contact us for further information on the 3v3's and if you are interested in your child participating or entering a team. We also welcome your input on how you feel we can improve.
