Some of the children may experience a new form of conflict, the difference in what adults say and mean. One example is between the "just do your best and that's good enough" mantra and the realization that sometimes "your best is not good enough." Another is when the coach instructs them to take the ball away another child, (which isn't nice) while their teachers insist on sharing and being nice. This can lead to confusion about what adults, authority figures, really want.

The basic game format (2, 4 goals or use targets) allows the children to learn direction. 2v2 and 3v3 games allows for team work on their scale. Using an appropriate field size (too big and there is no pressure, too small and players will experience conflict and stress) can help teach the consequences when the ball goes out. Goals in unusual positions (in the corner of the pitch or at an angle) can help children to get their heads up and to see beyond their feet. All of the technical skills will come along with the games and the basic lessons of "work together, keep the ball on the field and let's try going the right way" can be learned.

7-8 Year Olds - One of the biggest problems at this age will be when children of different levels are mixed. Sometimes it's between children who have been playing for a while and those that are either new or really don't care about it. Sometimes the difference is in physical or mental qualities. When the levels are too great this puts a stress on everyone's relationship and is the hardest problem for a coach to solve.

If the children have been playing for a few seasons they should have enough experience so that the basic games can be modified and made harder. The number of players can be increased, line soccer or combined goals can be introduced and some simple rules set. Changing the demands of the training games can improve the speed of the basic game.

9-10 Year Olds - The separation between levels becomes more pronounced and often the parents of the top players bring increased expectations to the situation. This can cause conflicting agendas between adults on the same team and add to the stress that the children and coach already face. However, the separation in levels also means that some children will be faced with the choice of playing in a secondary role at a higher level, or, playing their preferred role at a lower level. Children who find themselves in a primary role but are faced with too much resistance from the too high a level will find a lot of frustration.

Often this is the age when some children will start to gravitate to a position or a role. While it's too early to predict where a child is best suited to play in the future, they should be allowed the option of sticking to the position or role of their choice. This allows them the opportunity to experience the game in depth as it meets their needs. (If a 10 year old wants to play the violin do they need to practice the trumpet?) Later, if they want to change it's their choice. Soccer at this age is a hobby. Hopefully the children are there because they choose to be. If they are forced to play too often outside of their comfort zone they can simply pick a new hobby. The down side of this position is that the average 15 player team has 11 right wings and will require the coach to work out a diplomatic plan for playing time.

Children that have been playing a while might express a total commitment to the game, even dreaming of a professional career. The game has become the center of their lives outside of school, church and home. But this attachment is like a first love and is subject to change with age and experience. Unfortunately, many parents don't recognize this and it can also lead to increased expectations. In addition, some children go through a prepubescent growth spurt and their physical qualities can change almost overnight, usually for the worse. Children who only a year ago were stars can rapidly gain 15% in body weight, lose confidence and develop a fear of failure. This period of a crisis in confidence must be recognized as a temporary and natural process. They'll simply out grow it.

At this age children are capable of fairly sophisticated games. The big goal, two small goals and 5v2 games can help them prepare for the building up phase of play. The ball will be getting off of the ground so soccer tennis and heading games will help as an introduction to this part of the game. When the resistance is correct this age is capable of quality play at a high speed.