Football

Football offers children and young people the opportunity to develop fundamental movements, teamwork, and game understanding through an inclusive and fun sport. Every player can experience success, build confidence, and celebrate progress at their own pace through flexible game formats and meaningful competition.

Football's simple rules make it accessible for all abilities and easy to organise, meaning competition opportunities created can be inclusive of children and young people with SEND. This could be in a mainstream environment for those players that can cope, or a SEND-specific environment for the players that mainstream may not suit.

The flexible formats of football can ensure everyone engaged is playing in a suitable environment and getting a positive and meaningful experience.

Primary formats

In primary, there are different formats to choose from depending on the experience and ability of the children you are engaging. The smaller formats provide an excellent opportunity to engage children who may not take part in other football teams in school, offering them a chance to represent their school in a fun and accessible way.

• Primary 3v3 is ideal for those new to the game of football or competition and will help ensure all players get more touches of the ball, as well as success in a less pressured environment
• Primary 5v5 helps players begin to understand basic positional play while still enjoying frequent touches on the ball
• Primary 7v7 introduces more defined roles such as defenders, midfielders, and forwards, giving players a deeper understanding of team shape.

Remember, School Games football is intended for children who have little or no experience of football or competition. This flexible offer ensures that football is welcoming and accessible to all.

Secondary formats

In secondary, larger formats are available, increasing the number of players on each team. However, use of the smaller formats is still encouraged, providing an excellent opportunity to engage young people who may not take part in other football teams in school, offering them a chance to represent their school in a fun and accessible way.

• Secondary 3v3 is ideal for those new to the game of football or competition and will help ensure all players get more touches of the ball, as well as success in a less pressured environment
• Secondary 5v5 helps players begin to understand basic positional play while still enjoying frequent touches on the ball
• Secondary 7v7 introduces more defined roles such as defenders, midfielders, and forwards, giving players a deeper understanding of team shape
• Secondary 9v9 bridges the gap to the full game, allowing players to explore more complex tactical concepts like building out from the back, switching play, and maintaining compactness
• Secondary 11v11 is ideal for young people who are confident and experienced with the game of football. It involves more tactical responsibility, full positional structures, and an advanced understanding of systems of play.

Remember, School Games football is intended for children who have little or no experience of football or competition. We would recommend the maximum format utilised, within secondary School Games competition, is Secondary 7v7 to ensure a positive experience for those engaged, as larger formats introduce offside and become more complicated and demanding.

SEND formats

In a SEND-specific environment, the formats are no different to that of mainstream. The emphasis is on choosing the format most suitable to the experience and ability of the children and young people you are engaging, as well as adapting the game if required.

The smaller formats provide an excellent opportunity to engage players with SEND, keeping the game and rules simple whilst helping develop physical and social skills, as well as increasing confidence and giving them a sense of belonging within football.

• SEND 3v3 is ideal for those new to the game of football or competition and will help ensure all players get more touches of the ball, as well as success in a less pressured environment
• SEND 5v5 helps players begin to understand basic positional play while still enjoying frequent touches on the ball
• SEND 7v7 introduces more defined roles such as defenders, midfielders, and forwards, giving players a more detailed understanding of team shape.

For SEND football in schools, SEND 7v7 is the maximum format recommended to help ensure players are having a meaningful experience.

Equipment needed

• Age-appropriate footballs (size 3, 4 or 5)
• Bibs (minimum 2 colours)
• Cones
• Goals
• A suitable playing space