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Player Age Groups & Game Structure
Age groups for 2018/19 Indoor & 2019 Outdoor Seasons
Age eligibility is determined by the age of the participant as of January 1 of the year in which the season concludes i.e. for an indoor season that runs from November 2017 to April 2018 and an outdoor season that runs April 2018 to September 2018, an Under 11 player must be born on or after January 1, 2007.
To play in the seasons noted players must be born on or after the dates noted below:
| Age Groups | 2018/19 Indoor & 2019 Outdoor | 2019/20 Indoor & 2020 Outdoor |
| Under 5 | January 1, 2014 | January 1, 2015 |
| Under 7 | January 1, 2012 | January 1, 2013 |
| Under 9 | January 1, 2010 | January 1, 2011 |
| Under 11 | January 1, 2008 | January 1, 2009 |
| Under 13 | January 1, 2006 | January 1, 2007 |
| Under 15 | January 1, 2004 | January 1, 2005 |
| Under 17 | January 1, 2002 | January 1, 2003 |
| Under 19 | January 1, 2000 | January 1, 2001 |
Indoor Season: November 1st- April 30th
SSA Game Structure Recommendations for 2019
| Age | Game Format | Max. Game Duration*** | Ideal/Max. Team Size | Ball Size | Field Sizes L in (yards) | Field Sizes W in (yards) | Max. Goal Sizes in meters (feet) |
| U-5 | 3 vs 3 (no GK) | 30 minutes | ideal 6 players | 3 | 25 to 30 | 18 to 22 | 1.52 x 2.44 (5 x8) |
| U-7 | 4 vs 4 (no GK) or 5 vs 5 ( GK) | 40 minutes | 8 /10 players | 3 | 30 to 36 | 20 to 24 | 1.52 x 2.44 (5 x8) |
| U-9 | 7 vs 7* | 50 minutes | 9/12 players | 4 | 40 to 55 | 25 to 35 | 1.83 x 5.49 (6 x 18) |
| U-11 | 9 vs 9 ** | 60 minutes | 11/14 players | 4 | 60 to 75 | 40 to 50 | 1.83 x 5.49 (6 x 18) |
| U13 | 11 vs 11 (or less) | 80 minutes | 16/18 players | 5 | 90 to 100 | 50 to 64 | 2.44 x 7.32 (8 x 24) |
| U15/17/19 | 11 vs 11 (or less) | 90 minutes | 16/18 players | 5 | FIFA Reg. | FIFA Reg. | 2.44 x 7.32 (8 x 24) |
* SSA will endorse 6 vs 6
**SSA will endorse 8 vs 8
***single game per day
More detailed recommendations on game formats are available through the Long Term Player Development documentation. For additional information, please click here.
As outlined in the LTPD documentation, the Canadian Soccer Association recommends the elimination of league standings below Under 12. This recommendation frequently stirs controversy from the popular claim that standings, as well as league championships and trophies at these early ages, are essential to motivating young players to “compete”. LTPD recognizes that playing with competitive commitment and intensity is necessary to advance player development in ball technique, decision-making, mental concentration, and other skills and capacities; however, experience shows us that young children will compete even in the absences of league standings. All young players understand that soccer is a game for scoring goals and “winning.” Simple observation of children’s soccer around the world shows that the absence of a trophy or league title does nothing to diminish each player’s desire to compete each time they step onto the soccer pitch for a match. The important difference is that the elimination of standings below U12 diminishes the incentive for coaches at these levels to play to “win the league” because they are chasing a trophy and a league title at the end of the season. It also reduces pressure from parents to win, to perform, and to avoid mistakes.
Please click on the link for additional information from the Canadian Soccer Association on Competition in the early stages of LTPD.
For more information please contact Markus Reinkens at cs4a@sasksoccer.com