As youth continue growing in the game from 7v7 to 9v9, so does their understanding of teamwork, spacing on the field, ball control, and many other key skills that affect players both on and off the field.
When SABR youth players take the next step in their development, moving from 7v7 to 9v9, we make sure the format, training, practices, and games stay fun and follow proper youth development standards. This stage helps bridge the gap between small-sided games and the full 11v11 field. It allows players to learn new tactics, build stronger teamwork, and gain confidence on the field while continuing to grow as stronger players overall.
Our 9v9 sessions follow the Play-Practice-Play model, giving players time to feel comfortable, get more touches on the ball, improve soccer ball control and build confidence throughout the season. After a warm-up game, coaches move into focused activities based on the theme of that day’s practice. For our 9v9 players, this often includes similar movements and patterns from 7v7, such as building out from the back, improving positioning, and refining first touches and spacing. Every session begins and ends with a game, giving players the chance to apply what they’ve learned in real game situations.
We’ve found this model to be extremely successful for players ages 10 to 12, allowing them to gain confidence and develop the tactical awareness needed as they move toward full-sided play. It also keeps youth soccer lessons fun, active, and a great way for players to stay fit, build skills, and make new friends.
Development Through FYSA Young Player Activities
The development of youth players is something SABR takes into great account when it comes to training and games. That is why we use the FYSA Young Player Soccer Development Activities to guide how coaches and volunteers lead trainings, along with the Play-Practice-Play model.
These Young Player Development Activities help youth soccer players grow in all areas, including technical, tactical, physical, and psychosocial. Overall, this means that players learn how to make smart decisions on the field from 7v7 to 9v9 and beyond. This model offers great exercises for soccer players that coaches can use within the Play-Practice-Play framework and are fantastic for building sessions that focus on defense, offense, movement, and more.
The development of our youth players at SABR Soccer depends on many resources like the one mentioned above, which helps players build confidence and work better with teammates as they continue to grow as individuals. The most important thing during practices or games is that our youth players are having fun. It doesn’t hurt that they get a little exercise as well, but overall they feel comfortable, have fun, and learn that making mistakes is okay.
Preparing for the Next Level
The 9v9 format gives players a chance to work with more space, communicate more often, and begin to understand how to manage the flow of a game. At this stage, they learn to connect passes across wider areas, move with purpose, and think ahead about what comes next.
It’s exciting to watch players develop at this level because you can see the confidence start to take root. The lessons they learn here—about teamwork, effort, and focus—help them both in soccer practices, games and beyond.
Whether your player is new to soccer or ready to advance their skills, SABR’s youth soccer lessons help them build a strong foundation and a love for the game that will last for years to come.
Ready to See Your Player Grow?
SABR offers youth soccer training that helps every player develop the skills and mindset to succeed both on and off the field. Learn more about our programs and how your child can continue their soccer journey with SABR.