No coaches, no coaching, no substitutes

Mini Leagues - home

Each team has four players. If a player can't play for any reason, then that team can either find a friend to play instead, or play with just three players (3v4).

All adults will adhere to the Code of Conduct for the event. There will be no coaches or coaching from parents or spectators.

There will be no team-kits. If Team Organisers want to arrange for their team to wear the same colour, they can. Or there will be bibs available if the children want them.

Our Mini-Leagues last for just three or four weeks, so you can enjoy being part of a team without having to commit to the usual 8-month-long football season. All our Mini-League games are held at the same local venue so you don't need to spend hours in a weekend traffic jam searching for a distant away game venue. (Children's football shouldn't be about traffic jams or getting frozen on icey fields).

There are two types of Mini-League: The Summer Mini-League and the Indoor Mini-League. Read below for a description of each.

Indoor Mini-Leagues

The Indoor Mini League is a competitive, indoor tournament for 4-aside teams. We have referees, keep scores and update league tables after each set of games. There are prizes for the winners of each Indoor Mini League.

However, there are no coaches or coaching. Parents and spectators watch games from a viewing area, and the children play uninterrupted by adult instruction or tuition.

Summer Mini-Leagues

The Summer Mini League is a non-competitive, outdoor event for children of all ages and abilities. We do not keep scores, we do not have league tables, and there are no prizes.

The children will referee their own games, under the supervision of MoF Coaches. There will be a variety of small-sided game formats used. Some may need goalkeepers, other won't. We will use a variety of different goalposts also - some small pop-up goals, and other larger Samba goals.

In the event of very bad weather, we will postpone games for a week. But be prepared to play in any weather.

The first-ever Ministry of Football 4v4 Summer Mini-League took place in July 2011. 22 teams took part, and a total of over 100 children played and enjoyed mini-football in the sunshine.

The first-ever Indoor Mini-League took place in November 2011, with 12 teams competing across two divisions. Congratulations to Rock United and Lesterpool FC on winning their divisions.

16 teams competed in the Indoor Mini-League of March 2012, with the Championship division being won by Tetherdown Park Rangers and the Premiership division being won by Athletico Jostabento. There was some excellent football in both divisions, and some very close games. Over half the games were either drawn or settled by less than three goals.

Above:Tetherdown Park Rangers, Championship Winners

Below: Athletico Jostabento, Premiership Winners

 

 

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4v4 Summer Mini-Leagues

NEXT SUMMER MINI-LEAGUE:

Saturday afternoons on 16, 23, 30 June and 7 July 2012. At Fortismere School, N10 1NE. Teams of 4 children for 4v4 games. For children from school years 1 to 7.

The Summer Mini-Leagues are non-competitive. The emphasis is firmly on enjoyment through play. There is no pressure to win, no score-lines are kept, and no prizes or leagues exist.

The first Summer Mini League ran for three weeks in July 2011. For a full review of this event, including parent feedback click here. The next Summer Mini League will take place in June/July 2012. Get in touch with Mark to register your interest - 07772 716 876.

A typical set-up for a MoF Summer Mini-League can be seen below.

 

Downloads and links:

Player Enrolment Form

Team Organiser job description

Code of Conduct for adults and spectators

Players' Rules and Code of Conduct

For Parents page

Parent and Child feedback from previous Mini-Leagues:

"We liked the short, quick-paced, fun games and that the small teams allowed a lot of time on the ball."

"Kids of all abilities were able to join in and have fun!"

"Good way to meet and play with/against boys and girls that you didn't already know, so encourages the kids to work as a team even more!"

"It gave the young ones a chance to play in a game without too much pressure, and the main thing is they all enjoyed it."

"Noah really enjoyed playing the matches and gained in confidence by the final week."

"Sense of community it created. Getting the kids active."

"I loved the opportunity for William to play some competitive football without spending every weekend trawling round in the wet! He got to play every minute of every match - no subs!"

"Clear information, good communication around organisation of event."

"Brilliant concept. Creates a unique and additional environment for learning."