US Youth Soccer announced 18 member clubs, including Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s Nether United, were selected to participate in The Game Format Project for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
“We are very excited to be chosen to participate in USYS' The Game Format Project,” said Nether United Executive Director Sam Griggs. “The project aligns with our approach to soccer for our youngest players - giving them maximum opportunities on the ball and making it fun so they want to return for more! This project provides invaluable support and resources to help us deliver a quality experience for the kids."
The project focuses on supporting USYS clubs by providing resources to apply a new game model to their U5 and U6 recreational age groups. The project will shift these age groups to using smaller fields with games of 2v2 or 3v3.
Smaller fields and fewer players will lead to more touches on the ball, enhanced decision-making, increased scoring opportunities, and more enjoyment. Nether United and the 17 other participating clubs can select the game format they would like to implement based on researched-informed recommendations for field size, team size, length of games, etc.
“It’s great to see a club like Nether United being involved in a program like this which focuses on putting players in a more developmentally appropriate format for their age, thus aiding in their learning in a fun and safe environment,” said Technical Director Gary Stephenson.
Organizations selected for this project will implement the game model for two seasons, each consisting of a minimum of six weeks. Additionally, each club received 30 memberships to USYS University. Coaches working within the U5 and U6 age groups will complete the Welcome to Grassroots Coaching course and will have access to more than 30 additional courses on USYS University.
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is committed to prioritizing player development and enjoyment by providing resources, coaching education, and support to member clubs. Whether through initiatives like The Game Format Project, or ongoing coaching education opportunities, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer strives to equip clubs with the tools they need to deliver high-quality soccer experiences that are welcoming, fun, and safe for all youth players.
“If your club is interested in starting a program like The Game Format Project, reach out to us at Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer,” said Stephens. “We are here to support you and to help you create a fun and engaging environment for young players.”
The 18 clubs selected:
Chicagoland United SC, Illinois
Clark Fork Soccer Alliance, Montana
Dubuque Soccer Club, Iowa
Elizabethtown Youth Soccer Association, Kentucky
Greenville Youth Soccer Association, Mississippi
Harvard Soccer Club, Massachusetts
High Country Soccer Association, Colorado
Howell Soccer Club, New Jersey
Jackson Hole Youth Soccer, Wyoming
McLean Youth Soccer, Virginia
Nether United, Eastern Pennsylvania
Pima County Surf Soccer Club, Arizona
Pinellas County United SC, Florida
Plum Area Soccer: Pennsylvania West
Sanford Springvale Soccer Association, Maine
Success Academy, Eastern New York
Weatherford Soccer Club, Oklahoma
Webster Groves Soccer Club, Missouri