MOSC Instructional Information

5v5 Development League -  A Superior Path to Player Development

Our soccer club is excited to introduce a new 5v5 league format, designed to maximize player development and enjoyment. In this format, each team fields five players (including a goalkeeper) on a reduced-sized pitch, with smaller goals and fast-paced matches. Games typically consist of two halves of 20-25 minutes, unlimited substitutions, and a no-offside rule, encouraging attacking play and creativity.

Why 5v5 Is Superior for Player Development

1. Increased Technical Skill Development

• Players receive significantly more touches on the ball due to fewer teammates and opponents, which accelerates improvement in dribbling, passing, and ball control.

• The confined space demands precision and sharp technique, as every touch matters.

2. Faster Decision-Making and Tactical Awareness

• The rapid pace and constant pressure force players to make quick decisions, enhancing their tactical intelligence and ability to read the game.

• Players must constantly assess whether to pass, dribble, or shoot, developing mental agility under pressure.

3. Improved Fitness and Agility

• Short sprints, frequent changes of direction, and continuous movement provide a comprehensive workout, boosting stamina, agility, and speed.

• The high tempo of 5v5 matches mimics the most intense moments of full-sided games, preparing players physically for all match situations.

4. Greater Player Involvement and Responsibility

• With fewer players, everyone is actively involved in attack, defense, and transitions-there is nowhere to hide.

• Players develop versatility, as defenders must attack and attackers must defend, fostering all-around soccer intelligence..

5. Enhanced Creativity and Confidence

• The absence of an offside rule and the close quarters encourage bold, inventive play, allowing players to experiment and develop unique skills.

• Players gain confidence by being central to every phase of play.

Evidence from Peer-Reviewed Research

• Small-sided games (like 5v5) increase the number of technical actions per player, such as passes, dribbles, and shots, compared to larger formats. This leads to more rapid skill acquisition and improved technical proficiency, especially in youth players (Clemente et al., 2021; Frontiers in Psychology).

• Decision-making speed and tactical awareness improve in small-sided formats due to increased game intensity and more frequent involvement in play (Owen et al., 2004; Journal of Sports Sciences).

• Fitness benefits: Small-sided games promote high-intensity activity, improving cardiovascular fitness, agility, and speed, which are crucial for modern soccer (Hill-Haas et al., 2011; Sports Medicine).

• The impact of different game formats on players’ and team performance in youth soccer competitions (Costa, T. dos S., Rossato, M., Rodrigues, O., Aquino, R., Bedo, B. S., Leonardo, L., & Machado, J. C. (2024)

Clubs Embracing the 5v5 Transition

Several prominent clubs and organizations have adopted small-sided formats for youth development and reported outstanding results:

• Ajax Amsterdam: Known for their world-class academy, Ajax uses small-sided games, including 5v5, to develop technical and tactical skills in young players.

• FC Barcelona: La Masia, Barcelona’s famed academy, incorporates 5v5 and other small-sided games as a core part of their curriculum, emphasizing player involvement and quick decision-making.

• Manchester City: Their youth academy features extensive use of 5v5 to ensure players develop ball mastery and confidence in tight spaces.

• Pittsburgh Hotspurs: This US-based club launched a 5v5 league and reports increased player touches, improved chemistry, and faster tactical development among their youth players.

These clubs have publicly praised the format for producing more technically gifted, tactically aware, and confident soccer players.

Summary Table: 5v5 vs. Larger Formats

Conclusion

The 5v5 league format offers a proven, research-backed pathway to developing better soccer players. By maximizing touches, accelerating skill growth, and fostering creativity and tactical intelligence, this format is rapidly becoming the standard among elite clubs worldwide. Our club is proud to join this movement and provide players with the best environment for growth and enjoyment in the game

☐ PreK & K

☐  Division 7 = 1st Grade

☐  Division 6 = 2nd & 3rd Grade

☐  Division 5 = 4th & 5th Grade

☐  Division 4 = 6th, 7th & 8th  Grade

☐  Instructional FALL Season STARTS  on TBD

☐ PreK and K programs run for 8 Weeks, older programs run for 10 weeks and ENDS approx. the 3rd week of November and is dependent on weather makeups.

☐  Instructional SPRING Season STARTS  on April 4, 2022

☐ PreK and K programs run for 8 Weeks, older programs run for 10 weeks and ENDS approx. the 2nd week of June and is dependent on weather makeups.

☐  Our Pre-K & K Division plays ONCE A WEEK – EVERY SATURDAY Morning @ Turkey Brook Park approx. 9 am START Time.  MOSC will notify all parents of exact start times approx. 1 week before the season starts.

☐  Each Saturday session runs 1 HOUR

☐  There are NO Practices during the week.

☐  Pre-K & K Saturday sessions are run by our Certified Pre-K Kickers Trainers.  Parents are encouraged to help our trainers (help children with encouragement, tie cleats etc.)

☐  Our Certified Trainers will introduce soccer and have the children play fun group activities that start to develop their soccer skills.

☐  SHIN GUARDS are MANDATORY – Soccer Cleats are recommended.

☐  Division 7,6,5 & 4 will  typically play GAMES EVERY SATURDAY.  Game Times vary from morning to afternoon (we occasionally have to work around other MO Township activities going on @Turkey Brook Park.

☐  MOSC Coaches will notify their parents approx. 1 week before the season starts regarding Practice & Game Schedules.

☐  There will be ONE practice during the week with our Certified STA Trainers.  MOSC Coach may elect to also hold an additional practice during the week.

☐  Parents are encouraged to volunteer to be a HEAD Coach or ASSISTANT Coach, we are always in the need for coaches

☐  SHIN GUARDS are MANDATORY – Soccer Cleats are HIGHLY recommended.

For each game:
HOME teams wear WHITE side of soccer jersey and
AWAY teams wear RED.