It is unclear whether we will move to the full 11 a side version of the game or whether we will stay at 9 a side for a further season on the 3/4 size pitch. Just to stress this only affects teams who will be first season at this age group, those already at U14 will not change.
There was a managers meetings for the age group 5 weeks ago where this was discussed.
The vote by a small majority went in favour of staying at 9 a side, albeit not all teams were represented at the meeting.
Cumberland FA reps went away to make enquiries with the City Council about increasing the number of 3/4 size pitches in the city to cater for this as clearly the current small number of this size pitch would make it a nghtmare to try and get a pitch.
If they cannot get additional pitches then we may have no option but to plat 11 a side.
I can see arguments for and against staying at 9 a side.
1) The kids now play 11 a side through thier school teams
2) To play in the County Cup at this age group we would have to enter an 11 a side team
3) Every other age group who has gone to U14 in the past has played 11 a side (having switched at U12 level!!!)
4) We will need to start playing 11 a side at some stage so why not next season
5) It is a big jump from 3/4 to full size pitch and size 5 football
6) There are not enough 3/4 size pitches and there are plenty of full size
7) Difficulties is securing additional players to make up a sensible sized squad
Just wondered what other managers thought about this both those who have already been through U14 and those yet to do so. The guys who have already been through the switch to full size how did you and your players find the jump, those who have not yet done so what do you think, this may well set a precedent for this age group for future years.
Any views/comments welcomed.
Cheers,
Martin
-- Edited by MartinD1979 on Sunday 17th of March 2013 06:53:39 PM
-- Edited by MartinD1979 on Sunday 17th of March 2013 08:25:14 PM
Thanks Brian, it would be good to get some views on this.
The Cumberland FA and council are now visiting a number of potential sites for additional pitches around the city to see if they are viable options. Following on from this the U12 managers will be having a meeting early in April to hopefully finalise the plans for next season.
Yes, that would seem like the ideal place, I reckon you could get 3 or 4 junior pitches on there if we go ahead and remain at 9 a side. Would still need some others though elsewhere though as I do not think that would be enough.
If we go into 11 side football i know of at least 5 teams that need 3 players plus and these players are not available which will result in other teams getting raided for there better players by the stronger teams resulting in some teams folding , due to the lack of players within there squad. Added to this the size of some players are still way to small to play full size football for now, and will only benefit from more space and time on the ball if 9v9 stays as is been discussed at the moment.
You make some good points, all of which I to have thought about, for the sake of debate though, why should this years teams by any different to every year before?
Because as every other year has stated whats the point in a team of 12 year olds going head to head with the year above and getting hammered most weeks ? It was tried and tested a few year's ago and proved a success doing what the league are proposing at the minute. What benifit does the eleven v eleven on a larger pitch against older opposition actually bring the kids them selves ?
If its brought in at our age group it will stay that way through to under 18 and we are the guinea pigs so if it works properly and there are enough team's to warrant a league for every age group it should follow suit. So heres hoping .
Just heard today from a PE teacher at my sons school that the age group in question are going back to 9 v 9 on smaller pitches as from next season , so it seems to be going right across the board , as the FA are trying to bring it in across west Cumbria aswell.
