A whole night of tiny-sided games so every child gets a hundred touches and a dozen goals.
Everyone Plays
- Soccer
- U8
- 45 min
- 8–14 players
- 1 coach
- Effort 3/5
- Two 20x15m pitches
- u8
- small-sided-games
- match-play
- dribbling
- fun
Kit: 8 footballs, 20 cones, bibs in two colours, 8 mini-goals or cone goals
Tails
Setup: A 20×20m square. Every player tucks a bib into the back of their shorts like a tail. Half the group has a ball to start.
How it works: Everyone moves around the square. Players with a ball dribble and try to pull other players' tails while keeping their own tail and their ball. When your tail is pulled you do three toe-taps to earn it back and rejoin. After two minutes swap who starts with the balls.
What to say
- “Tell them: 'keep the ball close while you sneak up on a tail.'”
- “Say: 'quick turn away when someone comes for your tail.'”
- “Keep it busy — no standing about, always something to chase.”
Easier
Slow it to a fast walk; no ball for the first minute.
Harder
Everyone has a ball at once, so you protect your tail and your ball together.
Two-Goal Game (2v2)
Setup: Make two small pitches, each about 20×15m, with a mini-goal or cone goal at each end. Two against two on each pitch, spare players waiting for a quick swap every two minutes.
How it works: Straightforward two against two, score in the goal you are attacking. Ball out means a quick dribble-in from the side, no throw-ins yet. Rotate a fresh pair on every couple of minutes so nobody stands and watches. Keep the score for fun, then start again at zero.
What to say
- “Say: 'when your partner has it, run to a space where they can find you.'”
- “Tell them: 'take a shot when you see the goal — you cannot score from your pocket.'”
- “Cheer the passes as loudly as the goals.”
Easier
Bigger goals and a bigger pitch so goals come easily.
Harder
Add a rule that a pass must come before a goal counts.
Four Goals, Any Goal
Setup: One 25×20m pitch. Put a cone goal in each of the four corners. Three against three, bibs on.
How it works: Both teams can score in any of the four goals. Because there are goals everywhere, a quick change of direction opens a new one. Keeper is not needed. When a goal goes in, the team that conceded restarts by dribbling out from their nearest corner.
What to say
- “Say: 'if the goal in front is guarded, turn and attack a different one.'”
- “Tell them: 'lift your head and see which goal is open.'”
- “Reward a switch of play to a free goal on the far side.”
Easier
Only two goals to aim at, so the picture is simpler.
Harder
You can only score in a goal you have not scored in since your last one.
Mini World Cup
Setup: Split into small teams of two or three and give each team a country. Use one or two pitches with a mini-goal at each end.
How it works: Short two or three minute matches, winners stay on, losers rotate to the next game. Everyone keeps playing — no long waits. Keep a running tally of wins on the sideline. Finish with the two top teams playing the final while the rest cheer.
What to say
- “Say: 'spread out when we attack, squeeze in when we defend.'”
- “Tell them: 'first to the ball wins it — be the quickest to react.'”
- “Keep the games short so energy and goals stay high.”
Easier
Longer games and equal points for taking part, not just winning.
Harder
A goal only counts if the whole team is over the halfway line.
Juggle and Chat
Setup: Everyone finds a bit of space with a ball.
How it works: Easy wind-down. See how many gentle taps you can do off your thigh or foot before it drops, no rush. Then a slow walk in and a stretch of the legs while we talk about the games.
What to say
- “Keep it light and praise the effort, not the score.”
Ask the players: Ask: 'what was your favourite goal tonight, and who set it up?' Take a few answers, then collect the balls.
PitchPlans coaching team
Free on PitchPlans — new sessions weekly.