18/06/2026
FYI re the new format for our littlest legends ⚽️
⚽💙 WHY DO OUR U6 & U7 PLAYERS USE 4 GOALS? 💙⚽
We've had parents ask why our youngest players use a 4-goal format instead of playing football the "normal" way with one goal at each end.
It's a great question!
The simple answer is that the 4-goal format isn't teaching children the wrong way to play football – it's helping them learn the foundations of football more effectively.
At 5, 6 and 7 years of age, children are still developing their:
✅ Ball control
✅ Dribbling skills
✅ Decision-making
✅ Awareness of space
✅ Passing and teamwork
✅ Confidence on the ball
When young players play towards four goals, they naturally spread out, look up more often, and learn to recognise space and passing opportunities. Rather than simply chasing the ball in a crowd, they begin to make decisions and solve problems for themselves.
Think of it like learning to ride a bike. We don't start children on a racing bike in traffic. We give them age-appropriate activities that build the skills they'll need later.
The same principle applies in football.
Some parents have asked whether this will confuse players when they move to traditional football. In reality, the opposite is true. The 4-goal format helps children develop the core skills that will make them more successful when they progress to 7v7, 9v9 and eventually 11v11 football.
⚽ This isn't unique to FSCFA.
Modified football formats are used across Australia and around the world by leading football organisations because they have been shown to improve player development and enjoyment.
Football Australia's MiniRoos program is built around age-appropriate small-sided games, while countries such as England, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States also use modified formats for their youngest players. Many professional academies and grassroots programs internationally regularly use multi-goal games in training to develop decision-making, spatial awareness and creativity.
Research consistently shows that modified games provide:
⚽ More touches on the ball
⚽ More involvement for every player
⚽ More decision-making opportunities
⚽ More confidence and enjoyment
⚽ Better long-term skill development
Our goal isn't to create the best Under 6 footballer today.
Our goal is to help every child develop the skills, confidence and love of the game that will support them throughout their football journey.
By the time players progress to traditional football, the aim is that they don't just know where the goal is – they understand how to find space, support teammates and make good decisions under pressure.
Take a look at the infographic below to learn more about why the 4-goal format plays such an important role in player development. 💙⚽
BegaDevils Fc Wolumla Football Club Tathra United Football Club Pambula United Football Club Merimbula Grasshoppers Football Club Eden Killer Whales Soccer Club Bemboka Braves
