New Smaller Size Goalposts For Young Footballers

Published on: 25 Oct, 2012
Updated on: 25 Oct, 2012

Young footballers can now try out a new form of the game in Stoke Park, Guildford, thanks to grant funding from the Football Foundation, the UK’s largest sports charity.

One of the new goals on the pitch in Stoke Park now marked out for 9v9 football, for young players.

Two new sets of goalposts for 9v9 football have been bought and the first pair have been installed. The total cost is £1267.20. The Football Foundation awarded a grant of £633.60.

Councillor Jen Powell, the borough’s lead councillor for sport, leisure and culture, said: “A number of schools and local youth football clubs have contacted us about providing 9v9 facilities. We are pleased to say that the Football Foundation has agreed to meet 50% of the cost of two new sets of goalposts, and we have provide the additional funding. We are delighted to be building on the legacy of a fantastic summer of sport.”

The director of football development at the Football Association, Sir Trevor Brooking, said: “The new 9v9 football format will go a long way in helping youngsters with their skill, touch and technique and it also means that 11-year-old goalkeepers won’t have to defend the same size goal that used by Joe Hart and his colleagues in the Premier League every week!

“We want boys and girls with a passion for football to look forward to playing on a regular basis and 9v9 will certainly mean more touches of the ball for players and more fun for all involved. Investing in 9v9 goals in Guildford will benefit local clubs and English football as a whole in the long-term.”