Since U7-8 is where the Goal Keeper position is first introduced to the players, SASC uses a modified set of rules to the usual 5v5 game to help protect these young and inexperienced GKs from collisions.
- Format: 4 field players + 1 goal keeper
- Field: 44 x 30 yards
- Goals: 5' x 10'
- Use of a 'no-go' goal-area (semi-circle 5y radius) instead of a traditional penalty area
- If a player from either team, other than the GK, plays the ball in the no-go goal area, the resulting restart is a goal-kick
All the other normal elements of 5v5 soccer are included at this age group:
- Goal-Keeper
- Throw-ins (with one retry)
- Corner kicks (with corner flags)
- Build-out line (to the half-way line)
- Club-provided Referee
Build-out Line:
- The defending team must retreat to the half-way line whenever the GK has possession of the ball (including a goal-kick)
- They can advance again only after the ball leaves the No-go zone
- Note: as the semi-circle line is part of the No-go zone, a ball placed there is not yet in play until it is kicked by the GK
