Many new coaches are unfamiliar with some of the more detailed nuances of the game, so here’s a sample chart outlining the recommended positions for each age group.

Positions

Forwards: play closest to opposing team’s goal; primarily charged with developing scoring opportunities. Forwards who play closest to the end lines are called wings; those in the middle are called strikers.

Midfielders: all-purpose players who have both offensive and defensive responsibilities and help transition the ball between Defenders and Forwards.

Defenders: play closest to own team’s goal and are charged with stopping the opposing team from shooting on the goal. Defenders often play on their team’s side of the field, however Defenders sometimes venture into their opponent’s side of the field when balls are cleared from the opponent’s goal.

Goalkeeper: your team’s last defender, the Goalkeeper is responsible for stopping opposing team’s shots on goal. The Goalkeeper is the only player permitted to play a ball with their hands in the field of play and are often charged with initiating their team’s offense (U-11 and older).

Team Formations (Recreational Soccer)

Age Group	Players on Field	Formation
Kindergarten and 1st Grade	3 v 3	N/A
2nd Grade	5 v 5	Diamond or box + goalkeeper
3rd - 4th Grade	8 v 8	Attacking: 2-3-2 + goalkeeper Defending: 3-3-1 + goalkeeper
5th - 12th Grade	11 v 11	Attacking: 3-4-3 + goalkeeper Defending: 4-4-2 + goalkeeper

Team Formations (Travel Soccer)

Age Group	Players on Field	Formation
U08 - U10	8 v 8	2-3-2 + goalkeeper
U11 - U17	11 v 11	3-4-3 + goalkeeper

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