At Dakota United SC we are committed to providing the best experience and development opportunities for our players. As a result of extensive research and analysis we have made some minor adjustments to the playing formats starting Fall 2025. Below is a summary of those changes but we encourage you to please review the rules for the grade(s) you are coaching: PreK and K, 1st and 2nd grade, 3rd and 4th grade, 5th and 6th grade.
Our PreK and K age groups will be moving from 4v4 > 3v3.
3v3 offers a more developmentally appropriate introduction to soccer by providing more time, space, and touches for each player. On the field, this translates into a higher frequency of dribbling, shooting, and goal scoring opportunities which in turn boost confidence - a primary objective at this early age.
Our 2nd Grade players will be moving from 7v7 > 4v4 on two fields.
Although reducing the field size may seem like a step back for some, please remember that 2nd graders typically fall into the U8 category (8 years old and under). US Soccer and other credible resources such as MLS GO recommend a 4v4 playing format for this age as it provides a more developmentally appropriate experience. 4v4 naturally provides more time, space, and touches for each player and in turn translates into a higher frequency of desirable actions such as dribbling, shooting, tackling, passing, and decision making. This fun, growth-focused choice is not only adopted by US Soccer, but many countries across the world due to its ability to nurture development, motivation, and pure enjoyment of the game.
Note - 7v7 introduces added complexity with the addition of goalkeepers, offsides, position specific responsibilities, and build out lines. Making these changes too early increases confusion, frustration, the number of players standing idle, and in turn can dramatically reduce the enjoyment of the game.
Our 4th Grade players will be moving from 9v9 > 7v7.
Just like our 2nd grade adjustment, the change in playing format for 4th graders aligns with US Soccer's Player Development Initiatives and continues a phased approach that prioritizes learning. Reducing the number of players on the field at this age has been proven to enhance engagement by providing players with more opportunities to dribble, shoot, tackle, pass, and make decisions. Developing an environment that offers meaningful, frequent touches drives not only technical growth, but also confidence while still introducing positional and tactical responsibilities.
Note - In 9v9 longer passes and more direct play can often dominate at this age because players lack the confidence to build out from the back. While this can be effective for 1 or 2 athletes on the team it tends to lead to more players standing idle, losing interest in the game, and on average reducing opportunities to learn.