MiniRoos (U6 - U12)

Working with Football Australia and Football Queensland, our U6 to U12 teams play small-sided MiniRoos games. This means the games are played on smaller sized fields with fewer players. This encourages players to have more touches of the ball and increases the development of players. This method has been rolled out across the country after studies across Europe. Small-sided games have had a definite developmental impact on younger football players.

Players will be more active due to playing both attacking and defensive roles within a match and will understand the importance of teammates and playing/working together.

Scores are not kept, there are no ladders, no off-sides and no red/yellow cards. Games are intended to focus on development and enjoyment...and not winning.

A significant amount of research has been conducted in countries where small side games are popular, which highlights the following benefits:

• More touches of the ball by all players throughout all areas of the pitch
• More shots on goal
• More efficient use of facilities, given there can be multiple games on one standard size field
• Repeated decision-making experience
• The ball is in play far more often
• The emphasis is on player development rather than winning or losing
• Better success rate leads to improved quality of play, self-esteem and player retention
• The game is easier to understand
• Freedom of expression - no positions in early stages
• Less perceived stress on the players
• Less perceived pressure from coaches and parents
• Parents more likely to volunteer for game leader roles
• Children enjoy the progressive and sequential game formats

U6 - U7

Our U6 and U7 teams play on a Saturday morning at our Harris Avenue home in Narangba against other Narangba Eagles teams.

We elect to keep this competition in-house so that the introduction to the game at this age is friendly for both children and parents.

U8 - U12

Our U8 to U12 age groups play in the Football Queensland administered competition which means the teams play home AND away and will travel to opposition fields. Depending on the age group and ability, travel times can be up to an hour. 

With the continuing success of the Matildas and the growing female pathway at Narangba Eagles FC, we offer all-girl teams in every age group (where numbers permit).

Resources

• Playing formats and rules for MiniRoos U6 - U11
• Playing format and rules for MiniRoos U12