Ministry of Football

No coaches, no coaching, no substitutes

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.

HOME SESSIONS ABOUT US CONTACT US

4v4 Mini-Leagues

The next Indoor Mini-League will be held at Fortismere School on Saturdays in Feb/March 2012 (February 25th, March 3rd, 10th & 17th). This event is a competitive 4v4 league, with each team playing two games every Saturday afternoon. It is open to teams of 4 players, from school year 2 to year 7 (in 2011/12). Click here for more details.

The next Summer Mini-League will also be at Fortismere on Saturdays 16, 23 and 30 June and 7 July 2012.

Objective: To promote children's football for children by children; to help in the development of creative, confident, skilful footballers; and to enhance joy through play.

The first Mini League ran for three weeks in July 2011. For a full review of this event, including parent feedback click here.

The first Indoor Mini-League ran for four weeks in November 2011. We had two divisions, a Championship division won by Rock United, and a Premiership division won by Lesterpool FC. Well done to all the children who took part.

In both the Summer Mini-League and the Indoor Mini-League, we will hold true to our core values of inclusion, enjoyment, creativity and learning. We will seek parental involvement and support from those who believe in the same values.

Questions?: Contact Mark (07772 716 876) or Luke (07535 672 507) at Ministry of Football.

Small-sided games

Parent and Child feedback from previous Mini-Leagues:

"It was exciting for the kids and good development for their football and their competitive attitute."

"The opportunity for Nicholas to exercise the skills he has learnt. Also, the general friendly, competitive, non pressure atmosphere that existed on the days, which enabled the kids to have fun."

"Good spirit in most teams and low team size enabling a high level of possesion for each player."

"Great way of introducing children to team sports making them socially aware."

"Only 4 in a team meant they all played a lot. Liked the emphasis on fun rather than winning,"

"The chance to play proper competitive football games without commiting to a weekly league."

"The league really improved their confidence and gave them the opportunity to compete in a supportive environment."

"Good for players who dont regularly play in leagues or for teams - gives them the opportunity to have a go."

"A chance for those kids who love to play football to just play and play..."

"I liked the size of the pitch and the goals as well as the rules."

"A fantastic, fun opportunity to put skills into practice."

"I like that you used corners because most similar football leagues don't allow corners."

"Quick turnaround of games. Friendly atmospehre, regular updates via e-mail, exciting nature of games, good sportsmanship."

"Liked the competitive matches and scoring lots of goals. Liked playing in a team and being in league."

"She enjoyed the the games and putting into action all she had been learning at training. The parents all seemed to be enjoying the games judging by the cheering."